My business expertise is derived primarily from the fine and specialty chemical manufacturing sector and I have also worked for 2 major UK financial institutions, both in advisory and business development roles. Throughout my career I have worked with clients across the globe including Europe, the USA, and Japan requiring a cross cultural awareness of business needs.

In 2018 I founded Akemi Associates Ltd (“Akemi”), built on the foundations of over 35 years' sector experience in strategic & commercial management, since when I have been providing business growth solutions to manufacturing and engineering clients. I am passionate about sustainability, circularity, and the implementation of innovation to address these challenges.

A Physical Natural Sciences – Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Cambridge, with an MBA from Leeds University Business School, I have strong analytical skills with a techno-commercial bias. I enjoy finding solutions to complex issues; being able to see the macro and the micro, using my technical and commercial expertise. Above all, I have an absolute belief in doing what you say you’re going to do.

BA MA (Cantab) Physical Natural Sciences, ChemEng (1987), MBA (Leeds University Business School, 1996).

Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Projects (often undertaken on a confidential basis) have included:

• Marketing and business development strategies,
• Asset utilisation strategies,
• Competitor intelligence,
• Scale up of processes to commercial production,
• Custom (contract/toll) manufacturing and supply chain solutions (including contractor engagement and management),
• Commercial Due Diligence for M&A activity,
• Interim management (e.g. for start ups and organisations undergoing structural change),
• NED/Advisory Board positions

• Business development – relationship building
• Negotiation of £multi-million contracts; complex manufacturing and logistics requirements.
• Communication, networking and influencing skills, building collaborative, long term partnerships
• Cross-cultural awareness.
• Leadership, motivation of teams, tenacity, energy, adaptability and resilience.
• Strategic analysis and execution.

• Marketing and business development strategies,
• Asset utilisation strategies,
• Competitor intelligence,
• Scale up of processes to commercial production,
• Custom (contract/toll) manufacturing and supply chain solutions (including contractor engagement and management),
• Commercial Due Diligence for M&A activity,
• Interim management (e.g. for start ups and organisations undergoing structural change),
• NED/Advisory Board positions