Movers and shakers at the 3M BIC

The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) in Huddersfield has made significant changes to its senior leadership team, as well as recruited three new appointments and promoted two existing members of staff, as it further strengthens its technology, events and marketing teams.

Established in 2013 to provide business support, access to technology and bridge the gap between industry and academia, the 3M BIC recently promoted Janine Downs to technology manager and Emily Raleigh as marketing and communications manager. Both join CEO Sue Cooke and office manager Sally Connolly as members of the centre’s leadership team.

Janine Downs has been instrumental within the technology team for the last four years, initially involved in the planning, coordination and delivery of the Huddersfield Innovation and Incubation Project (HIIP) which brought £4m of technology investment to the centre for the benefit of local firms. Janine will oversee the design and technology team’s projects, from product development to additive manufacture. Janine is also qualified in the use of the centre’s Additive Manufacturing (AM) and X-ray CT facilities.

Emily Raleigh started at the 3M BIC as PR consultant before it officially opened its doors in 2013 and has been providing PR and content creation ever since. With over 18 years’ PR experience, Emily will now head up the marketing team to help boost brand awareness and interest in the centre’s key services, including offices and labs, meeting space and technology for design, prototyping and product verification.

Georgina Kipling has also been promoted to business liaison officer from technical assessor. Georgina has over 25 years’ experience in research and development within industry and will continue to be the 3M BIC’s link to businesses from various sectors introducing them to the wide range of technologies and expertise within the centre.

Jordan Furness has been promoted to events and programme co-ordinator. Jordan started as a placement student from the University of Huddersfield in 2013 and recently completed an MA by Research focusing on technology adoption in SMEs and event engagement. Jordan has played a key role in setting up the Sir George Buckley Leadership Centre earlier this year, as well as the launch of the Kirklees Top 100 Companies.

The 3M BIC also recently welcomed three new team members to reinforce its marketing, events and design & technology teams. Jane Turner is a placement student from the University of Huddersfield and joins as the new events and marketing assistant.

Anastasis Constanti joins as the 3M BIC’s product designer, boasting a background in mechanical engineering and design expertise to reinforce the centre’s product development and prototyping offering.

Cameron Thomas has also come on board as marketing assistant as the 3M BIC expands its marketing provision. Cameron will support marketing and communications manager, Emily, and marketing officer, Maisie Mountcastle, who is due to go on maternity leave at the end of the month.

Commenting on the new team structure, Sue Cooke, CEO of the 3M BIC, said: “Both Janine and Emily bring a wealth of professional experience to the leadership team, and the recent promotions for Georgina and Jordan recognise the new responsibilities they have taken on as the work of the centre has evolved with exciting new projects.

“Introducing fresh talent to the marketing and design and technology teams also provides the opportunity to bring in new ideas and drive forward change. I’m really looking forward to what the future holds for the 3M BIC as we ramp up our marketing and event efforts and maximise the technology services we have on offer for business across the region at the 3M BIC.”

The 3M BIC champions enterprise and innovation through its technology offering, as well as office & lab and meeting spaces, providing businesses with the tools they need to innovate, connect and grow.

L to R: Marketing and Communications Manager Emily Raleigh; Technology Manager Janine Downs; 3M BIC CEO Sue Cooke