Alex Lamle

Innovation & Local Growth Consultant @Connected Places Catapult

Milton Keynes, GB

As an Innovation Funding Consultant at Connected Places Catapult, I have led the design, delivery and management of innovation funding and local growth programmes that accelerate SME-led innovation across the UK. My remit includes the developing of new programme concepts aligned with customer and client needs, defining assessment criteria, running competition and monitoring project outcomes to ensure strategic impact. I have led or supported several major programmes including the Zero Emissions Airports Programme, High Assurance Detection Systems Competition, Freight Innovation Fund Mini Competitions, DIATOMIC funding programme, and the West Midlands Logistics & Distribution Cluster. I’ve also contributed towards initiatives such as the Transport Research Innovation Grants and Scaling Innovation Competition. In each are I’ve collaborated with founders, sector experts and internal delivery teams to attract diverse SME cohorts, establish fair and transparent evaluation processes and provide end-to-end support to funded projects. I regular engage with stakeholders across government and industry, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and rules, and using our internal systems (such as our CRM) to track engagement and impact. I have also worked directly with the internal CRM team to improve its implementation and outcome tracking, helping to generate an additional £8m in tracked impact across the catapult\'s programmes. I also support the onboarding of new team members and contribute towards developing new programme designs and strategic partnerships that extend the reach of our programmes. These activities demand effective negotiation techniques, rapid planning, collaborative deliver, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Aston University

Master's degree

The University of Hull

Bachelor's Degree