The region’s newest enterprise and innovation programme has appointed Dr Belinda Clarke as its director of external relations.
Dr Clarke joins the University of Cambridge’s ideaSpace Enterprise Accelerator (iEA) programme, which aims to support the early stage venture ecosystem throughout the East of England with a range of activities and projects.
She will be working alongside Stew McTavish, the innovation support director, ensuring the iEA plays a leading role in the UK’s innovation policy and providing practical support for early stage ventures.
The former scientist will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships between the iEA and the Enterprise Hubs in the East of England, the Technology Strategy Board, research councils and Department for Business Innovation and Skills, as well as industrial partners and potential investors.
A graduate of both Cambridge and the UEA she will also be responsible for influencing the local, regional and national environment for business start-up and growth.
Dr Clarke brings a wealth of experience to the role. She was formerly Life Sciences Manager for the East of England, a role which involved aligning regional economic strategy and investments with business needs, market opportunities and UK policy for the sector.
As part of that role she chaired EEDA’s Proof of Market assessment panel for life sciences, and also led the winning bid leading to a national “cluster mark” award from BIS for the regional health and life sciences cluster.
She is a member of the BBSRC Bioscience for Industry Strategy Panel and chaired the UK Life Sciences Network. Regionally, she is a member of the NHS Innovation Council and also founded and chaired the regional Business Support Forum for life sciences.
Formerly, she ran Norwich Research Park Science, a company which promoted the research park and facilitated collaborations, both internal and external, commercial and academic.
Dr Clarke said: “I know from personal experience, the depth of talent we have in the region, both in terms of research and entrepreneurial activity.
“As the UK Trade and Investment biotech and pharma adviser, committed to supporting regional SMEs in their international business development activities, I was constantly inspired by the number of innovative, high-growth firms we have in the region.
“I also know the region’s research strengths; I’ve been closely involved in promoting the benefits of working with our world-leading research organisations and institutions.
“The Government has placed emphasis on the importance of new ventures and entrepreneurs to the economic growth of the UK.
“As the new landscape for business support evolves, the ideaSpace Enterprise Accelerator will be a key catalyst, locally, regionally and nationally, to ensure early stage ventures have the right practical help within the right environment.”