About the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem

Paul is a Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice and Director of the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem.

He is also a co-founder and CEO of CrystecPharma, a University of Bradford technology spin-out company focused on improving the performance of medicines, working with industry clients world-wide as well as developing its own portfolio of differentiated pharmaceutical products. The company has operations, joint ventures and strategic partnerships spanning the UK, Europe, Switzerland, China and the US.

Paul speaks four languages (and is learning Chinese), holds an MBA, professional membership of the Institute of Marketing, is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Dr. Qun Shao is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Bradford Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem.

He is actively involved in managing entrepreneurship programmes for students, graduate entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs in our local community.

Qun has many years of knowledge transfer experience in both academic and industrial organisations across China and UK. Qun is also a co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of CrystecPharma Ltd, a spin-out of the University of Bradford, focused on pharmaceutical particle design and crystal engineering.

Qun is fluent in English, with Mandarin as his native language.

Sonya works as an Enterprise Development Manager at the University of Bradford, as part of the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem.

Sonya is a prominent advocate for sustainability and the co-founder of AVIE, an award-winning luxury slow fashion brand.  After completing her Executive MBA at the University of Bradford with top honours, Sonya joined its Advisory MBA Board, combining her creative vision with strong business acumen. She is also developing her latest venture, GoodHalo, an eco-conscious platform focused on advancing sustainable practices which has secured funding from Innovate UK.

Siân has experience in organising and delivering industry and public national events.

She previously specialised in environment, construction, economic and tourism sectors, providing public relations and strategic communication support across all areas. She now works on enterprise development, supporting new businesses to grow and engaging with mentors and speakers.

Contact

Email

[email protected]

Irem recently relocated to Bradford from Newcastle upon Tyne, her background has been in local government and emergency services communications.

She is also a director of a radio station (Spice FM, Newcastle upon Tyne) and has held a position as an executive committee member for the Newcastle Mela for 15 years. Irem’s experience includes managing communication strategies in public service settings and organising community events and cultural initiatives and as well as event management.

If you would like to practise your ‘geordie’ accent on her – feel free!

Holding senior positions at Qualcomm and Intel, Dr Renduchintala knows that entrepreneurs require a supportive environment and a gathering of advisers and well-wishers that could chaperone their plans, not just through the good idea phase, but all the way to creating a business entity.

“What we are trying to do with Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem is to emulate what has been popular and prolific in many areas of the US and other parts of the world, where academic research ultimately leads towards ground-breaking transformations in real life. Great ideas and the people who have those ideas need a lot of help along the way. The whole idea of Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem is to provide access to the support required to get those great ideas to commercial viability. The University of Bradford has the cross-functional skills the ecosystem requires. If you look at its strengths - in engineering research, health sciences, the management school, the digital arena - these are all the areas that when you bring them together, they create a fertile ecosystem in which new ideas can be nurtured and grown."

Director of Rosedale Advisory LTD

As the Chair of the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem Advisory Board, Martin is committed to ensuring that the resources generously provided by our patrons and the University are strategically invested.

His focus will be on prioritising initiatives that lay strong foundations for entrepreneurial success, allowing the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem to scale effectively and create a sustainable ecosystem. Martin has worked in professional financial services for over 30 years and has sat on ‘all sides of the table’ whether that be as an entrepreneur, banker, consultant, trusted advisor or non-executive.

"We can redefine enterprise and entrepreneurship beyond simple profit and amplify the economic and societal benefits to the wider community and planet."

Dr. Mary Kerr, Ph.D. is currently Chief Executive Officer and Director at NeRRe Therapeutics, a VC funded UK Biotech company. She was Co-founder and CEO of KaNDy Therapeutics until the company was acquired by Bayer in September 2020 for an upfront consideration of $425 million and milestone payments with a total potential deal value of >$1b.

In addition, she was an NED at Galapagos (Nasdaq and Euronext listed) for seven years, an Operating Partner at Advent Life Sciences VC firm, and is currently a Women's Health Adviser to the Danish BioInnovation Institute. Dr. Kerr has spent most of her career on the R&D commercial interface in global strategy and regional operational roles, predominantly in the Specialty and Orphan pharmaceutical space.

"I love the ambition behind Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem. I look forward to connecting, exchanging ideas and sharing the knowledge and experience gained throughout my career with the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem community."

From his early entrepreneurial endeavours to his groundbreaking work in mobile technology and biotech, Barry's story is one of continuous learning and adaptation.

His latest venture, Micregen, is at the forefront of biotech innovation, conducting cutting-edge research aimed at transforming healthcare.
As Barry joins the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem Advisory Board, his wealth of experience, leadership, and his innovative mindset is set to inspire and elevate the University's enterprise culture and operations.

''The entrepreneurial approach that Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem are adopting
feels really positive...innovation looks to be the catalyst for students to create the value which
Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem are looking to achieve."

poa! internet

Chris started out with a mission to deliver internet to every home in Africa, not just to the privileged and already connected few. He wanted to bring connectivity to underserved communities, and in turn introduce them to the opportunities that being connected to the internet can give.

In 2023 the Financial Times ranked poa! as Africa’s fastest growing internet service provider, and in 2024, poa! is due to break new ground by expanding across Kenya as well as opening into new African countries.

 "By sharing the more personal aspects of entrepreneurship, beyond just pitch decks and investor meetings, I hope to inspire the next generation of business creators and remind them that they are not alone on their journey."

Currently serving as the Strategic Director of Place at Bradford Council, David manages crucial areas such as regeneration, transport, and economic development, while having previously directed trade and investment initiatives at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

David has a proven track-record in economic development and the delivery of transformational, nationally significant infrastructure and regeneration projects and has a solid understanding of the local, regional, and national political landscape. His previous roles have afforded him a unique insight into the performance of the economy over the past fifteen years. 

"In the future, regions demonstrating an openness to new ideas, innovation, and people, will gain the most in terms of societal and economic growth. My experience of other global innovation ecosystems across the world, will help shape the contribution BREE can make to the city.”

Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures

Jordan is a founder, senior executive, angel investor, advisor, non-executive director and seasoned investment expert. Her boundless passion for innovation, coupled with a remarkable track record of achievements, positions her as a driver of growth and investment.

Jordan's transformative influence is evident through her leadership in orchestrating multi-million equity-based investment rounds, cultivating award-winning investor networks, and offering unwavering support to thousands of SMEs on their journey toward expansion and investment.

Lifted Ventures exists to increase the flow of early stage capital to female founders and promote the significant business benefits of backing women.

"We know a shared vision can unlock and enhance innovation. I am delighted to bring my knowledge of enterprise growth, ecosystem development and venture capital along with my passion to support diversity and inclusion."

Smarter Britain

Kevin has an impressive track record in building and leading successful companies. As CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW, he led hugely successful turnarounds and business growth. Today he remains actively involved in founding and building companies worldwide.

He has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 40 leaders reflecting his exceptional ability to inspire teams to transform companies and achieve extraordinary results. His focus on developing innovative strategies and building high-performance cultures has been instrumental in driving business growth and success.

Kevin has delivered keynote speeches and masterclasses at some of the world's most prestigious conferences and for some of the world’s leading brands including Google, Shell, Oracle, Volkswagen, Close Brothers and Proctor & Gamble. 

"I see the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem as a catalyst for profound change. In the coming years, it has the potential to position Bradford as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship - not just within the university, but across the region and beyond."

Co-Founder of Beer Hawk

Mark is the Co-Founder of Beer Hawk, transforming it from a small start-up into a thriving e-commerce business generating over £80 million in revenues.

As an intrapreneur, Mark launched PerfectDraft globally, seeding the product in the UK before scaling it to over $200m in revenues, with a presence on 3 continents, and becoming a lead Direct-To-Consumer proposition for ABInBev.

Mark advises numerous start-ups and notably Chaired the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, responsible for local economic development for a city region housing 2.3m people and a £60 billion economy. He is also an Operational Partner for Praetura Ventures, providing advice to portfolio companies.

"Entrepreneurship can transform the lives of individuals, communities, and the planet. We need more innovators to step forward and dare to dream the future. I’m delighted to help support the next generation of entrepreneurs and unlock the potential that’s so clearly in Bradford."

Director and founding member of MyLahore

Ishfaq is the Director and one of the founding members of MyLahore, a pioneering multi-site restaurant and catering business that began in Bradford in 2002.

Today, MyLahore has grown into a family-run enterprise employing over 450 people across the UK. Ishfaq’s leadership has been instrumental in the business's success, ensuring the brand remains rooted in its family values while continuing to innovate and expand.

He is also deeply committed to community engagement and strengthening ties between the UK and Pakistan through tourism, cultural exchange, and charitable initiatives.

"I foresee Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional business models and the rapidly evolving needs of modern enterprises."

Co-Founder of WayPoint Change

As a co-founder of WayPoint Change, a renowned SME turnaround boutique established in 2006, Andrew has successfully recovered equity value for over a dozen businesses within typical project durations of 2-5 years.

Outside turnaround, he has completed “active” NED roles in several troubled PE-backed or private businesses and regularly carried out focused diligence reviews for equity investors – often before terms are agreed or the heavy diligence process has begun - or as part of an exit readiness process.

Andrew spent 25 years in public accounting with KPMG, including 16 years as a partner: growing KPMG’s Transaction Services business from scratch to be the leading diligence practice in the Midlands.

"At the core of improving services for citizens, is encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs and risk takers, helping them access experience, to learn from the mistakes of those who went before them and to be guided and introduced into a wide network of useful contacts."

Founder of Surpass Assessment

Bob's entrepreneurial spirit prompted him to establish Bradford Technology Ltd (BTL), where he innovated audiometer technology and advanced desktop computing and e-learning.

Bob's visionary product, Surpass, transformed computer-based testing, earning international acclaim. In 1995, he founded Virtual College, which continues to deliver cutting-edge digital learning experiences for vocational skill development.

Bob's deep technical knowledge, hands-on business approach, and commitment to continuous innovation have positioned both BTL and Virtual College as leaders in the e-learning and e-assessment landscape.

"The future is definitely with those businesses that are prepared to be innovative and move quickly on their feet."

Executive Director of Palm Cove Society

Karl's background has been in various aspects of community regeneration and business development – working across the sectors of business, government, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations; building key and effective partnerships of mutual interest.

Karl has run his own businesses and has a strong background in supporting and promoting Black and minority-owned enterprises and VCSE through various business development initiatives and agencies.

Karl is currently Executive Director of Palm Cove Society CIC, where he leads on enterprise and enrichment activities.

"The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem resonates with my personal desire for Bradford and West Yorkshire to be positioned as a genuine example of good practice for regenerating disadvantaged communities through enterprise development."

The Muslim Women in Prison Project

Sofia has amassed over 15 years’ experience in the voluntary/community sector both within local authority, grassroots communities as well as at an International NGO level.

Over the past 8 years, she has been based at the Khidmat Centres in Bradford where she has pioneered a number of ground-breaking initiatives including award-winning research within HMPPS around the experiences of women prison-leavers, centralising the voices of young Bradfordians during Covid through the 'Young in Covid' project and films, and spearheading new services at the centre around dementia support and arts and culture.

Sofia is deeply invested in nurturing emerging talent into leadership, be that in social, business or professional roles. In November 2020, Sofia was conferred as a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire.

"I envision a dynamic and energised environment where individuals can engage with new business ideas within a structured programme of excellence. This will foster business success, generate income for the city, and highlight the immense talent and potential within Bradford's business community."

Yorkshire Asian Business Association

Sharon is the Director of the Northern Powerhouse Ethnic Minority Business & Policy Forum, Founder of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) and Chair of Unity Enterprise. YABA was created to provide a voice for the Yorkshire Asian Business community. Research has shown that the Asian business community make an enormous contribution to UK plc.

She sits on the board of the Unity Housing Association, and is a Director of the Federation of Small Business.

She was listed in the New Year Honours list 2023 receiving an Order of the British Empire for her contributions to international trade.

"The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem aligns with my professional goals of fostering enterprise growth, supporting startups, driving technological innovation, contributing to economic development and gives me a chance to have a tangible impact on the local community."