New faces at Sussex Innovation

Things are moving onwards and upwards at Sussex Innovation, as the business incubation network announces the recruitment of several new team members. Chief Executive Nigel Lambe introduces the new team, and explains how they could help your business to thrive...

There’s no denying that the past 18 months have brought extraordinary circumstances for business, especially the ambitious start-ups and SMEs we work with at Sussex Innovation. Throughout the pandemic we’ve consulted with both our members and the wider community to understand their challenges and what support they need most.

While we’re lucky to have a team of experts who specialise in delivering insight, strategy and marketing expertise for innovative businesses, we’ve heard from lots of companies who have been forced to radically rethink their business model, products and market. We know that we can offer a lot of value by helping established business owners encourage more of an innovation mindset and manage change effectively within an already successful company. ❛❛ We know that we can offer a lot of value by helping established business owners encourage more of an innovation mindset and manage change effectively within an already successful company ❜❜

The other message we’ve heard loud and clear is that funding and investment are going to be more critical and more competitive than ever before in the months and years to come. Founders who are planning to scale rapidly aren’t just seeking connections to those funding sources, they want to be able to confidently defend their financial models and projections in the face of scrutiny from the investment community.

We’re pleased to announce three new recruits to our consultancy team who will help to address some of the biggest concerns for businesses as they grow post-Covid.

NEEMA AMIN – INVESTMENT READINESS CONSULTANT

Neema joins Sussex Innovation to deliver a crucial advisory role for many of the growing businesses in its community; positioning themselves to raise finance. As an independent business coach, she specialised in change and project management, strategies for revenue growth and data-driven decision making.

Working closely alongside the organisation’s investor matching service Suss Ventures, Neema will focus on interrogating clients’ financial models and forecasts and helping them to develop coherent presentation materials ahead of their pitches to an investment panel.

TANYA POPEAU – HEAD OF INNOVATION PROGRAMMES

Tanya is perfectly placed to help bring together two objectives that are central to Sussex Innovation’s plans; launching a series of new consultancy and support programmes that will help the region’s growing businesses to develop innovative products, and delivering tailored support for purpose-led businesses that want to have greater social, environmental and economic impact.

As a consultant and advisor to the UN, Tanya was at the forefront of their shift to a strategic focus on innovation, overseeing the development of the first ever Innovation Fund in the Asia-Pacific region and addressing challenges from climate change to gender-based violence. She has carried out research on methodologies and techniques for innovating in international development for Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency, and formed strategic partnerships with organisations including the BBC, Amnesty International and Procter & Gamble whilst working at Royal Holloway University of London.

“I’m looking forward to joining Sussex Innovation at a very exciting time,” says Tanya. “There is a very clear direction and desire throughout the company to make a positive change in the world, while continuing to focus on the team’s skills and expertise to help businesses throughout the region develop pioneering ideas into commercial successes. It’s going to be exciting to play a part in driving that agenda.” CHARLOTTE RYDER – MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

Charlotte is the newest addition to the in-house finance department who support Sussex Innovation’s members with the in-house finance department who support Sussex Innovation’s members with everything from payroll to R&D tax credit applications. As a senior accountant, she relishes turning financial information into practical, useful data that can inform business decisions.

Whilst living in France for eight years, Charlotte was the co-owner of a successful e-commerce retail and wholesale company, making her uniquely equipped to empathise with the challenges of running a business and providing her with insight into the value of clear management information.