Consistently ranked in The Sunday Times Best 100 Not-for-Profit Companies to Work For, each and every one of our committed and highly motivated staff are invested in the success of our clients and members - viewing them as a central part of the extended Business West family.
Alice Ashworth
Marketing Executive - International
Alice Ashworth
Marketing Executive - International
Alice is Marketing Executive for the Department for International Trade South West, encouraging businesses to get exporting in the South West region. She has previously worked in Marketing for both the Skills West and innovate2succed programmes, and in the renewables and not-for-profit sectors. Alice is a bit of an adrenaline junkie outside of work. From gorge swings in Zambia to hiking the foothills of the Himalayas, she’s always seeking an adventure near or far.
Alistair Cox
Advisory Services Delivery Manager
Alistair Cox
Advisory Services Delivery Manager
Alistair MBA has over 30 years of International Management experience within various business sectors including manufacturing, professional services and the public sector. He joined Business West in 2013 as a Growth Manager and later joined the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) team. He presently manages a team of International Trade Advisers tasked to deliver first class support and connections globally to UK exporters.
Ameeta Virk
Market Specialist - India & USA
Ameeta Virk
Market Specialist - India & USA
Originally from California, Ameeta has worked in a range of sectors, including founding an interior design firm in San Francisco, English Language teaching and training in Spain, China, UK and the US, and pharmaceutical sales. Upon moving to the UK, she co-founded an ecommerce company focusing on the eco childrenswear market. After selling the company in 2013 she consulted for a portfolio of designer childrenswear brands seeking to enter the UK marketplace.
Andre Ofomah
Marketing Manager - International
Andre Ofomah
Marketing Manager - International
As captain of the international marketing ship, Andre's mission is to inspire local businesses to sell to the world! This daily challenge is met head on with a sound strategy and effective multi-channel campaigns, something made all the easier by the hard work and creative thinking of his great team. Away from the office, Andre is an avid egg chasing and pugilism fan who spends his mornings shifting tin. He is passionate about the annual pilgrimage to Worthy Farm where you'll find him worshipping pyramids, rabbit holes and giant cranes.
Andrea Crombleholme
Head of HR
Andrea Crombleholme
Head of HR
Andrea’s role is to lead & direct the HR strategy to deliver an exceptional service and support to the Company and external clients in order to foster true employee engagement and drive high people performance, ensuring this is in line with the business objectives and aims. Andrea has over 20 years HR experience and has been with Business West for 10 years.
Andrew Large
International Trade Adviser
Andrew Large
International Trade Adviser
Andrew is a qualified accountant (CIMA) who recently returned to the UK from overseas, where he spent 25 years in the International Oil & Gas industry in a selection of interesting countries. Andrew lives near Poole, Dorset and often enjoys taking the long “schlep” up to his home town, London to watch his beloved Spurs…sharing the pain with his young family.
Angela Maynard-Smith
International Trade Adviser
Angela Maynard-Smith
International Trade Adviser
Angela works with companies to help them to develop their market visit strategies, advising on the available support that can help them to deliver their business objectives overseas, training them as necessary. Angela also supports the market specialists in their planning of visits with customers to various high growth markets. Angela is also trying to learn to play golf, currently with very limited success!
Annalisa Prime
Receptionist - Leigh Court
Annalisa Prime
Receptionist - Leigh Court
Annalisa is a part-time receptionist at Leigh Court, back at work after raising three children. She loves working at such a beautiful venue and catching up with all of the Business West staff. Outside of work, Annalisa enjoys holidays, visiting family in Italy, shopping and walking her dog as long as it's not raining!
Barry Tugwood
Business Skills Adviser
Barry Tugwood
Business Skills Adviser
Barry has been a Business Skills Advisor at Business West for five years after working as a tennis coach for just over a decade. After a stint as a Lawn Tennis Association Development Manager, he developed a passion for vocational skills training when implementing in house apprenticeship schemes for coaches. His passion is helping businesses understand their goals and how to develop their people to drive the company forward towards those goals.
Ben Leonard
International Trade Adviser
Ben Leonard
International Trade Adviser
Ben works in Cornwall supporting businesses that want to take advantage of the fantastic business opportunities available around the world. From start-ups to multi-million pound businesses Ben works to make sure that exporting can provide business growth that is sustainable, profitable and rewarding. Having worked with growing businesses in Cornwall for over 14 years he has a great ‘black book’ of contacts and is always looking to network businesses together when there are benefits to be had. Ben also runs his own thriving martial arts business so if you need some more practical advice on taking out the competition, he can help with that too!
Bethan Rice
Assistant Manager, International Trade Services
Bethan Rice
Assistant Manager, International Trade Services
Beth is an international trade services assistant in the export department at BW. She helps new and existing exporters prepare their paperwork and is fully certified to stamp and sign export documentation. She loves working in her team, and can always be relied on to turn anything into a song. She lives a happy life with her favourite companion, Luna the cockapoo (and her husband, of course!).
Blue O'Connor
International Trade Research Adviser
Blue O'Connor
International Trade Research Adviser
Blue has recently joined the International Trade Research team and provides bespoke market research to South West exporters looking at new markets. He has ten years experience in the Aerospace industry and has held roles in Project Management, Business Strategy and Engineering. Blue has a passion for travel, writing and outdoor activities.
Catherine Stephens
Head of International Trade Services
Catherine Stephens
Head of International Trade Services
Catherine manages the international trade services team. Much of her time is taken up offering advice on all aspects of International trade but specialising in different types of export documentation and letters of credit. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys walking her two black Alsatian/Labrador dogs, camping, reading and going out for dinner.
Claire Bedding
Business Skills Advisor
Claire Bedding
Business Skills Advisor
Claire Bedding is a Business Skills Advisor working on the Workforce for the Future and Kickstart projects. She works with businesses and training providers across the South West of England to help businesses upskill their teams through tailored advice packages. This includes workforce development, organising apprentices and trainees and signposting to educational courses for employees. Her passion is supporting young people and accelerating them towards opportunities to improve their futures.
Colin Piper
Export Manager
Colin Piper
Export Manager
After studying chemistry, Colin moved into industry, initially working as a synthetic chemist and then into business development, developing commercial opportunities around the globe. That experience is now used for the benefit of a variety of different businesses. He advises companies in Devon and Cornwall on exporting, and assists with their export plans so that the company is able to grow and become more successful.
Dave Battrick
Initiative Manager
Dave Battrick
Initiative Manager
Dave has many years’ experience in business & membership organisations. His first retail business was a record shop he bought with his brother. He also set up and ran an art gallery. Dave then established an art distribution business which traded for 15 years and imported limited edition art from America & sold it to a network of UK & European galleries. The business also started its own publishing department and produced a limited edition print featuring David Bowie, 100 of which he personally hand signed. Having then spent 12 years working with the Federation of Small Businesses across a number of roles, he’s got wide experience of looking after the needs of those who own and run businesses.
Dave Morgan
Intellectual Assets Consultant
Dave Morgan
Intellectual Assets Consultant
David Riddell
Project Manager
David Riddell
Project Manager
David is an Innovation Specialist who is trained as an electronic and electrical engineer. David spent his early career developing manufacturing processes for innovative new electronics products in the UK, China and New Zealand. David’s main passion is bikes and is found either riding them or volunteering for an Exeter bike reuse charity. He has also been known to take a photo or two.
Ed Tellwright
Access to Finance Specialist
Ed Tellwright
Access to Finance Specialist
Ed is an Access to Finance Specialist, with a background in finance and strategy. He spent a number of years working for the top angel investment firm in the South West, advising and supporting businesses with accessing private equity finance. A keen sportsman, Ed is an ex-professional rugby player and has a 6 handicap in golf. His softer side comes out when playing with his new dog Daisy.
Emily Paginton
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Emily Paginton
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Emily is an international trade adviser in the exports team, stamping Certificates of Origin for companies who are exporting their goods. She’ll be going on courses in the future to be able to stamp even more documents. Emily enjoys the 3 C’s – Cars, Crochet and Cups of tea.
Emon Rostam-Shirazy
Project Coordinator
Emon Rostam-Shirazy
Project Coordinator
Emon currently works in the International Trade Centre at Business West working on projects for the Department for International Trade and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Emon’s main responsibilities are managing the information for the ERDF programme and making eligibility & approval checks on the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP). A general day for Emon is never the same as he can be dealing with his set responsibilities as well as assisting colleagues in ad hoc tasks that can vary on a day to day basis. In his spare time Emon is an active gym goer, and footballer and likes to socialise with friends.
Fay Daniels
Marketing Executive - Enterprise
Gustavo Anacleto
International Trade Adviser
Gustavo Anacleto
International Trade Adviser
Gustavo, a British-Brazilian International Trade Adviser, inspires and supports new and experienced exporters across the Southwest to increase their international competitiveness and help them by offering advice and providing solutions to achieve this aim. Gustavo is a dog lover and a keen golfer.
Hannah Ponsford
Programme Coordinator
Hannah Ponsford
Programme Coordinator
Hannah is Programme Coordinator working on the Workforce for the Future and Kickstart projects. She supports the Business Advisors with administration and finance. After studying Film Studies and Journalism and going travelling, she gained experience in apprenticeship coordination before starting at Business West. She’s motivated by working on projects that help young people fulfil their aspirations.
Helene Rattin
International Trade Research Adviser
Helene Rattin
International Trade Research Adviser
Helene has been working in the International Trade Research team for the past 4 years providing bespoke market research to South West exporters looking at new markets. She has extensive experience in business support, international research and has a profound understanding in the challenges faced by SMEs in a global environment. Helene has a passion for craft and photography. She has exhibited her work at local venues.
Hilary Charman
International Trade Adviser
Hilary Charman
International Trade Adviser
Hilary Charman started her international sales and marketing career selling packaging machinery in the Black Forest in Germany. Prior to that, she worked as European marketing manager for a swimming costume company, then as an export sales manager, travelling three weeks a month to visit distributors and run overseas national accounts. She also owned a translation agency, and worked as an export communications consultant advising UK companies how to offer their overseas customers the highest level of customer care. Hilary has worked for the Department for International Trade in Somerset since 2006, and advised hundreds of companies on all matters to do with exporting. She manages four clusters (food, drink, baby products and products for animals) to help companies overcome export barriers through networking.
Hilary Rossborough
International Trade Documentation & Development Executive
Hilary Rossborough
International Trade Documentation & Development Executive
Hilary is an international trade services assistant in the export department at Business West. She spends most of her days as a lunching lady of leisure (see: running around after her 1 year old son Finn), and two days a week comes in to help pick up all the slack left in the office during her absence. In all seriousness, she loves her team and her job dealing with all types of export paperwork.
Hugo Jequier
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Hugo Jequier
International Trade Documentation Specialist
I’m an International Trade Documentation Specialist in the export docs department, specifically working on ATA Carnets, which are for temporary exports. Outside of work, I’m close to completing my degree in International Studies with the Open University, love cinema and spending time with the dog!
Ian Bell
Executive Director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and Initiative
Ian Bell
Executive Director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and Initiative
Ian runs the Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in Bath and North Somerset, working on behalf of members to ensure the area has the best chance of economic growth and is attractive enough to draw in fresh investment to ensure a sustainable future for the district.
Ian Edmondson
International Trade Centre Adviser
Ian Edmondson
International Trade Centre Adviser
Ian works in the International Trade Centre receiving export enquiries on a wide range of issues from companies, businesses and individuals wishing to improve their export sales
Ian Larrard
Director - Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative
Ian Larrard
Director - Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative
Ian is our Director with responsibility for Swindon and Wiltshire and also works closely with our Gloucestershire Director. His role is to raise the profile of the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative and Wiltshire Chamber, through representing businesses and by being a key business voice in the area. An ex senior corporate manager with HSBC, Ian has worked in the region for many years. He maintains close relationships with local MPs, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Councillors across the county. Amongst many other responsibilities he is also Chair of inSwindon BID Co., a past Governor of Swindon College and a Board member of Switch on to Swindon.
Ian Mean
Director of Business West Gloucestershire
Ian Mean
Director of Business West Gloucestershire
He is former editor of the Western Daily Press and Editor in Chief of the Gloucester Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo. Ian is a Freeman of the City of Gloucester, awarded for his work as Vice Chairman of the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration company and holds an honorary doctorate of philosophy from the University of Gloucestershire for helping to promote business in the county.
James Durie
Chief Executive - Bristol Chamber & Initiative
James Durie
Chief Executive - Bristol Chamber & Initiative
Widely recognised as one of the most influential people in the region, James is passionate about making Bristol, Bath and the West of England the very best place to live and work for all of its citizens. He leads the organisations activity across this area and promotes the views of its 22,000 members to key decision makers locally and nationally. He sits on a number of boards including the West of England LEP.
James Monk
Commercial Director
James Monk
Commercial Director
James leads on our commercial activities supporting the business community, a Chartered Marketeer with an MBA from the University of Bath combined with 25 years practical business experience in a variety of sectors, within both FTSE 100 and SME companies.
Jane Purdy
Business Adviser
Jenny Pozsonyi
Events Executive - International
Jenny Pozsonyi
Events Executive - International
Jenny works with the Department for International Trade and ERDF teams to deliver a regional programme of events. She loves to be outdoors spending time with family and friends and can be partial to a glass of wine, especially if it has bubbles!
Jessica Vallentine
Service Integration Manager
Jessica Vallentine
Service Integration Manager
Jim Hodgson
Project Implementation Manager
Jim Hodgson
Project Implementation Manager
Jo Greenwood
Finance Director
Jo Greenwood
Finance Director
Jo runs the corporate support teams along with the Innovation and Start-up teams. She keeps us on the straight and narrow, with favourite phrases like - 'No!', 'How much?', 'Really?' and ' How are you going to pay for that?' She adds a splash of colour and bling as well as biscuits to most days, working off the biscuits at the weekend racing around on foot or horseback after her children on their ponies.
Joanne Brown
Acorn International Manager | International Trade Specialist
Joanne Brown
Acorn International Manager | International Trade Specialist
Jo works in the international trade services department managing our online platform Acorn International. She also processes letters of credit and supports businesses with their export journey. Jo enjoys the vast variety of her job from showcasing "Acorn" to working to tight deadlines with intense detailed L/Cs. She loves spending time with family and friends and always enjoys a good chat.
John Ward
Advisory Services Delivery Manager
John Ward
Advisory Services Delivery Manager
John has over 35 years of experience in Sales and Management, both as corporate employee and entrepreneur. He gained an MBA in 2003 whilst building a recruitment and training business and, after many years of consulting and mentoring, John joined BusinessWest in 2013 as Growth Manager. He is presently a line manager, supporting half of the South West International Trade Advisers.
In his ‘spare’ time John is a taxi driver for his 6 children but spends as much time as he can on the water or in the wilderness.
Julia Gurr
Employability Adviser
Julia Gurr
Employability Adviser
Julia is a Business Skills Advisor working with businesses across the South West of England to upskill their workforce through the Workforce for the Future and Kickstart projects. Julia’s job involves connecting the dots between schools and employers and helping both sides reach their full potential by developing mutually beneficial relationships. She is dedicated to helping young people into work through facilitating conversations between employers and schools and implementing strategic development plans that benefit all parties.
Julie Cornish
Receptionist - Park House
Julie Cornish
Receptionist - Park House
Julie works on reception at Park House, providing a telephone answering and admin service and no two days are ever the same. Julie works with her colleague, who is also called Julie, making it so much easier for everyone to remember. Outside of work, she enjoys coastal walking with friends, reading and family holidays.
Julie Ford
International Trade Centre Adviser
Julie Ford
International Trade Centre Adviser
Julie currently works in the International Trade Centre at Business West working across contracts and projects for the Department for International Trade and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). No day is the same for Julie, as well as responding to export and international trade enquiries from South West companies covering any sector or overseas market, Julie manages the process for ERDF applications. Outside of work, Julie is a busy mum of three who likes to go running and can also be found running around on a netball court playing league netball.
Julie Screaton
Receptionist - Park House
Julie Screaton
Receptionist - Park House
Julie keeps reception at Park House happy and cheerful and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Business Centre, ensuring the tenant services are fulfilled. Julie job shares with Julie Cornish, making it easy for the tenants to remember one name!
Justin Cannon
International Trade Programmes Administrator
Justin Cannon
International Trade Programmes Administrator
Justin works on the Department for International Trade (DIT) contract and is responsible for dissemination of information for internal and external communications, event planning, purchase ordering and invoicing. Also responsible for the management of data for export wins in the South West, accurate record keeping and document control. Outside of work, Justin has a passion for reading and always has at least two books on the go. He also loves the cinema and goes at least once every weekend and tries to keep fit and goes to the gym when he can!!
Karen Knight
International Trade Adviser
Karen Knight
International Trade Adviser
Karen Knight is a generalist international trade adviser who is more than happy to cover any sector within Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and beyond in the South West region. She enjoys watching most sport, especially football and can be found globetrotting around the world behind the England football team (she has seen some amazing places but trips tend to be spoilt by 90 minutes of not so amazing football!).
Karine Davies
International Trade Adviser
Karine Davies
International Trade Adviser
Karine Davies is an international trade adviser based in Teignbridge and covering Devon and South Somerset. Karine was brought up in France where she studied international trade procedures and has worked in three businesses in export sales in a variety of sectors. Karine enjoys travelling, and is a bit of a foodie.
Kerry Stagg
International Research Advisory Manager
Kerry Stagg
International Research Advisory Manager
Kerry Stagg heads up a team of researchers in the International Trade department at Business West. Kerry has over 20 years experience in market research, and competitor and market intelligence, and is a member of the Market Research Society. She has a strong retail background having worked for Boots the Chemist and more recently the UK food retailer Somerfield where she was Head of Strategy Planning and Consumer Insight. In addition to this client-side experience, Kerry has also worked agency-side for companies that specialise in working with SMEs, Chambers of Commerce, and market entry strategy. Kerry has a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Essex. Outside of work, Kerry can mostly be found galloping across the Somerset countryside on a horse.
Kim Moore
International Trade Specialist – Letters of Credit
Kim Moore
International Trade Specialist – Letters of Credit
Kim works as part of the letter of credit team within international trade services. Kim ensures that exporters are paid by preparing compliant documents for presentation to the banks.
Kye Parkin
Communications Executive
Kye Parkin
Communications Executive
Kye has a career background in marketing and university teaching and research, specialising in work and employment relations in business clusters and regions. Responsible for PR and external communications, Kye joined Business West in 2016. In his spare time Kye looks after his girlfriend’s (surprisingly hard to look after) pet bunny rabbits and likes to travel, having visited more than 70 countries and counting!
Laura Ross
Marketing Executive/Editor
Laura Ross
Marketing Executive/Editor
Laura works in membership communications across the region, helping people access services the Chamber & Initiative offers, connect with other members and keep up to speed with network developments. She’s spent much of her career in the travel industry as a globe-trotting editor for international guide books and marketing tailor-made trips across South America. Away from the day job she loves tennis, reading and making her kids laugh!
Layla Burrows
EU RD&I Funding Manager
Layla Burrows
EU RD&I Funding Manager
Layla is the EU RD&I Funding Manager for the region. Her role is to increase awareness and participation in European Research, Development and Innovation funding such as Horizon 2020 and EUREKA's Eurostars, and act as Key Account Manager for Horizon 2020 SME Instrument beneficiaries. Layla is also a volunteer business mentor with the Prince's Trust, working with young business start-ups in the region.
Leigh Jenkins
Marketing Manager - Innovation
Leigh Jenkins
Marketing Manager - Innovation
Leigh is a rare breed who is equally at home in the digital world as she is with face to face networking. A natural project manager, she excels in juggling her varied marketing tasks and enjoys a challenge. This extends to her personal life where you will see her training for a marathon, helping out at her local school and ferrying her 2 busy daughters.
Lizzie Lyons
Business Skills Manager
Lizzie Lyons
Business Skills Manager
Lizzie has worked at Business West since 2014 and since 2017 as a Business Skills Advisor. Her background is in tourism, and she initially got into skills through the tourism skills network. She now helps businesses upskill through the Workforce Development Programme. Lizzie enjoys the variety and works with a range of sectors from music production to high-value manufacturing. Her passion is working closely with businesses to really understand them and find out where they want to go next.
Louise Hooker
EEN Sector Lead - Biomedical and Life Sciences
Louise Hooker
EEN Sector Lead - Biomedical and Life Sciences
Louise is EEN Sector Lead for Bio Medical and Life Sciences in the region. Louise has worked extensively with medical and forensic experts and has many years experience working with clients solving problems and achieving positive outcomes. Louise most recently worked as a project manager and business adviser helping South West businesses exploit the benefits of digital technology in the successful ERDF Superfast Business Programme.
Lucy Carr
International Trade Centre Adviser
Lucy Carr
International Trade Centre Adviser
Lucy currently works in the International Trade Centre at Business West working across contracts and projects for the Department for International Trade and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). As well as responding to enquiries from South West companies on export and international trading, Lucy manages the process for ERDF applications and supports the Foodex SW programme. No day is the same for Lucy, enquiries and clients requirements can cover any sector or overseas market, she evaluates the support they need and either assists them or signposts to the appropriate contact or programme. In her spare time Lucy is a busy Mum of a toddler so lots of trips to the park, puddle splashing and Lego building are a must!
Luke Coleman
International Trade Research Adviser
Luke Coleman
International Trade Research Adviser
Luke is an International Trade Research Adviser, delivering market and sector research support to companies in the South West of England, who are looking to explore international trade opportunities. He has worked with companies in a broad range of sectors including food & drink, marketing and healthcare. In his free time Luke enjoys playing golf and racket sports.
Mandy Gibbens
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Mandy Gibbens
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Mandy works in the international trade services department. Her main priority is to issue the ATA Carnets, when the carnets have been used and returned to the office, they need to be checked to make sure there will be no claims from Foreign Customs. Mandy also helps out on stamping the EC Documents. Mandy loves to spend her spare time with her partner and family, she also loves to crochet and enjoys a glass or two of Rose.
Mary Martin
Director of Marketing
Matt Griffith
Director of Policy
Matt Griffith
Director of Policy
Matt is a specialist in economic policy and has a long history of economic and business research and lobby work. He has previously worked as an advisor to government, including writing reports for the Prime Minister on improving England’s economic performance, reports on improving city growth and several recent high profile housing reports. He is currently Director of Policy at Business West.
Myra Davies
International Trade Specialist – Letters of Credit
Myra Davies
International Trade Specialist – Letters of Credit
Myra is an international trade assistant. Many companies are cautious about the letter of credit method of payment and so are limited to the customers they can export to. Myra helps to guide them through the process, produce necessary documentation resulting in prompt payment. Hobbies are gardening, needlework, & painting. 5 grandchildren aged between 16 and 2 years old also keep her busy.
Naomi Kendal
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Naomi Kendal
International Trade Documentation Specialist
I work in the international trade department processing different kinds of export documentation and dealing with customer queries. In my spare time I enjoy running, baking (and eating cake), and spending time with friends.
Natasha Shinner
Head of Events
Natasha Shinner
Head of Events
Leading our amazing and diverse events team can see Natasha go from an international trade conference to a film location to being a wedding planner, all in one day! She is passionate about delivering a programme of events that support our targets to help businesses start, innovate and grow, as well as ensuring a first class service for our fabulous events at Leigh Court.
Nathan Hoyle
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Nathan Hoyle
International Trade Documentation Specialist
I work in the Export Docs office and currently deal with Certificates of Origin, EUR1 documents and ATR Documents. In the future I hope to learn how to process Legalised export document and Carnets. Outside of work I am really into cars.
Nick Field
International Trade Adviser
Nick Field
International Trade Adviser
Nick joined the Department for International Trade in 2002 and since then he has helped companies of all shapes and sizes achieve their export potential, particularly in Dorset where he is a well-known face in the world of business support. Although his support extends to all companies regardless of where they are targeting, Nick has particular expertise in the Gulf States, and first led a trade visit to Dubai in 2005 where he has a good network of business partners. Subsequent visits have also included Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Away from work, Nick is a volunteer coastguard rescue officer and will often be found out on the coastline or dangling over a cliff edge on a rope.
Nicola Masters
Director
Nicola Masters
Director
As co-founder of Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal, I lead our multi-award winning charity across its multiple brands as well as delivering funding programmes in partnership with Bristol Children’s Hospital. I direct our exceptional team of staff at the Grand Appeal by developing new charitable and commercial initiatives to ensure that Bristol Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of paediatric care in the UK.
Nigel Barker
International Digital Marketing Adviser
Nigel Barker
International Digital Marketing Adviser
Nigel Barker joined Business West as a Digital Marketing Adviser in December 2016 from one of the South West's leading communications agencies. He currently sits on the CIPR South West committee and has worked on several award winning integrated and digital campaigns. Nigel describes himself as a 'horizon scanner' and constantly looking for new technologies and how they can be used to have a positive impact for businesses and society as a whole.
Nigel Crowe
International Trade Adviser
Nigel Crowe
International Trade Adviser
As an international trade adviser with the Department for International Trade South West, Nigel works across the length and breadth of the region drawing upon his experience in the security industry. Nigel specialises in working with companies operating in the security and defence sectors providing them with advice and support.
Nina Skubala
Head of Climate Strategy
Nina Skubala
Head of Climate Strategy
Nina oversees the management of the Bristol and West of England Initiative which brings together leaders from across the public and private sector to play an active role in shaping the development of the city region, particularly around the sustainable and inclusive growth agenda. Nina is passionate about driving change, turning ideas into action and collaborating with city stakeholders.
Patrick Dicks
Content Marketing Executive - International
Patrick Dicks
Content Marketing Executive - International
Paul O'Collins
Head of Innovation
Paul O'Collins
Head of Innovation
Paul is Head of Innovation at Business West and Regional Manager for Enterprise Europe Network. He also sits on a number of other groups including the Heart of the South West LEP Future Economy Group, and the High Tech, Lifesciences and Biomedical sector groups of the West of England LEP.
Peter Norris
International Trade Adviser
Peter Norris
International Trade Adviser
Peter’s work involves working with some of the region’s leading companies to grow their international sales. A business developer by background and interest, his work focuses on helping companies identify the right international markets, the best ways to sell, and ensuring companies they are in the best possible position and make full use of the support available. Peter lives in Cornwall and enjoys the occasional marathon, he has even won one!
Phil Bridgeman
Head of Membership
Phil Bridgeman
Head of Membership
Phil is membership manager for the Business West Chambers of Commerce.
He and his team are passionate about helping our members get the absolute most out of their membership, helping them access the support, information and guidance they need to grow. And he’s never happier than when he sees members make valuable connections at our networking events and by using the benefits of membership.
Outside of work Phil enjoys films, art, eating out, keeping fit and the amazing countryside we get to enjoy in this region.
Phil Broek
International Trade Adviser
Phil Broek
International Trade Adviser
Phil joined the DIT team in April 2019 and has over 25 years of international trade experience working across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from Libya to Saudi Arabia. He has worked with some highly innovative, cutting-edge technology companies from around the world, both SME's and Blue Chip. Now helping South West SME’s with best-practice export advice, developing current export markets or diversifying their business into new international markets and everything in between. Phil has a sector-focus on Clean Technology and is passionate about helping companies trade sustainably and be environmentally responsible. He’s a keen networker and is usually found with a camera in hand in his spare time!
Phil Geddes
Senior International Trade Services Assistant
Phil Geddes
Senior International Trade Services Assistant
Phil is a member of the Letter of Credit team within International Trade Services and is committed to the preparation, co-ordination and presentation of documentation to banks to a standard that enables clients to ultimately obtain payment for their export transactions. Lawn Bowls features amongst Phil's interests.
Phil Smith
Managing Director
Phil Smith
Managing Director
If our strategy is sound, our people are performing, the world knows about us and the finances are on track, then Phil is a happy man. He firmly believes that people are our most important asset and directing, motivating and skilling them is a vital part of his role. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with family, exploring new places on his motorbike and is passionate about (Welsh) rugby.
Pippa Cole
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Pippa Cole
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Pippa works in the export team as an international trade services assistant. She specifically deals with issuing ATA Carnets for temporary exports. Pippa likes line dancing, watching Sci-Fi and trying to encourage the introduction of Flapjack Fridays.
Rachael Dakorwala
International Trade Research Adviser
Rachael Dakorwala
International Trade Research Adviser
Rachael works in the International Trade Research team providing market intelligence to help an exciting and diverse range of businesses explore and exploit export opportunities . With 10 years international marketing and research experience she is passionate about the importance of using research and information in business planning and decision making. Rachael enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family and snuggling up with a good book.
Rachel Stone
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Rachel Stone
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Rachel works part time in the international trade department. Rachel deals with all kinds of export documentation and helps new and existing exporters. She has worked in this department for over 20 years after starting as a temp for 2 weeks. Obviously she loves it so much she has never left! Rachel enjoys spending time with her 11 year old daughter and 3 year old dog - the dog is less trouble!!
Rohan Roy
Senior Policy Analyst
Rohan Roy
Senior Policy Analyst
Rohan is on the organising team of the Initiative’s monthly Planning and Transport Group meetings. Usually found researching the implications of Brexit for businesses in the West of England, Rohan helps business with their Brexit queries and communicates related issues to local and national government. Working with key stakeholders to raise the voice of business in the national conversation, his primary focuses are trade, regulations, migration and mobility, as well as providing assistance on housing and transport issues.
Ruth Gilbertson
Centre Manager
Ruth Gilbertson
Centre Manager
Ruth manages our Swindon and Midsomer Norton workspaces and, with the help of her rather wonderful team, deals with anything and everything that keeps tenants happy. To make this happen, she also has the special talent of being in two places at once.
Sam Shinner
Estate and Operations Manager
Sam Shinner
Estate and Operations Manager
Sam Shinner is the Estate and Operations Manager for Business West. Sam's primary role is the day to day management of Leigh Court, which serves as the head offices of Business West. Responsible all aspects of what happens on and around the estate, no two days are the same, and Sam can be seen wearing any number of hats from historian to beekeeper. Sam is also involved in many of our other workspace projects across the region, such as the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre, and the Government Space for Growth programme.
Sandra Warne
International Trade Adviser
Sandra Warne
International Trade Adviser
Sandra works closely with Gloucestershire companies to develop their international trade strategies and advise on export processes and procedures. She advises on the variety of services available to help companies achieve their international business objectives. Sandra enjoys providing clients with new ideas and being able to draw from her own experiences of living on 3 different continents and working in 8 different countries to help clients overcome international trade barriers.
Sarah Hildersley
Market Specialist - Latin America
Sarah Hildersley
Market Specialist - Latin America
Sarah Hildersley is our High Growth Markets Specialist. She has spent 15 years working overseas in places as diverse as Beirut, Manila, Santo Domingo and Jerusalem. She has supported countless exporters in Jordan, Mexico, Iraq and the Dominican Republic by developing networks of leading business figures and honing in on what exporters need to do to secure international sales. Now settled back in the South West, Sarah spends her free time walking in the countryside, visiting art galleries and writing books about her overseas escapades.
Sharon Pace Jones
International Trade Centre Adviser
Sharon Pace Jones
International Trade Centre Adviser
Sharon works in the International Trade Centre at Business West, working across contracts and projects for the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). She provides advice and assistance relating to export enquiries, covering a wide range of subjects, sectors and countries. Sharon manages the process for the Export for Growth Programme (ERDF) and the Overseas Market Introduction Service (DIT service). Sharon enjoys travelling. She has worked and lived in Hong Kong and France.
Steve Southcott
International Trade Adviser
Steve Southcott
International Trade Adviser
Following a professional career in export sales and marketing, Steve advises South West businesses for the Department for International Trade on the principles and practicalities of establishing and developing commercial exports since the new millennium. He has helped countless firms throughout the region to prosper from the profits and prestige of selling their goods and services internationally.
Sue Tisdall
International Trade Adviser
Sue Tisdall
International Trade Adviser
Coming from an entrepreneurial background in the fashion and retail world, Sue loves to see new consumer products and can endlessly brainstorm about business ideas and challenges. She loves to travel and research and has a load of useful experiences to share.
Sue Wookey
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Sue Wookey
International Trade Documentation Specialist
Sue works in the export department of our International Trade team. Most days Sue can be found helping Customers with their export documentation:- Certificates of Origin, EUR1's, ATR's and ATA Carnets are all strings on Sue's bow.
Sue's spare time is taken up with keeping her grandchildren entertained, socialising with friends and gardening.
Susie Parker
Digital Marketing Manager
Susie Parker
Digital Marketing Manager
Chief digital & content nerd; Susie is passionate about driving change and turning ideas into strategies that provide a valuable experience for customers whilst achieving company goals. Working with internal overlords, external business warriors and digital wizards to shape new business developments.
Susie Williams
R&D Funding Adviser
Susie Williams
R&D Funding Adviser
Susie Williams is Enterprise Europe Network's EU Funding Adviser, specifically providing advice to SME's on which funding calls are suitable to them, and in particular their eligibility to access Horizon 2020 and Innovate UK funding streams. She also works with organisations to find European and International Partners for collaborative funding opportunities. Susie has spent a number of years working with South West based SME’s to develop long term innovation projects that support growth in competitiveness and employment. Prior to this role Susie worked within the financial services sector focussing on business restructuring.
Tom Smith
Digital Marketing Executive
Tracy Ruff
International Trade Centre Manager
Tracy Ruff
International Trade Centre Manager
Tracy manages Business West’s International Trade Centre. She and her team are the first point of contact for companies in the South West who have export and import related queries. Rarely fazed - if Tracy does not know an answer to the many and varied queries that come her way, then she can usually track down someone in the world who can help.
Victoria Matthews
Initiative Manager
Victoria Matthews
Initiative Manager
Victoria can usually be found out & about engaging with our Initiative members ensuring that our projects are aligned with the voice of business in the West of England. Ensuring that the Initiative’s campaigns are informed by member’s feedback, Victoria works with stakeholders across the city representing employers and key sectors across the economy to contribute to making this region the best place to live, learn and work. Victoria also delivers regular member events, identifies new and engaged businesses to work collaboratively with and supports the shaping of policy across the region.
Zoe Gregory
HR Executive
Zoe Gregory
HR Executive
Zoe is our in-house guru of HR knowledge. Responsible for payroll, employee benefits and administration, she loves getting to grips with HR stats and a good spreadsheet, but is also fond of a glass of prosecco and cake out of work (...and sometimes in work!)