Services

Good science, applied to building a business

I help early-stage and growth businesses turn research and emerging technology into investable, well-governed companies. I began my career as a research scientist and have since spent more than 25 years across the public, private and academic sectors building and funding innovation, from creating the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre to leading the £60M investment into Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc Ltd.

Building a business has a lot in common with good science. You start with a hypothesis, you test it, you gather the evidence and you are honest about what the results tell you. I bring that same discipline to every founder, academic, investor and public agency I work with.

What I do

"Will anyone buy this?"

Commercialisation Strategy

This is the question every founder should ask early, and many ask too late. Brilliant technology can struggle when it is developed in search of a market instead of in answer to one. I bring a practitioner's understanding of what early-stage companies need to commercialise and scale, with experience across life sciences, industrial biotechnology and low-carbon technologies. Together we find where your technology fits and what customers really need, testing each step before you commit time and money.

"Are we ready to raise?"

Investment Readiness

Investors and grant funders are looking for the same thing: evidence that you can deliver what you promise. I understand what funders look for. I help you see where you are today and what proof points you still need. Then I help you build a case that stands up to scrutiny.

"Who can I talk this through with?"

Founder & Team Mentoring

Founders carry a lot, and much of it cannot be shared with the team or the investors. I offer regular, confidential mentoring for founders and for key people stepping into bigger roles. Honest conversations, a fresh perspective and someone in your corner who has seen these challenges before.

"Is our Board helping us grow?"

Governance & Board Advisory

Governance is often seen as a box to tick once investors arrive. I see it differently. The right governance and risk frameworks help a company grow. As a board advisor to early-stage deep-tech companies, and having built organisations from the ground up myself, I help you shape a Board that fits your stage, bring the right skills around the table and create a relationship where challenge and support go hand in hand.

"How do we get everyone pulling in the same direction?"

Innovation & Partnership Strategy

Some of the biggest opportunities need government, industry and academia to work together, and each comes with its own priorities. I have spent much of my career bringing those partners behind a shared objective, creating national innovation organisations and major collaborative ventures. I advise public agencies, investors and industry on commercialisation strategy, and on building partnerships that deliver.

Ways to work together

Choose the kind of support that fits where your business is today.

One-off projects

A defined piece of work with clear outputs, such as an investment readiness review or a commercialisation plan.

Fractional support

Ongoing, part-time senior support, working alongside you and your team.

Regular mentoring

Confidential one-to-one sessions for founders and key staff, at a rhythm that suits you.

NED/Board

A Non-Executive Director or board advisor role, bringing independent challenge, support and experience to your Board.

Not sure where to start? Let's talk

A short, no-obligation conversation about where your business is and what it needs next.

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