Richard Baker
Strategy and Policy Director
Archives: Board members
NE LEP Board members
Strategy and Policy Director
Chief Executive of Bionow
Geoff is the Chief Executive of Bionow, the life sciences membership organisation for the North of England. Having founded the business in 2011, Bionow has more than 20 University members and 340 industry members across the North of England and North Wales. Geoff is regularly invited to advise and comment on industry requirements and represent the Bionow membership both regionally and nationally.
Previously, Geoff founded 2 biotech companies, Biorite Ltd and Advanced Biomedical Ltd, both spin-out companies from the University of Manchester focused on developing point of care diagnostic technologies.
Geoff has a degree in Biochemistry and a PhD from the School of Pharmacy, University of Manchester where he began his career undertaking postdoctoral research in the area of enhanced payload responsive liposomal drug delivery systems. Geoff is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, member of the LYVA Labs Investment Committee and member of the Deepbridge Capital Investment Advisory Committee.
Skills Director
As the Skills Director for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Michelle Rainbow’s goal is a bold one. She wants the North East to become a national exemplar for skills, social mobility and inclusivity.
An influential diversity and inclusivity champion, throughout her career Michelle has consistently pioneered an ‘each and every’ approach. Since joining the LEP, she has placed this at the heart of the Strategic Economic Plan and ensured it underpins the Skills agenda so no-one is left behind.
Chair of Developing Consensus
Sandra Manson is the Chair of Developing Consensus, a membership organisation based in the North East, that works together to create a more prosperous economy. Consisting of a coalition of North East businesses and national organisations operating within the region, we work to make the area more attractive to investors, help to remove barriers and to provide the right conditions for growth and help the region flourish.
From professional services, finance and the construction industry to local authorities, strategic boards and regional membership organisations, collaboration is crucial for us to tackle barriers preventing growth and encourage progress.
As an Executive Director for Pegasus Group, Sandra, as a town planner, has a real passion and drive for development in the Northeast, to create real economic, cultural and social growth and for the region to be the best version of itself. The opportunities through NEMCA and the devolution deal are game changing. The opportunity to support that through the Business Advisory Board is a privilege.
Chief Executive
Helen has been with the North East LEP since 2012, and the Chief Executive Officer since 2015. As the senior executive at the LEP, Helen leads the delivery of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, working with partners to grow the local economy. Her previous experience includes over twenty years in a number of local government roles in planning, regeneration, economic development and corporate governance. She has extensive programme and fund management experience with responsibility for delivering a wide range of programmes and commercial negotiations.
You can read Helen’s Register of Interests here.
CEO of Regional Trade Association Food and Drink North East
CEO of regional trade association Food and Drink North East, Chris works across the agri, food, drink, hospitality and manufacturing clusters. FADNEs aim is to build a vibrant and engaged community across the North East of England that champions positive trade, promotes a sustainable, circular economy and acts as a collective and inclusive voice for the region’s food and drink sector.
With over 25 years of industry experience in both the public and private sector, Chris has worked across Asia, Africa, Central America, China and the Middle East both in commercial supply chain roles as well as in the public sector, where his 10 years at the Department for Business and Trade developed his expertise in international trade.
Chris is also the UK Head of Food and Drink for Santander, working across 30+ global markets, raising UK export aspirations and facilitating trade opportunities. Lobbying at both a regional and national level, Chris sits on the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Food and Drink Sector Council, a public appointment focused on representing regional perspectives. Passionate about food culture, politics, entrepreneurship and business resilience, Chris is writer and columnist for various publications.
Innovation Director
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for health and adult social care
Karen Kilgour was first elected to Newcastle City Council in May 2014 as one of three ward Members for the West Fenham Ward and elected as Deputy Leader in May 2021. As Deputy Leader Karen works closely with the Leader on political governance across the Council. She looks after the council’s resources and ensures they are used wisely and in line with the direction set by Cabinet through the budget. She is also responsible for ensuring that the council has a performance regime which is driving change and improvement. Karen is responsible for health and adult social care within the city, supporting some of the most vulnerable residents to live as independently as they can. She also leads on health and social care integration. She is the Council’s Armed Forces Champion.
Manager of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF)
Arthur Hodgson, manager of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) since November 2018. Drawing on a background in the motor industry at Arriva (Cowies) and hands-on manufacturing experience at Nissan Sunderland, Arthur’s journey includes impactful roles with charities like Royal British Legion Industries and The Shaw Trust as an employment adviser. A seasoned networker, he seamlessly transitioned from positions such as Commercial Director at The Mussel Club to Relationship Manager at the North East England Chamber of Commerce. Now at AMF, Arthur, together with members, strategic partners, associates, and the AMF board is committed to nurturing sustainable growth, innovation, and best practices in the North East manufacturing and engineering sector. This collaborative effort forms a dynamic network, connecting and supporting businesses in the region, propelling them toward innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
