The Tees Valley Innovation Support aims to support small businesses and social enterprises to develop, market and build business cases for their own products, services or internal processes.
Throughout this programme, organisations will be connected to industry experts related to their industry or specific challenge, receiving personalised 1-to-1 coaching to support their growth.
Support is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Tees Valley Innovation Challenge is delivered by Edge Innovation and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, and the Tees Valley Business Board.
Expertise: Professional services, Marketing, Business development
Alan has a background in marketing with large multinationals before setting up and growing his own business, leading to a successful exit. He now focuses on coaching and mentoring for businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the North East. Alan is Chair of Edge Innovation.
Expertise: Cultural and creative industries
Carol has a background in the creative industries, leading on multiple high profile programmes in the North East of England. She leads on Edge's work to support the sector.
Expertise: Digital innovation and transformation
Dom set up and grew a virtual reality business through multiple funding rounds, through to exit. He now acts as a coach and advisor to digital businesses, particularly in the Tees Valley. Dom is Edge's sector lead for digital innovation.
Expertise: Healthcare innovation
Raasti is Programme Manager at Health Innovation North East & North Cumbria, the body responsible for linking innovation into the region's NHS trusts.
Expertise: Innovation, business growth and investment
Simon has a background in delivering successful innovation projects across large corporates, small businesses, public authorities and universities. He has founded a number of successful businesses himself and raised over £50m in funding for innovation projects.
Expertise: Social enterprise, transport
Susan has a public sector background, more recently moving into supporting ambitious voluntary and social enterprise organisations for Edge. She also has extensive knowledge of transport, including through founding a successful community car club.
