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.
Alex Richards
Training Partnership Manager
Alex Richards
Training Partnership Manager
Alex is the Operations Director of the Western Training Provider Network, the foremost network of education and training providers in the West of England and is working on the Skills West Programme as the Training Partnership Manager. With over 30 member organisations that include, national and local independent training providers, the four regional colleges and the University of the West of England, it will be Alex’s role to link the regions foremost training delivery organisations with businesses and their needs. Alex has been working in the field of training and Apprenticeships for over 12 years with both local and national training providers and has a real passion for creating development and career opportunities for people.
Alice Garland
Marketing Executive
Alice Garland
Marketing Executive
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
Alistair Cox
Allyn Rogers
International Trade Adviser
Allyn Rogers
International Trade Adviser
Allyn graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2001 and started his sales career at Pitney Bowes before moving into the healthcare industry, first as a product specialist with TYCO Healthcare selling Laparoscopic surgical instruments and then with Microtek Medical (Ecolab) in Toulon where he migrated a local acquisition into the Group business. Allyn then took up a regional sales role with International SOS covering West Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria. During his time there he launched an air ambulance service and opened a training centre. He was responsible for establishing a project team for the FIFA U17 world cup in Nigeria and for the European Observation Mission’s 2011 inspection of the Nigeria Presidential Election. In 2016 he graduated from Imperial College London with an MBA in Entrepreneurship.
Alyson Eyval
Business Adviser
Alyson Eyval
Business Adviser
Alyson is a Business Adviser for the Start & Grow programme and is also responsible for the delivery of the Virgin StartUp loans programme. Alyson supports entrepreneurs everyday, helping them to create business and growth plans for their first three years of trading. Outside of Business West Alyson is partial to the odd beer or music festival. She also likes to cook and she loves dogs.
Ameeta Virk
Market Specialist - India
Ameeta Virk
Market Specialist - India
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.
Amie Vaughan
Initiative Manager - West of England Initiative
Amie Vaughan
Initiative Manager - West of England Initiative
Andre Ofomah
Marketing Manager
Andre Ofomah
Marketing Manager
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 working the South East Corner.
Andrea Crombleholme
Head of HR
Andrea Crombleholme
Head of HR
As Head of HR Andrea is responsible for the HR operations at Business West, specialising in Employment Law and Change Management. Andrea is easily swayed away from work when asked questions about her dog!
Andrew Fraser
International Trade Adviser
Andrew Fraser
International Trade Adviser
Andrew is an international trade adviser for the Department for International Trade helping companies of all sizes and types to increase their export business. Andrew’s international experience is in the healthcare and food and drink sectors so he gravitates towards business in these areas. Australia and New Zealand are markets of particular interest, not altogether unconnected with a love of new world wine and travel. He enjoys food, sports, reading and deciphering pronouncements on Brexit.
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.
Andrew Mercer
Business Adviser
Andrew Wells
Initiative Manager
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 - Health & Life Sciences/Distribution
Barry Tugwood
Business Skills Adviser - Health & Life Sciences/Distribution
Barry's role is to strengthen the links between businesses and training providers across the region, offering support directly to businesses to access optimum training and maximise on their skills and recruitment, productivity and growth. He has held development manager roles within the sport & active leisure industry for over 25 years, and in the last 10 years has worked with sector skills councils and national skills academies. Barry has worked with varied partners and funding bodies focusing on apprenticeships and skills advice to businesses.
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.
Cassie Yates
Project Manager
Cassie Yates
Project Manager
Cassie is the Project Manager of the Enterprising West of England project being delivered by Business West. She has a passion for creating the right conditions for economic growth, supporting businesses to grow and loves a good spreadsheet. Outside of work she will mainly be found on the beach, come rain or shine!
Catherine Stephens
International Trade Services Manager
Catherine Stephens
International Trade Services Manager
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.
Charlie Collier
Head of Business
Charlie Collier
Head of Business
Charlie Garnham
Marketing Campaigns Manager
Charlie Garnham
Marketing Campaigns Manager
Always an enthusiastic member of the team, Charlie takes pride in her marketing for the Growth Support Programme which is free business support for companies in the Heart of the South West area who want to grow. Charlie works from her base in Exeter and can be found dashing across the region chatting to businesses.
Charlotte Trusler
Business Skills Adviser - Creative & Digital
Charlotte Trusler
Business Skills Adviser - Creative & Digital
Charlotte’s role is to strengthen connections and dialogue between employers and skills providers in the West of England to help support a more robust, relevant and responsive training and education provision base. She assists creative businesses by helping to navigate the skills landscape, supporting them to develop their skills and recruitment strategies and encouraging engagement in skills and training.
Chris Knight
International Trade Adviser
Chris Knight
International Trade Adviser
Chris is an international trade adviser with the Department for International Trade, and is regional creative industries champion. He has a music industry sales and marketing background via retail and major and independent record labels, and can still make a good guitar sound terrible. Chris worked for 10 years as an export sales /overseas territory development manager in the specialist construction and healthcare rehabilitation sectors so has a broad understanding of the elements required for export success.
Chris Lyons
EEN Sector Lead - Environmental and Agri-Science
Chris Lyons
EEN Sector Lead - Environmental and Agri-Science
Chris manages the EEN Adviser Team and is EEN South West Sector lead for Environmental and Agri-Science. He has direct responsibility for EEN activities in the Heart of the South West and the West of England LEP areas. With a BSc in Business Decision Management, Chris has worked with businesses to help them apply for rural development funding, advising on energy options and delivering focused support on digital technology.
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 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
Innovation Specialist
Ed Tellwright
Innovation Specialist
Ed is an Innovation Specialist, with a background predominantly 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.
Emilie Calhaem
Export Manager
Emilie Calhaem
Export Manager
Emilie Calhaem is an export manager on the Export For Growth programme. With years of working in the area of export sales and overseas business development for a variety of small to medium sized enterprises in the South West in sectors ranging from food and drink to FMCG, Emilie now uses her experience to support businesses within the programme. She specialise in those businesses who are new to exporting helping them to bring their products to market and grow their exports.
Emily Paginton
International Trade Services Assistant
Emily Paginton
International Trade Services Assistant
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.
Emma Collum
International Trade Adviser
Emma Collum
International Trade Adviser
Emma Collum is an International Trade Adviser in the South West, covering mostly companies based in Devon and also works with company’s / organisations / institutions in the Education & Training sector, throughout the South West. Emma is a long standing member of the team in the South West, coming up on 18 years’ service, giving her an abundance of information and knowledge for her to draw on when working with local businesses. Emma has three children, two of which are teenagers and a Spaniel called Hugo, thus giving her no time for any hobbies but definitely long walks on the local beach in Westward Ho!, where she lives.
Emma Gregory
Employer Engagement Executive
Emma Gregory
Employer Engagement Executive
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
Fiona Parnell
International Digital Marketing Adviser
Fiona Parnell
International Digital Marketing Adviser
Fiona Parnell is one of the Export for Growth digital marketing advisers here at Business West. Passionate about social media and all things digital, you will often find her scouring Facebook and Twitter for the latest SEO, Google and social media news to make sure she's up to date and advising our clients on the latest techniques to reach new customers in overseas markets. Her favourite part the job is meeting with her clients. "I get a real buzz from working with the businesses and people I meet. I love finding out what digital marketing activities businesses are doing right now and working with them to improve this and help them reach new audiences internationally".
Georgina Pearce
International Trade Services Assistant
Georgina Pearce
International Trade Services Assistant
Georgina is an international trade services assistant in the export department based at Leigh Court. She helps new and existing exporters prepare their paperwork and is fully certified to stamp and sign export documentation. Georgina loves to ride in the countryside on the weekends and also loves long muddy walks with her Daz white Labrador.
Gillian Brittain
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
Gillian Brittain
Personal Assistant to the Managing Director
As Phil Smith's (Business West, MD) PA, Gillian concentrates on smoothing his path so Phil is free to focus on what he does best - lead the company. Outside work she delights in living in St Andrews in Bristol, enjoying the local shops, cafés and bars and the lovely park.
Graham White
International Trade Adviser
Graham White
International Trade Adviser
Graham White is an international trade adviser based in South Somerset, but covering all regions. He has specific expertise in Brazil and assistance has been provided through the High Impact Growth Economies programme to around 30 businesses into this market. Other areas of expertise include business growth planning and investment. A regular presenter on behalf of the Department for International Trade, and a well-known member of significant business networks in the region.
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 Green
International Trade Adviser
Hilary Green
International Trade Adviser
Hilary travels for her job, twice-weekly around the Cotswolds! As South West champion for Central Europe she also leads company visits to this fast-developing region (and loves the High Tatras!). It all adds to her eclectic mix of experience, she has a linguistic background, has spent years in European business development; and worked with micro-enterprises in what she thinks of as her second spiritual home of Sri Lanka.
Hilary Rossborough
International Trade Services Assistant
Hilary Rossborough
International Trade Services Assistant
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.
Holly Weare
Project Coordinator
Holly Weare
Project Coordinator
Holly is a project administrator within the Enterprise team. Supporting the business advisers and acting as the first point of contact for start-up businesses means there is always something to do! Before Business West Holly ran her own cleaning company, which has given her a good foundation for working with small businesses. In her free time Holly enjoys a good crossword and going to her insanity fitness classes!
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 Larrard is our Director in Swindon & Wiltshire overseeing The Initiative there and also supports Ian Mean in Gloucestershire. He was previously a Senior Corporate Manager with HSBC holding posts across the West and a spell in London. He is a governor at Swindon College, Chair of inSwindon BID Company and President Elect of the Rotary Club of Swindon. His passion outside of work is athletics where until recently he was Chairman of Swindon Harriers. In his spare time, what little there is(!), he is married with four grown up children who descend at varying times on the 'hotel' they call home.
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.
Jake Brooks
Project Coordinator
Jake Brooks
Project Coordinator
James Durie
Chief Executive - Bristol Chamber & Initiative
James Durie
Chief Executive - Bristol Chamber & Initiative
James leads all Chamber of Commerce and Initiative activity in Bristol. His role is to raise the profile of the Chamber and Initiative, retain and recruit new members and through a range of business support and services offered by the Chamber, help local businesses to prosper and grow. James maintains close relationships with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), local MPs, councillors and other key partners so that the Chamber and the Initiative can effectively represent the views of members ensuring their voice is heard by key decision makers.
Jamie Douglas
International Trade Adviser
Jamie Douglas
International Trade Adviser
Jamie brings over 15 years of international work experience to the role of international trade adviser. Having also been on the client side of the Department for international Trade support while working for a multinational education company, he is able to offer a unique insight into how companies, large and small, can maximise the impact of the Department for international Trade global network and ability to convene the right decision makers. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys writing, cooking and learning the Spanish guitar.
Jane Purdy
Business Adviser
Jane Purdy
Business Adviser
Jenny Oksien
Marketing Manager
Jenny Oksien
Marketing Manager
Jenny works in marketing and is passionate about all things digital. With a background in content, enhancing the online presence of well-known brands and driving conversion rates, she has a well versed skill set which ignites the overall digital experience. She’s fuelled by tea and cake, enjoys the outdoors and jumps at the opportunity to go on an adventure.
Jenny Pozsonyi
Events Executive
Jenny Pozsonyi
Events Executive
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
Joanne Brown
Acorn International Manager | International Trade Services Assistant
Joanne Brown
Acorn International Manager | International Trade Services Assistant
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.
Joanne Greenwood
Finance Director
Joanne 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.
John Rubidge
Head of Innovation in Services
John Rubidge
Head of Innovation in Services
John is Head of Innovation in Services at Business West.
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.
Jonathan Smith
Market Specialist - China
Jonathan Smith
Market Specialist - China
Jonathan is Business West's Market Specialist for China, working primarily on the Extend Your Global Reach project. He has worked helping foreign companies of all sizes succeed in the China market through working at North Head, a boutique strategy consultancy in Beijing, and the China-Britain Business Council. He holds a masters degree from Peking University in International Relations and can speak Chinese. In his spare time Jonathan organises events for Sinophiles in Bristol.
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 Services Assistant
Kim Moore
International Trade Services Assistant
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 membership communications, Kye is one of the newest members of the marketing team. In his spare time Kye looks after his girlfriend’s (surprisingly hard to look after) pet bunny rabbits and likes to travel, having visited 70 countries and counting!
Laura Ross
Marketing Executive
Laura Ross
Marketing Executive
Laura works in membership communications across the region, helping people access services the Chamber 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 yoga, reading and making her kids laugh!
Lauren Standen
Events Coordinator
Lauren Standen
Events Coordinator
Lauren coordinates and organises the events at Leigh Court. These events include; film sets, conferences, exhibitions, fun days, BBQs, weddings and private parties. She also looks after export training courses. In her spare time Lauren enjoys socialising with friends and family and travelling to far and exotic places around the world.
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
Leigh Jenkins
Marketing Manager
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.
Lesley Hoare-Matthews
Receptionist - Leigh Court
Lesley Hoare-Matthews
Receptionist - Leigh Court
Lesley has worked at Leigh Court for 12 years with Business West and still feels lucky to work in such a fantastic building with lovely grounds and a great bunch of people. Working on reception, Lesley sees all, helps all, and trys to know all... all with a smile! Outside of work she enjoys socialising with friends, theatre, reading and travelling with an aim to see as much of the world as possible.
Liam Watson
Project Administrator
Liam Watson
Project Administrator
Linda Ivell
Business Skills Adviser - Advanced Engineering & Aerospace/Retail
Linda Ivell
Business Skills Adviser - Advanced Engineering & Aerospace/Retail
Linda’s role is to strengthen the links between businesses and training providers across the region, offering support directly to businesses to access optimum training and maximise on their skills and recruitment, productivity and growth. Linda’s previous experience includes over 10 years as a Business and Skills Adviser across the South West region, working in Further and Higher Education, and running her own Contemporary Art Gallery for 15 years. Outside of work her passion for collecting textiles from the 1940's is slowly taking over the house.
Lizzie Lyons
Business Skills Adviser - Professional Services/Rural Economy
Lizzie Lyons
Business Skills Adviser - Professional Services/Rural Economy
Lizzie is currently working as Business Skills Adviser for the Professional Services and Rural Economy sectors on the Skills West Programme providing an impartial and comprehensive ‘Skills Service’ in the West of England (WoE) LEP area. Previous to this role Lizzie worked as an employment and skills coordinator on the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone project and has experience working on a number of skills related projects within the tourism hospitality and retail sectors.
Lizzie Plumb
Marketing Executive
Lizzie Plumb
Marketing Executive
Lizzie works in the marketing team and is passionate about all things international. As a linguist with a background in policy and external relations, she’s worked in the third sector and government since graduating. She works across all sectors creating solutions to strategically promote global business interests in the South West. She is a skilled multi-tasker, particularly when there is good coffee available.
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!
Lucy Setter
Senior Events Executive
Lucy Setter
Senior Events Executive
Lucy works in the events team and looks after the Business West, Chamber and Initiative events. Outside of work, Lucy enjoys spending time with good friends, good food and good wine!
Luke Coleman
International Trade Services Assistant
Luke Coleman
International Trade Services Assistant
Luke works in the international trade services team specialising in the preparation and co-ordination of documentation for Letter of Credit, Documentary Collection and Open Account export transactions. Amongst other interests, in his free time Luke enjoys playing golf.
Mandy Gibbens
International Trade Services Assistant
Mandy Gibbens
International Trade Services Assistant
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
Mary Martin
Director of Marketing
Mary brings extensive experience of sales and marketing in businesses of all sizes - from start ups to MSBs - across a variety of sectors in the UK, USA and Ireland. She is responsible for Business West's marketing, PR & communications strategy, ensuring that all businesses in the region are aware of, and take up the services available to help them start up, grow, innovate and trade overseas. Proud of Business West's reputation as the ‘go to’ organisation for all business issues, Mary helps to identify members’ concerns which are fed into government to be taken on board when key decisions are being made.
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.
Mike Godfrey
Chairman - Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative
Myra Davies
International Trade Services Assistant
Myra Davies
International Trade Services Assistant
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.
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.
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.
Nicky Williams
Head of Skills
Nicky Williams
Head of Skills
Nicola Pullin
Marketing Manager
Nicola Pullin
Marketing Manager
Nigel Barker
Digital Marketing Adviser
Nigel Barker
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
Initiative Manager
Nina Skubala
Initiative Manager
Patrick Dicks
Marketing Executive
Patrick Dicks
Marketing Executive
Patrick is an active member of the international marketing team specifically working on the Export for Growth project, with a passion for design Patrick often creates effective new collateral for the project. In his spare time he is likely to be found in and around Ashton Gate supporting his local team Bristol City. Once a year you will find him wondering around Worthy Farm watching his favourite bands drowning in Thatcher's Gold.
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.
Pearl Cousins
Project Coordinator
Pearl Cousins
Project Coordinator
Pearl works as a Project Coordinator in the Enterprise team helping start-up businesses find the appropriate support from starting to early growth. Pearl has previous experience in the environmental management sector and has worked overseas in Asia and the Middle East, focussing on marine and coastal issues. Outside of work Pearl likes running with her club and fitting in walks when she can with her busy family life.
Pete Downing
Advisory Services Delivery Manager
Pete Downing
Advisory Services Delivery Manager
Pete has over 20 years of experience providing business support for Business West. He has provided this directly as an adviser as well as managing various support teams. He currently acts as a line manager for the South West international trade advisers. In his spare time, Pete likes go fishing and is a season ticket holder at Bath Rugby.
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
Membership Manager
Phil Bridgeman
Membership Manager
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 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 Services Assistant
Pippa Cole
International Trade Services Assistant
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 Services Assistant
Rachel Stone
International Trade Services Assistant
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
Policy Assistant
Rohan Roy
Policy Assistant
Rohan grew up in Somerset but moved to Sheffield to study Politics and International Relations, during which time he did an exchange year in Paris. After graduation he moved to Brussels for an internship in Policy. He now works on regional policy issues for Business West. His academic and professional grounding is in regional, national and international politics. His hobbies include climbing, fitness and music.
Rose Jackson
Project Executive
Rose Jackson
Project Executive
Rose is currently working as Project Executive on the Skills West Programme which brings together business, training and education to deliver an impartial and comprehensive ‘Skills Service’ in the West of England (WoE) LEP area. Previous to this role Rose worked for Business West as Project Coordinator on the Creative Employment Programme and has a strong interest in the Creative & Cultural Sector which she has worked in for over 10 years. Alongside her role at Business West she also works as a freelance performer and contemporary dance teacher in Bristol.
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 Latin America Market 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.
Shozey Jafferi
Market Specialist - South East Asia
Shozey Jafferi
Market Specialist - South East Asia
With over a decade of successfully managing engineering companies and his time spent living in diverse regions in Central Asia and South East Asia, Shozey is now using his experience to support companies through the Extend Your Global Reach programme. He helps SME’s around the South West of England tap into the wealth of opportunities on offer in South East Asia by providing direct mentoring support and using his network of contacts and trade support partners in the region.
Stephanie Forde
Conference and Banqueting Manager
Stephanie Forde
Conference and Banqueting Manager
Stephanie works in the events team at Leigh Court, managing anything from small parties to large conferences. With a speedy and organised composure she’ll be able to change a room around in minute, so no matter how many different room layouts you want in a day it's not a problem. Stephanie is rarely at a computer, you’ll usually find her running around the venue.
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.
Steven Singer
Business Skills Adviser - High Tech/Social Enterprise
Steven Singer
Business Skills Adviser - High Tech/Social Enterprise
Steven's role is to strengthen connections and dialogue between employers and skills providers in the West of England to help support a more robust, relevant and responsive training and education provision base. He assists businesses by helping to navigate the skills landscape, supporting them to develop their skills and recruitment strategies and encouraging engagement in skills and training.
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 Services Administrator
Sue Wookey
International Trade Services Administrator
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.
Susan Roe
Export Manager
Susan Roe
Export Manager
Helping businesses to succeed in global markets is Susan’s professional passion; she is a multi-linguist with a passion for digital marketing and language and culture. As an Export Manager, Susan works with our clients through their export journey, giving them the knowledge and expertise they need to be successful internationally. Away from work, Susan enjoys a challenging cycle, Latin dance, and is enjoying learning to play the piano, although not quite ready for the Royal Albert Hall just yet!
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. She can be lured with cake - and loves to read, write, paint and meddle with photography.
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.
Suzie Butler
Conference and Banqueting Manager
Suzie Butler
Conference and Banqueting Manager
Suzie is a Conference and Banqueting Manager for Business West at Leigh Court. Her role is diverse, looking after all sorts of events including; meetings, conferences, annual seminars, dinners, weddings, funerals and christenings. She is rarely seen at a desk as she is very
‘hands on’ looking after suppliers, catering, logistics, equipment, staff and on-the-day management to ensure the client has the perfect event experience. Suzie enjoys being active and sociable with friends and family in her free time.
Tara Gillam
Head of Enterprise
Tara Gillam
Head of Enterprise
Tara is responsible for the delivery and development of Business West Enterprise Services, which supports businesses from start-up to early growth, focusing on business planning, investment and job creation. Tara manages stakeholder relationships and is passionate about supporting micro businesses. Away from Business West she is a passionate Bristol Rugby supporter and loves to holiday abroad.
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.
Trevor Horne
International Trade Adviser
Trevor Horne
International Trade Adviser
Trevor is an international trade adviser working across Devon and Cornwall. He has a background in personal and business coaching and is passionate about facilitating people’s journeys to their own and business potential. He firmly believes people can find their own way if given the support and space to do so. Trevor enjoys trying to beat his wife at golf, and writing. He is a published author.
Victoria Matthews
Scale Up Adviser
Victoria Matthews
Scale Up Adviser
Victoria delivers the Enterprising West of England Programme, supporting SMEs to start and grow. She started her career in policy and legislation at the Welsh Government advising Ministers and working on pioneering sustainable development legislation. She has since managed projects in the third sector after graduating. Outside of work you can find Victoria at the Principality Stadium cheering on Wales, playing tennis, hiking with her dogs and occasionally at PugFest!
Zoe Gregory
HR Coordinator
Zoe Gregory
HR Coordinator
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!)