The Connected Innovation network links together 27 of Norfolk and Suffolk’s leading innovation, science, and research hubs into one of the UK’s most collaborative regional innovation clusters. The network, launched in 2021, encompasses a number of technology capabilities such as AI, robotics, 5G connectivity, digital ICT, fintech, environmental and marine science, health tech and life science to drive innovation-led economic growth in key sectors including agri-food, health, offshore renewables, manufacturing and engineering and financial services.This programme is driving collaboration across these innovation-centric locations, driving cross-sector innovation across our key clusters (including agri-food, manufacturing, offshore wind, nuclear, creative industries, tourism, health and social care, etc.), simplifying business and innovation support in the region and importantly is a front-door for Government departments and agencies to engage with our innovation ecosystem.Connected Innovation draws together innovation and funding support partners to simplify the support landscape for businesses. We have a funding and investment sub-group which draws together information on VC, grants and loans for businesses, as well as regular engagement with key partners across the Innovate UK family (including Business Connect, Business Growth and the Catapult Network).

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership works with businesses, local authority partners and academic institutions to drive growth and enterprise in Norfolk and Suffolk.I coordinated the Connected Innovation project which provides strategic connectivity between innovation hubs and clusters, with a focus on cross-sector innovation, business support and addressing key agendas such as clean growth across Suffolk and Norfolk.In this role I:-managed an ecosystem of innovation centres-facilitated cross sector collaboration and innovation opportunities in the region-worked to strengthen existing supply chains in our key sectors to tackle key challenges such as net zero-coordinated events showcasing regional capabilities and cross sector opportunities across the regions innovative clusters-signposted businesses toward grant funding / investment sources and bid writing support-developed, strengthened and promoted the regions relationships with national and international support networks

FIXED TERM PROJECT ROLE:The Interreg France (Channel) England programme funds high quality cooperation projects between France and the UK. Focusing on innovation, social innovation, low carbon technologies, natural & coastal heritage, and coastal & transitional water ecosystems.In this role I:• Worked as part of the Joint Secretariat (JS) team with the preparation of key documents and reports• Carried out financial and administrative checks on projects and supporting the project modifications appraisal process and projects’ claims for payment• Completing project modifications by liaising with Project Partners and First Level Controllers• Monitoring and reporting on the programme budget and spending• Providing IT support to the JS team members and projects on online monitoring system• Delivering training to Project Partners and internal JS team members

Working for the UK’s leading support service within the manufacturing and engineering sector• In this role I developed and expanded both our online/marketplace activities through:o targeting engineering and manufacturing businesses - using online platforms and information to provide ideas, possibilities, suggestions and areas of opportunity for the businesso developing and launching a new online advertising service to marketo increasing awareness of, and traffic on, the site’s websiteo creating a pitch deck to raise investment for the support platformo generating on / offline leads / enquiries – through email marketing, social media and local / national advertisingo negotiating / agreeing sales & service contracts with clients through for our support services through site meetings and conference callsAchievements • Pitched the business proposition to investors- Reached Invest East Finals• Developed and launched the online advertising service to market• Tripled the number of registered customers, as well as products listed on the site• Introduced new German engineering product to the UK market- their first machine in the UK• Achieved SafeContractor and SafePQQ Accreditation for the support and repair side of the business

Scottow Enterprise Park is a fomer RAF base that has been redeveloped into a business park with space for engineering, manufacturing and technology businesses. • I was involved in developing the site’s financial capital programme and business development. o assessing and controling the capital budget through close monitoring of management accountso designed internal management systems to identify and track site KPIso negotiated contractor / sub contractor rates and provided work specificationso targeted local engineering, manufacturing and technology businesses through local agents, online resources and open dayso promoting and managing the sites Enterprise Zone status and associated ERDF programmes• I was then focused on delivering site projects: involving end-to-end control – concept, scope, feasibility, design, resource, implement, document, control / governance, manage to sign-off. Primary projects:o refurbishing and maintaining all units o supplying a potable water main and fibre optic cabling o utilising our resource through effective management of maintenance, grounds, security and cleaning teamsAchievements • Achieved reductions in capital and overheads, both with zero negative project impact• Increased site tenancy from 24% to 84% in 18 months• Made lettable an 45 additional units• Launched site’s first incubation space

Lifeline24 - October 2015 - January 2016I worked as a Project Manager focusing on expanding the companies' presence in both the UK & Ireland, as well as exploring overseas markets, through managing sales, entering the public sector tendering market and lead generation.Key achievements in this role were:-Driving sales through strong B2C sales calls and excellent product knowledge.-Developing tenders for public sector contracts.-Reaching the OpenToExport award final, and having the opportunity to meet and present to Export professionals.-Managing the logistics and dispatch of the product.Chadwicks Enterprise - Mar 2015 - Sept 2015In this role I:-worked as part of a project team to provide effective support to the team during the ongoing Automatic Enrolment process-compiled and managed a CRM database of payroll companies across the UK -generated leads through targeted and effective B2B contact.-marketed the companies' Automatic Enrolment proposition-arranged and contributed to meetings