Meet the team behind the Somerset Innovation Network: Matt Pilgrim

The Somerset Innovation Network (Si-Net) aims to drive growth and innovation in the region whilst fostering meaningful collaboration between forward-thinking organisations.

We recently caught up with Matt Pilgrim, Project Co-ordinator, to find out more about Si-Net, his role and how he's helping local businesses access support.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your career background? 

A:  I began my career at a retail store as a cashier/shop assistant. I left school at 16 then worked full time at a cash management company - firstly as a processor then later as a Team Leader of the processing department, where I spoke to customers daily.  

I was there for 11 years before joining the Enterprise Team at Business West 5 years ago as a Project Co-ordinator.  Aside from that I’m a huge football fan (playing and watching) and me and my wife have two labradors who keep us very busy away from work.  

Q: What is your current role at Business West? 

A: I am a Project Co-ordinator at Business West in the Enterprise team, currently working on the Somerset Innovation Network, as well as other projects.  

Q: Do you enjoy being client-facing and talking to businesses? 

A: Absolutely, that’s the best bit about my job – I get to talk to so many interesting and different people every day. Not only that, but I get to hear about many different business ideas and see how passionate each person is about their idea, it’s great. 

Q: What type of businesses do you work with in the Somerset Innovation Network? 

A: The Somerset Innovation Network programme is designed for Advanced Engineering, Aerospace and Digital businesses based in the Somerset area (or Dorset if Advanced Engineering/Aerospace). 

Q: What are the benefits to businesses from joining the Somerset Innovation Network? 

A: The Somerset Innovation Network is a great programme of support for any eligible businesses. Each business gets access to many different online workshops which cover a range of topics from digital marketing and becoming grant ready to sustainability in your business.  

Businesses can also access 1-2-1 support with an Adviser which I know from the feedback we receive is very valuable. Finally, businesses also have access to events such as the recent Tech Showcase hosted at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation as well as any events we host at the iAero Centre in Yeovil – great opportunities to meet other like-minded businesses in your sector and in the surrounding area for potential collaboration.  

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your role? 

A: I get to speak to many different people and businesses, and get to help these businesses access the support they need to help them grow and expand, whether that’s by organising meetings with our Advisers, supporting them to complete their paperwork to sign up for the programme or helping them book a space on the workshops. I play a small part but hopefully it helps and that for me is rewarding! 

Q: What does a typical workday look like for you? 

A: Typically, my day involves speaking to clients via email and phone calls, sending paperwork to new clients to register and checking new clients’ eligibility for the programme. I also work closely with Sian (Business Adviser) to manage and help facilitate the workshops and book any client meetings in her diary. I am all things admin too and manage our internal CRM system, where I record who has received what support. I help manage the client’s journey to provide a high-quality experience. 

Q: What do you like to do away from work? 

A: As I mentioned I am a huge football fan, I used to play for a local team but recently stopped due to injury, I did move into volunteering to help behind the bar but I now mainly go down there to watch friends/my brother play.  

If I’m not down there, then I’m spending time with my wife Rachael and most likely our two excitable Labradors (Lola & Bear) - they certainly keep us on our toes. 

To benefit from 1-2-1 support, networking opportunities, training and more, get in touch with us and check your eligibility for the Si-Net programme.