This month, we welcomed James Lamprell to our business and innovation gateway team. We caught up with him to find out more about his role as a Business and Industry Relationship Officer and how he’ll be supporting innovation and enterprise at Kent.
So what does your new role involve?
My role is to engage with industry to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, with a particular focus on helping businesses to innovate and grow. I am fortunate to be part of a larger team of Business & industry Relationship Officers, many of whom have been with the University for a number of years with expansive expertise supporting innovation. Each of us has a divisional focus so we can really understand the areas the schools within our academic division specialise in, and understand how this expertise can support businesses to innovate. My academic division encompasses the schools of computing, engineering and mathematics. It is fascinating to see the research and innovation taking place at Kent, and the real life applications and outcomes of this work.
What is it that attracted to you to it?
I have always been interested in the education sector and an admirer of the University, but never truly understood how much innovation originates from the University of Kent. The university is a hub for cutting edge research where I am privileged to play my part connecting our expertise to industry to help businesses innovate and tackle current and future challenges.
Have you had past experience working with business and industry?
I spent the majority of my career working within a business development role, much of this in international market development. My experience in setting up a Canadian subsidiary for a UK mother company, and acting as managing partner on a licensed manufacturing business, gave me a rounded view of multiple business functions. I am looking forward to building upon my experience, to support my development within my new role.
What is it about Kent which stands out to you?
The University of Kent is a fantastic place to work; we have a stunning campus, amazing facilities, as well as talented staff and students. In summary it’s a great place to be.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Innovation is forward thinking by nature and you never know where it will take you and what project you may be involved with next. I am looking forward to learning more about the unknown, and in playing my part in helping business and industry innovate.
And lastly, if you could come up with an innovative solution to one thing, what would it be?
I think it’s best I leave that to our academic experts!
Our experienced and professional business and innovation gateway team understand that different businesses need different support and will work with you to find the right expertise for your organisation. Contact the team today to discuss how the University can meet your research and innovation needs.