Member Spotlight: Angela Smith – RTC North

1. Introduce yourself

I’m Angela Smith a science nerd and geek from birth, after attaining a PhD in cell biology from the University of Manchester I left the lab coat behind and went to work for spin-out SMEs for eight years in business development roles. This involved doing everything from grant-writing to lead generation to networking. I then went to work for RTC North to deliver on the Enterprise Europe Network programme and Innovate to Succeed which evolved into the Innovate UK Business Growth service. I now project manager this contract in the North helping SMEs to grow and scale through innovation. When not doing that, I enjoy gardening, running and creative writing.

2. Career highlight

Too many to easily pick from, but besides being awarded my PhD I think one that sticks in the mind was working with a relatively new SME in the biotechnology sector. They were looking for funding and overseas collaborative partners to help them develop their technology. The work I did with them helped them to find partners in the Netherlands and other European countries and to successfully apply for European grant funding.

3. Name three words that describe your personality

Organised, understanding, clever

4. What’s the best thing about pro-manchester

The connections that they enable you to form. There’s nothing quite like the conversations you strike up at events to spark ideas and help build connections that can last through a business life.

5. What are your priorities for 2024

To help my team work with as many SMEs as possible and to work with the NW ecosystem to support the SME community.

6. What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

Manchester has always had a vibrant research culture thanks to the universities in the area (not that I’m biased) but universities and SMEs working more closely together and using the skills, knowledge and facilities available from the universities to help SMEs particularly to drive innovation to commercialisation is great to see.

7. Favourite meeting place in Manchester

Anywhere where there is good coffee, which doesn’t narrow it down.

8. Are their any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet

I’m always happy to talk to businesses that are looking to grow and develop, especially those developing innovations.

Get In Touch (optional)

Email: [email protected]

Phone:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-smith-620a7730/