What I do

I work with a range of partners including universities, public sector organisations and businesses to support innovation projects. I have extensive experience in data analysis, report writing and stakeholder engagement. My recent projects include developing successful bids for multi-million pound research & innovation grants and creating innovation strategies and business cases. Other examples include producing a toolkit to support a national network of leading academics with the commercialisation of their research and creating an innovation cluster action framework that forms a core part of the West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan.

Areas of specialism

My specialisms are innovation and regional development. My background in innovation funding, higher education and cluster management means I have an in-depth understanding of the policy and funding environment for higher education and research & innovation. Much of my recent work has focused on the importance of place-based economic growth and the role that innovation districts, innovation clusters and innovation corridors play in regional economies. I work closely with regional triple helix partnerships spanning higher education, policy makers and businesses to understand the opportunities and challenges posed by devolution.

Steph lives with

Her patient partner, two energetic teenage daughters and a stroppy cat.