Our team is passionate about growing the South Midlands and representing and supporting every business that makes up our vibrant, historical and unique region.
Growing the South Midlands matters to our team because it’s where we live. We see the impact our support has on our towns and cities, and we benefit from a successful and growing region.
Get to know the team, and why they’re passionate about supporting business by clicking below.
BASED: WEST NORTHANTS
Contact: ruth.roan@southmidlands.org.uk
Ruth, a mum of 3, has run her own business Consultancy Company since 2006 whilst bringing up a young family. She has over 20 years’ experience in the business support sector, working with business to grow.
Ruth’s passion is working with people, organisations and local communities, helping them to build solid foundations, giving them the skills, confidence and expertise to grow and succeed.
Ruth is all about working with people to help themselves, giving them the support, advice and guidance to achieve their goals and aspirations. Creating successful, sustainable businesses.
Recently listed in ‘100 women in the South East Midlands to champion change’ by Natwest Bank, Ruth is dedicated to supporting more women into enterprise.
Growth Hub Manager
BASED: MILTON KEYNES
Contact: kelly.griffiths@southmidlands.org.uk
Why do you love working for the Growth Hub?
Every day, I have the privilege of engaging with inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, helping them navigate their challenges and leverage opportunities. Whether it’s guiding a startup through its early stages, assisting a business in accessing grant funding for growth, offering support during difficult times, or providing hands-on guidance as companies embark on their sustainability journeys, I am passionate about making a positive impact. The Growth Hub is an invaluable resource, and I am proud to be part of a team that shares a commitment to fostering business success and driving economic growth across the region.
Business Adviser Manager
BASED: NORTH NORTHANTS
Contact: carl.mayers@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
The personal reward of achieving success through supporting owners to overcome growth blockers & barriers, by applying business experience, and knowledge across multiple disciplines, and environments.
My proudest moment working for the Growth Hub
Supporting a family owned automotive retailer, in securing capital borrowing for a new £0.5m premises purchase, resulting in a successful thriving business, employing multi- generational family members.
Business & Commercial Enterprise Manager
BASED: WEST NORTHANTS
Contact: neil.smith@southmidlands.org.uk
Why do you love working for the Growth Hub?
I like working for the Growth Hub because of the huge variety of businesses and clients I meet. The amazing selection of questions and advice can range from a quick referral to complex funding discussions and business planning lasting months.
Every client is an individual and no two days are the same!
Business Adviser
BASED: MILTON KEYNES
Contact: jess.stead@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
After many years of working in London, I truly value the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my local community. The South Midlands is home to incredible people, places, and businesses, and I’m passionate about supporting their success!
Why do you love working for the Growth Hub?
Supporting a diverse range of businesses across various sectors is incredibly rewarding, and I take great pride in seeing them grow and thrive!
Business Adviser
BASED: BEDFORD BOROUGH
Contact: allison.colman@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
I am passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands because I believe in the potential of this region to thrive through innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. It’s exciting to be part of a network that values resilience, forward-thinking, and the drive to overcome challenges together.
My proudest moment working for the Growth Hub
My proudest moment working for the Growth Hub is successfully delivering grant programmes, enabling businesses to drive innovation and sustainability. These grants have provided vital financial support, enabling businesses to invest in cutting-edge solutions and adopt sustainable practices that not only strengthen their competitive edge but also contribute to the region’s long-term economic growth.
Senior Grants Executive
BASED: MILTON KEYNES
Contacts: irene.okere@southmidlands.org.uk
Irene joined SEMLEP in 2023 as a Project and Data Officer, supporting the Growth Hub team on various projects.
Having previously worked at SEMLEP and with over 10 years experience in project management, and coordinating programmes, Irene has successfully supported diverse projects to complete on time and within budget.
When not working, Irene enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering at the Milton Keynes Christian Centre.
Project & Data Officer
Based: MILTON KEYNES
Contacts: samantha.hunter@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
Seeing the growth of a business as a result of the support they received from our team is incredibly satisfying. Watching a business owner grow in confidence and implement strategies to take their business to the next level is inspiring to witness, and makes me feel like we as a team are on the right track and providing the right tools to businesses across the South Midlands.
My proudest moment working for the Growth Hub
As Partnerships Manager, I began nurturing a relationship with a local business who had briefly received some support from our advisor team. The owner fully committed to wanting to do more to support other businesses and as such got involved in our events programme, swiftly followed by our Hour with an Expert programme and has just recently been successfully appointed as a member of our Business Board.
For me that was quite a full circle experience. Going from being “just a business” in the region – who needed support – to becoming fully emersed in the cogs that help drive us forward as a Growth Hub!
Partnerships & Events Manager
BASED: NORTH NORTHANTS
Contact: patrick.kitson@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
During my career, I’ve worked for businesses across the South Midlands. I’ve seen first-hand the impact investment and support can have on industry and the people who make up the thriving communities we have across the region.
I’ve also witnessed the negative impact a lack of support can have on towns and villages, and how, without this support, innovation drops and investment plummets.
Our region has incredible potential, on a local, national and global scale. Every day we’re inspired by business owners developing innovative ideas that are looking to revolutionise the way they work and what they offer.
With the right support and guidance – which the Growth Hub offers – we can cement the South Midlands as the home for businesses in the UK.
Marketing & Communications Lead
Based: BEDFORD BOROUGH
Contact: mark.horder@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
I’m based in the South Midlands, so I can see the impact our work has firsthand. Our support not only helps businesses; it leads to community development and thriving activity across the region.
Why do you love working for the Growth Hub?
We are a friendly, supportive team that collaborates well to achieve goals. We listen to the needs of businesses, and respond with support and programmes that can help them.
Project Manager
Based: MILTON KEYNES
Contact: emma.panter@southmidlands.org.uk
Why are you passionate about supporting businesses in the South Midlands?
Supporting and engaging with businesses, whether small or large, is rewarding and impactful as it helps stimulate the economy by creating sustainable jobs, and skills, and fosters innovation in the area.
My proudest moment working for the Growth Hub
Leading on the development of and working closely with the South Midlands Business Board which will bring together business leaders across the region to help shape our future economic strategy and ensuring that the voice of business is represented in decision making.
Senior Administrator
