With over 30 years’ experience in developing successful project proposals, Peter embodies RedKnight’s experience and knowledge. With a BSc (Joint Hons) in Botany and Zoology and a PhD in Plant Pathology at the Imperial College, he became Head of Research Office at Lincoln University, obtaining a distinguished Honorary Fellowship in 2008. Peter later joined Cardiff Met as European Projects Director and the University of Wales Trinity St David as Professor of European Research and Innovation.

Peter has been an evaluator and reviewer for European Commission for over 25 years and Chaired the expert group which evaluated Framework Programme 7. He was also appointed member of HEFCW and WEFOs Working Group on the new Structural Funds Programmes.

With a Masters (MSocSc) in Economic Development and Policy at the University of Birmingham, Ann has over 20 years of experience in bid development, project delivery and research and evaluation. With detailed knowledge of European Structural Funds, particularly ERDF, Ann has raised over £10 million for economic development projects. She also has experience with Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020. Ann also develops supporting material for bids including research reports detailing the need and demand for projects and economic impact assessments highlighting the economic and social benefits of proposed developments. Ann has also provided interim management, compliance and audit advice until project teams are in place, as well as post-project evaluation.

Tom has direct experience in matching deep technologies to unmet needs, and he understands the challenges faced by clients on long innovation journeys. His technical grounding in Physics (MSci, University of Birmingham) and space propulsion (PhD, University of Surrey + industry partners) led to a desire for entrepreneurial impact, further inspired and supported by SETsquared (global #1 university business incubator). Over >7 years as employee #1 at a deeptech/medtech start-up, he developed >15 early-stage collaborative R&D grant applications (TRL 2-6) to a multitude of funders, growing a network and leveraging hundreds of thousands of pounds to provide support up to initial commercial milestones. Tom is driven to help highly innovative, mission-oriented clients effectively tell their stories and secure the funding they deserve.

Kaleigh has over 20 years of experience in the financial world and holds a diploma in Accounting and Finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians. Kaleigh has developed a thorough knowledge of Innovate UK programmes throughout her career; to date, she has secured funding for more than 40 projects, totalling over £10m. She also has vast experience working with Horizon 2020 and Catapult funding. This has given her in-depth experience of working to strict audit requirements and developing supporting material to ensure funding is released. Kaleigh is driven to ensure all clients receive their funding to continue developing their innovative ideas.