Lancashire innovation growth programme boosted by new senior appointments

The Lancashire Innovation Board (LIB) has strengthened its ranks with the appointment of two new board members.

The board is a cohort of business leaders, academics and policy makers which oversees the work Lancashire County Council’s Innovate Lancashire programme, and the implementation of the Lancashire Innovation Plan (LIP).

Dr. Robert Holdbrook, director of science and technology at the Morecambe-based eco-chemicals business Thrive, will bring environmental science expertise to the LIB.

Having studied for a PhD at Lancaster University, Robert is an expert in the commercialisation of biotechnological solutions which can help detoxify chemicals used in commercial cleaning and the water industry. 

Joining Robert as a new board member is Professor Andy Schofield.

He is the chair of the North West Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NWRDSC), a government-backed initiative which connects the region’s private sector with national defence opportunities.

He brings extensive defence, security and advanced manufacturing experience to the LIB.

With more than 40 years spent at BAE Systems, Andy is also a former chair of the North West Aerospace Alliance, a professor of practice in aerospace at the University of Nottingham, and an Honorary Professor at the University of Lancashire.

Professor Graham Baldwin, chair of the LIB, and vice chancellor of the University of Lancashire, said: “Robert and Andy are joining the Innovation Board at a very exciting time.

"Many of the objectives set out in the Lancashire Innovation Plan are starting to deliver tangible benefits across the county, and the Plan has been adopted by the Lancashire Combined County Authority to help it deliver its long-term economic growth strategy.

 “In the last 12 months alone we’ve seen the roll-out of Lancashire’s Dealroom platform, the establishment of the Fhunded Angels programme, and hosted the first LIFT festival.

"Further, in November, the LCC-funded Lancashire Digital Hub initiative was named by Prolific North as one of the best B2B tech engagement programmes in the UK.

 “But to maximise some of Lancashire’s truly transformational opportunities, like the innovation cluster planned for Samlesbury, Blackpool’s pioneering Silicone Sands project, the impact of the National Cyber Force’s arrival, and anticipated growth in high-value sectors such as defence, nuclear and sustainability, we need to ensure we understand the needs of the many different sectors Lancashire supports.

"The insights and expertise that Robert and Andy are set to bring to the LIP will really help us in that regard, complementing the incredibly high-calibre group of board members we already have.”  

 Another asset which plays a key role in the county’s overarching innovation strategy, the Fraser House co-working hub in Lancaster, has also made a new appointment.

Rebecca Latham, who has joined as business development and community manager, will be responsible for maintaining and growing Fraser House’s membership.

With a background in finance, business administration and events management, Rebecca will also look for additional ways to generate income from the LCC-owned space, which is situated at the White Cross Business Park, just north of the city centre.

Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “Increasing levels of innovation-led growth, especially within Lancashire’s SMEs, startups and scaleups, is one of LCC’s key economic priorities.

"I’m therefore delighted that the Lancashire Innovation Board and the Fraser House co-working space have strengthened their respective teams with these new appointments, both of which will help Lancashire fulfil its potential.”