About

Rebecca Parker - Head of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub

Head of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub

Previously an accredited, qualified Business Advisor for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub, Rebecca also managed the Business Support Helpline for the County that is accessible to all Staffordshire SME’s seeking advice and support. The Business Helpline acts as the focal point for businesses that wish to start or grow, where she provided information to the co-ordinated and cohesive growth programme information, access to business networks, growth groups and links to specialist information, grant and business funding advice and services.

Advising on eligibility for ERDF funding for businesses trading within the LEP area, with extensive knowledge and strong stakeholder relationships county-wide, Rebecca continues to be keen to promote the drive for strong, sustainable business growth across Staffordshire with her strong interpersonal expertise and proficiency in business support & development, evident in her successful career history in both public and private sector roles ranging from her time in the West Mercia Constabulary, policing, to a successful career as the UK Business Manager for the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, to name a few.

Committed to my career development, Rebecca is currently working towards Chartered Management status with a BA (Hons) Chartered Business Management Degree and has recently taken her new position as the Head of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub to continue the incredible work and commitment she has made over the past few years as Team Manager.

Trish Reed - Marketing & Events Coordinator

Marketing & Events Coordinator

I am the Events & Marketing Coordinator for Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub; I manage all events, webinars, workshops that we deliver or support whilst managing all communications and campaigns.

I work closely with the wider team and referral partners to ensure content, topics and communications are kept relevant, accurate and up to date. By proactively and reactively arranging webinars, events and workshops to support businesses in their challenges, journey and growth aspirations we are able to assist Staffordshire SME’s in a variety of ways to reach their business goals.

I support the management of our Peer Networking programme and currently manage all activity surrounding our recently launched #GearingForGrowth2022 campaign engineered to support business growth aspirations moving forwards into the New Year.

Samuel Beard IMC, MIEx - Business Resilience & EU Exit Advisor

Business Resilience & EU Exit Advisor

Helping companies identify the risks present in their business by helping them prepare risk assessments and writing business continuity plans; specific areas of risk: Supply-chain/Brexit, cybersecurity, flooding, climate change, customer due diligence, and finance/cash flow. Additionally, able to guide on international trade matters arising from the UK’s EU exit or in wider regions of the world.

Pam Wallis - Specialist Funding & Finance Advisor

Specialist Funding & Finance Advisor

Declan Riddell - Growth Hub Advisor

Growth Hub Advisor

Working as one of the Growth Hub Advisers in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire, I meet with businesses to identify any areas which may be in need of advice, information or support. Using the Growth Hub diagnostic tool, I aim to signpost businesses to available help across the area and this could include business planning, marketing planning, training opportunities, growing overseas business or searching for available funding at any given moment.

Fiona Miller - Specialist Marketing Advisor

Specialist Marketing Advisor

I’ve worked in the field of marketing for over 14 years and it is a huge passion. My experience is a real fusion, which includes working for the media, a stint in private sector and running my own business. I’ve worked across a multitude of industries, including manufacturing, education, local government, property, leisure, finance, political and legal. This variety really helps me to get under the skin of any business and provide well rounded advice. My marketing expertise covers many touch points, both on and offline, including social media, paid search, web builds, email campaigns, blogs, events, print advertising, outdoor media, collateral and direct mail.

As a specialist in strategy, I can help you work towards matching your marketing plan to your business goals. Marketing advice through the Growth Hub is a really great way to refine your ideas and set you on the right track for success!

Alan Bloomfield- Specialist Digital Advisor

Specialist Digital Advisor

With over thirty years working for a Major Blue-Chip FTSE 100 Telecommunications Provider, I have extensive experience ranging from hands on Engineering, Operations management and IT Consultancy in PBX and Network Telecommunications. Specialisms include Mitel, Nortel, Avaya and Cisco accreditation along with CI, Lean, Project (Prince 2) and Sales Management experience.

I have successfully implemented a £9.2m Digital Transformation of the Coventry and Warwick University Pilot, this transformed the “Learning journey” for the students from a “paper based” experience to a very dynamic “virtual journey”

I am now the Specialist Digital Business Advisor in Stafford and Stoke Chamber, where I am using my technical expertise and ability to build relationships with key partners and clients and offer specialist guidance and support in the Digital Transformation journey that we are about to embark on.

The UK telecommunications voice and data network by 2025 will be moving from a traditional mixture of copper and fibre network to a fully embedded and integrated IP Platform. This will transform the speed and diversity in which business will interact, for those who do not make the most of the journey will be left behind.

My role as Specialist Digital Business Advisor is to help and support businesses in making this journey, exploiting digital opportunities to grow businesses by working collaboratively with the growth hub for any funding available and our local businesses to help drive the local prosperity.

Radian Jawadin - Senior Data Management Analyst

Senior Data Management Analyst

Rad’s role is to support and manage the data functions of the organisation. Working extensively on providing in-depth data analysis, in order to improve the services, we provide to our members.

Sonia Bhattle MCIPD - Specialist HR Advisor

Specialist HR Advisor

I have worked in Human Resources for over 5 years, my extensive experience ranges from HR Assistant to Head of Human Resources.

I am an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and hold a level 7 Human Resources qualification.  I have a variation of experience including hospitality, warehousing, offices and coaching and mentoring.

I am the Specialist Growth Hub HR Advisor for businesses that are referred to the Growth Hub team throughout Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire.  I offer a HR diagnostic which allows me to really understand your business needs and establish a plan that enables you to get the best from our services and support.  In my spare time I am currently studying to become a qualified counsellor, this is something I am really enjoying and supports my passion to help others and promote mental health support and understanding within the workplace.