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Trio join dynamic team at the BIC

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), a regional enterprise agency and business complex is continuing to grow with the appointment of three new members of staff.

Lilla Preston is welcomed onto the Innovation Programme as Innovation Project Officer. Lilla will be helping to increase the understanding of the innovation process to enable businesses to turn their ideas into real benefits. In her new role, Lilla will be drawing from her experience as a business adviser as well as international trade adviser for the Business and Enterprise Group.

Lilla said: “I am excited to work with such a welcoming team and the chance to work with North East businesses who want to improve through innovation. I truly believe that innovation will lift the economy out of the recession and I am looking forward to working with these businesses.”

Chris Hylton joins Lilla as he steps into Elizabeth Shaw’s role as Interim Innovation Manager whilst Elizabeth enjoys maternity leave. Chris has a background in Industrial Engineering and first worked freelance for the BIC in 2003 on product development and other projects, including helping to establish the BIC’s Big Ideas Centre.

Chris commented: “It is fantastic to be back at the BIC, it has grown phenomenally since I was last here but the same commitment to helping businesses prosper is evident everywhere. It is embedded in the culture and is reflected in the professionalism of all the staff. I am keen to get started in helping existing businesses develop their innovation potential.”

Christopher Neil Bland also comes on board as Digital Marketing Assistant. Christopher will be supporting the Innovation Programme by helping to develop and maintain the website working alongside the Marketing Team. Christopher was previously self employed as a freelance web designer which included creating, managing and hosting websites for clients.

Christopher said: “I enjoy the variety that every day brings. I love meeting new people and after working many part time jobs it is refreshing to wake up every morning and like what I do.”

Innovation Manager, Elizabeth Shaw, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new recruits to the BIC and the Innovation Programme, their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will help the programme to grow and maintain the excellent reputation in helping businesses unlock their full potential.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .