Our mission is:
“ To support the creation and growth of high technology and innovative businesses in a financially sustainable way that provides value to the University of Sussex and the regional economy”.
Mike Herd - Executive Director
The Sussex Innovation Centre is a stimulating location for entrepreneurs, start-ups, growing companies and corporate innovators offering flexible, professional office space and a comprehensive range of in-house support services designed to assist during the vital early years of operation.
The Centre was conceived as the flagship development of the 'Sussex Academic Corridor' (SAC), a unique collaboration between public, academic and business sectors. Now wholly owned by the University of Sussex, the Centre continues to be committed to harnessing the economic potential of the extensive education and research resources available in the Sussex area.
Quite simply, our goal is your success, and our aim is to build relationships that you can trust and depend on.
We believe starting or growing a successful business requires drive and ambition, a wide range of skills, access to networks, collaborators and trusted specialist skills.
We’ve developed expert on-site support to provide flexible, affordable access to all aspects of business, including skills development, and providing access to trusted networks and contacts. Our facilities will give you credibility as well as the confidence and security of inclusion in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment.
We are here to help you provide focus and direction, fill skills gaps and ultimately drive your business forward, faster.
Meet the team
Mike Herd - Executive Director
Mike is responsible for the strategic development of the Innovation Centre and the day to day co-ordination of the Centre team and developing the commercial and academic links.
Mike joined the Centre after 15 years in the oil exploration and development industry. He has extensive technical, management and marketing experience.
Chris Hudson - Centre Manager
Chris joined the Centre in 1997 after 30 years with Barclays Bank, the last 10 years of which were spent in Facilities Management. His main responsibilities are the management of the Sussex Innovation Centre operations at the Falmer site.
He is involved in the feasibility, planning and implementation of Sussex Innovation Centre building developments.
Jane Baker - Companies Accountant
Jane is based at the Innovation Centre in her role as Companies Accountant for the University of Sussex. Jane has been a qualified accountant since 1994 and has worked in private practice as well as commercially.
She will be responsible for heading up the Accounts team in addition to her University work.
Melanie Farmer - Innovation Consultant
Melanie is responsible for Sales & Marketing advice to Tenants.
She has considerable experience in her previous dealings with large corporates in addition to her practical business management and communication skills.
Peter Lane - Innovation Consultant
Peter has a wealth of previous business experience encompassing new product development, sales and marketing, relationship management, contract negotiation, IT and HR.
He joined the Centre in July 2007 and is responsible for delivery of support programmes including research commercialisation for the University of Sussex.
Paul Jordan - Innovation Consultant
Paul is an ex Business Banker who specialises in Investment readiness, Research and Development Grants and practical Business Building advice.
We actively work with a variety of industry bodies and associations able to supply further benefits to our Members. These include:
UKBI
UKBI is the membership association of organisations and professionals actively involved in enterprise, innovation and sustainable economic growth. http://www.ukbi.co.uk
Wired Sussex
Wired Sussex is a Brighton-based membership organisation for companies and freelancers operating in the digital, media and technology sector in Sussex, UK. http://www.wiredsussex.co.uk
Federation of Small Businesses - FSB
The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. http://www.fsb.org.uk
What to do next...
If you've seen enough and think your business might benefit from our facilities and services then get in touch and we can site and discuss your options.
Call +44 (0) 1273 704400
or complete our enquiry form.
