Creating innovation spaces where ambitious businesses can achieve sustainable, high-growth

After holding several positions in the company, Jo became Managing Director in October 2017. Responsible for overall strategic direction, growth, and leading all Business Development activity, Jo has been instrumental in OI Space becoming the national network that it is.

Jo is also a Director of UKSPA (United Kingdom Science Park Association) and Chair of the British Heart Foundation 'Heart of Oxford Business Board' raising money locally for the charity.

Jo spends a lot of her spare time in Cumbria, with family and walking hills with her mad cocker spaniel, Jesse.

I loved opening Culham Innovation Centre in 2001 and 23 years later still being around to celebrate its success.

My favourite part is developing strategies, designs and operating models for successful innovation spaces and then seeing them come to fruition - sometimes many years later.

As William Blake said, "What is now proved, was once just imagined".

Having formerly held the position of Chief Executive of a Local Enterprise Partnership, Tim has previously worked closely with Oxford Innovation Advice and SQW Ltd in the development and implementation of economic growth strategies and business support services.

Since 2019, in his role as our Deputy Managing Director, Tim has been responsible for the day-to-day operation of Oxford Innovation Space.

In his spare time, Tim enjoys going to the cinema, listening to (his wife’s) music, watching all sports and reading. He also likes to walk anywhere and everywhere he can.

Leading the mobilisation of The EpiCentre in Haverhill, in the dark depths of COVID-19. It was certainly memorable for the many challenges posed by the pandemic but we opened the centre on time through a huge team effort.

After 8 years as our Finance Manager, Jon was appointed as Finance Director in 2015, where he is responsible for the finance and procurement functions within the company.

As well as overseeing the strategic and operational elements of finance and procurement Jon is also an important part of the Business Development team, preparing financial business plans and analysis on behalf of clients and mobilising new centres.

Jon enjoys spending time with his family and two dogs as well as indulging in his passion for football. Jon has been a season ticket holder at Wycombe Wanderers since 1994 and follows them home and away.

He is also an FA level 2 football coach and coaches at Aylesbury Utd Juniors.

I enjoy working on centre projects from the design and viability stage, through to the mobilisation and operating phases.

In her role as Commercial Director, Elaine is responsible for sales, revenue, marketing and contract management within our innovation centres across the UK and Ireland.

Before her current role, she held various positions within the business, including project lead for the mobilisation and management of Future Space in Bristol.

In her time away from work you’ll often find Elaine walking her dog Rafi and singing in the Oxford Gospel Choir, as featured on BBC Gospel Choir of The Year.

I have really enjoyed working on the development of WorkIQ in Tallaght, Dublin.  Initially, we worked with SQW on a feasibility study to identify an appropriate site, and then we were appointed to refine the strategic plan, support the business case development and input in to the design of the building.

It is always very rewarding to see the concept come to life, but after 7 years of working with South Dublin County Council, it is particularly special to be opening our first innovation centre outside of the UK in 2024

Rob joined Oxford Innovation in 2018 and was promoted to Operations Director in 2021. After 10 years with the NHS as an Operations Manager culminating in a wealth of knowledge and experience in Health & Safety, Compliance, Facilities Management, Quality Assurance, Building Management & Construction he brings a lot to the team.

Rob is passionate about supporting and developing our assets and staff to ensure that our Centres operate to an exceptional standard.

In his spare time, Rob enjoys running, football and the great outdoors with his dog and second son Baxter.

I enjoy finding ways to simplify and improve processes.

I’m a big advocate of working smarter, not harder and making our business more efficient and compliant so we continue to deliver a platform that enables us to thrive safely whilst maximising productivity.

Neil joined Oxford Innovation as Innovation Director at our ICKG centre in Colchester and was promoted to the position of Business Support Director in 2022.

Neil offers a wealth of business and leadership management experience in commercial environments and is a certified Mentor and Professional Coach. He also has an MBA from the University of East Anglia and is chartered in both consultancy and management. Neil works with other Universities as part of the mentorship team on the government-backed “Help to Grow” programme.

Neil is a Leeds United fan and a keen watcher of all sports.

He collects sporting memorabilia, enjoys building Lego and spending time with friends and family in Suffolk.

I enjoy developing our Business Support framework that allows our expert Business Specialists to support the growth of innovative businesses.

Lisa joined us as Director of Organisational Improvement, to lead projects designed to deliver organisational change and improvement in the organisation’s strategic and operational plans.

Lisa brings 25 years of experience in the flexible workspace sector and a wealth of operational excellence. Her leadership is grounded in inclusive practices, strategic vision, and a commitment to achieving results.

Lisa loves long walks in the Wiltshire countryside with her family & dogs Ziggy and Islay, especially when there’s a good lunch at the end!

Additionally, she loves to sing in the Salisbury Plain Military Wives Choir and enjoys yoga, pilates, and hitting the gym.

We achieved accreditation to the Good Business Charter last year. A proud moment as we showcased our ethical workplace practices, sustainability and environmental roadmap to Net Zero, and our positive community impacts.

I am also enjoying working on our Net Zero carbon emissions project with Positive Planet, who are supporting us.

Kathryn joined OI Space in 2007 following the merger between Oxford Innovation and SQW, to build and manage a professional HR service across the group.

Kathryn has developed and manages all aspects of the HR function from recruitment, induction, performance management, training, policies and procedures, reward, TUPE and employee relations.

She has also managed change projects like the introduction of a flexible benefits package and restructuring programmes.

Kathryn enjoys living in Oxford, which offers the best of living in a city, with its restaurants and theatres, with easy access to the countryside for long walks.

I enjoy the variety of my role and working with people across the company. Recruiting and inducting new staff during the mobilisation of new centres is always rewarding.

I have also enjoyed developing and rolling out our Competency Model and embedding it to support the development of our staff.