Dr. James Callaghan, Regional Director, ICAEW

James works to raise the profile of ICAEW with members and key external stakeholders and to support members in their careers. He manages and oversees the work of the regional staff ensuring that local members receive professional career support through local District Societies and connected communities.

James has a solid grounding in research and innovation management in the higher education sector backed up by a number of years in industry combining interests in innovation, consultancy and the commercialisation of intellectual property.

He also has significant experience as a non-executive Director in a number of companies in Ireland and the UK and has participated in many negotiations involving spin-out companies and investors.

James holds a PhD in Business and Management from the University of Cambridge. He is also a Chartered Engineer.

Yvonne Gale, Chief Executive of NEL Fund Managers and Non-Executive Director for Finance & Procurement, Office of the Small Business Commissioner

Yvonne joined NEL Fund Managers in 2002. She is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of all teams within the organisation.

Her role also involves sourcing funds for management, fund design, achieving maximised returns and impact for investors, and investor relations.

Yvonne is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and an Associate Member of the Institute of Economic Development. She holds a DBA, MBA, IOD Diploma in Company Direction. Dr Gale’s area of research is investment decision making. She is also a member of the Advisory and Decision Committee for the UAE Ministry of Finance-backed, Mohammed bin Rashid AED 2 billion Innovation Fund.

Prior to joining NEL, she qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a national accountancy firm and has held senior management positions in several high growth businesses. She brings a wealth of experience to the team of investing in high growth businesses.

Paul Mount, Deputy Agent Yorkshire and Humber, Bank of England

Paul has worked in Bank of England’s regional agency network since September 2019. He is an experienced economist, whose career spans the UK Civil Service, management consultancy and investment banking.

Please note that the programme is subject to change

The bank of England

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