The innovation centres at Paignton, Torquay and Ivybridge perform an important role as a first step for companies looking to grow but in need of support to do so.

By investing in the future success of businesses, we are helping to lay the foundations required to support good local jobs, draw in investment to the area and create long-term economic and social benefits for the whole region.

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Juliet Williams
South West RDA

The team

A professional and enthusiastic team manage the day to day running of the 82 business units in the 3 Innovation Centres, as well as organising twice-monthly networking events, training workshops and business mentoring.  

They work actively in developing partnerships with other local  organisations to help develop business support across the area.

 

Adrian Sheen - Business Innovation Centres Manager
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Heading up the team, Adrian is actively involved in opening new Innovation Centres and creating a central hub of business activity, balancing his time between tenants, partners and the stakeholders.

Having run his own giftware business for over 20 years supplying to major retailers including Harrods, M&S and Liberty, Adrian is well placed to understand the needs of small businesses.  Adrian liaises frequently with the various local partnerships to identify opportunities to help companies in the area.

Email: adrian.sheen@swinnovationcentres.co.uk, Tel: 01803 540 670

Andy Copp -  Business Mentor Project Manager
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Andy handles all aspects of mentor recruitment, training, client work and support for the team of 42 mentors who have supported 180 clients to date. He brings much experience in business mentoring to SDBM having set up a number of business mentoring services including SDBM’s neighbours in Dorset (Dormen) and West Cornwall (WCBM). .

Outside of his work with SDBM Andy runs a consultancy providing a select range of business development services to larger companies, recent clients including, for example, a subsidiary of a publicly quoted Dutch company in the oil and gas exploration industry.

Email: andy.copp@swinnovationcentres.co.uk

Angela George -  Marketing and Events Manager
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Since Feb 2007, Angela has used her marketing and networking skills to identify the support requirements for many small businesses as well as increasing the awareness of the Centres’ services.

She is responsible for networking and sector events, training workshops, websites, database management and PR.

Angela is a self employed Director of a marketing company, and has extensive marketing and general management experience, having previously worked at a senior European level for various companies including 3M fragrance sampling, Scotch Videos, 3M photo film and ICL/Fujitsu.

Email: angela.george@swinnovationcentres.co.uk, Tel: 01803 882 220

Sally-Anne Grost -  Torquay Centre Co-ordinator
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Sally-Anne manages the day to day activities and adminstration of the Torquay Centre.


Email: sally-anne.grost@swinnovationcentres.co.uk

Lisa Reynolds - Centres Co-ordinator
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Lisa has been with the Innovation Centres since Nov 2006, when the first Centre was opened in Paignton. She manages all the day to day events within the 3 Centres, including leases and finance.

Lisa works full time and has a diverse background of experience.


Email: lisa.reynolds@swinnovationcentres.co.uk, Tel: 01803 540 500