Partner Article

Getting to know... Graeme Miller

We know you from roles in the business sector across the North East, but you have recently started as the innovation and knowledge exchange manager of the Arrow Programme at Newcastle University, creating innovation projects with regional businesses by connecting them with university expertise and facilities. Who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

Did you always want to work in Innovation? 

Not really.

I started my career as a recruiter, moved into workforce development before settling in a career as a business advisor.

I started my innovation journey when I was offered a role in the space and satellite industry for Satellite Applications Catapult.

Since then, I’ve never looked back, and I’ve had an innovation-based role for more than a decade now.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst? 

The best bit is the variety of projects; as you can imagine, I get to work on some fantastic innovations.

The worst bit is the paperwork. I’m far more interested in the creativity than the write up – I guess that figures.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

I feel I played a significant role in starting and growing the satellite and space cluster in the region, which has now grown into something very substantial as a result of the fantastic work from the guys who took over.

How do you relax outside of work? 

I’m very much into my sport.

I play a lot of football and enjoy coastal bike rides too.

It makes me feel I have earned a glass or two of red at the end of the week.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

 It’s probably been said by many others, but I think we as a region have a strong focus on collaboration and determinism, along with a rich heritage of innovation.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I once had a brief cameo on the TV show that launched Ant and Dec (Byker Grove). I just missed out on that career! (probably due to lack of talent)

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Arrow Innovation support .