Philippa is a passionate advocate for the sector with an extensive track record of collaborating with industrial communities to address pressing issues that will shape our future and deliver inclusive economic growth. Phillipa has held senior roles across both, multi-nation, and SME manufacturing businesses, having developed a wealth of industrial experience working for companies including OMROM, P&G, Nutricia SSL International and CNC Robotics.
The VEC is the UK’s leading independent centre for industrial innovation and digital transformation based at the University of Liverpool. Working with businesses and government to deliver digital transformation, effective policy and structural programmes supporting economic development and industry-led high-growth innovation ecosystem.
Philippa’s appointment is a recognition of her substantial and sustained contributions as she embodies the university values and VEC’s ambitions. As part of her role, she will help to inform the development, delivery and integration of new partnerships and activities focussing on promoting UK manufacturing and the value of reindustrialisation for inclusive prosperity and economic growth.
In addition to her success in businesses, Philippa has become a noted national thought leader, a valued Industrial Advisory Board Member at a regional and national level, and a Commissioner for Made Smarter.
In 2022 she joined Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotherham’s Innovation Board, with a vision to contribute to shaping the region’s future by championing innovation, driving growth, and positioning Liverpool City Region as a hub for cutting-edge solutions with an aim for increasing R&D spending to 5% of GVA by 2030.
Philippa will help the VEC evolve and grow its offering to industry and government to help inform better policy, establish new partnerships, and develop new high impact initiatives to support British industry and deliver inclusive economic growth. She will also support the University as an ambassador for the value of STEM subjects and the value of the UK industry as a career for future leaders.
Philippa brings an expert and contemporary industrial background, experience and understanding of the real concerns of businesses and how we can overcome these together through the upskilling of future generations to tackle these concerns with strength and unity.
Philippa said:
“To be awarded such a prestigious title from the University of Liverpool feels a huge privilege. Institutions such as the University of Liverpool help to inspire, innovate, and drive positive change across the region and beyond. As a local resident, I look forward to using this award to support the University, its students, and the wider community to continue to develop the work they do to support and inspire our community and work towards delivering inclusive economic growth.”
Andrew Borland, Chief Innovation Officer of VEC remarked:
“Philippa is a committed and creative industrial leader with a commitment to Liverpool City Region and the UK manufacturing sector. A scientist turned manufacturing leader with the drive and vision to help policymakers and political leaders understand the importance of fusing R&D, education, and skills for industry to deliver a sustainable future. VEC looks forward to working with Philippa to help develop a new generation of industrial innovation programmes and foster the next generation of industrial leaders.”
Horizons is a project set up by Liverpool’s three universities and funded by the UK government to help SMEs across the city region prosper.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Liverpool’s VEC (Virtual Engineering Centre), Liverpool John Moores University and Edge Hill University, Horizons is the first innovation support programme funded by the Liverpool City Region’s £33m UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It will support 100 SMEs and provide 30 grant opportunities to help businesses to embrace innovative technologies and support long-term success.
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