Innovation Ambassador appointed for Preston

An Innovation Ambassador has been appointed by Preston City Council in response to the recent "Nurturing Preston's Innovation Ecosystem" report published by Plexal. 

"Preston has all the ingredients needed for a successful innovation, however, action is needed to draw together into a coherent and well-signposted ecosystem."

This analysis was made by Plexal in their recently published report 'Nurturing Preston's Innovative Ecosystem', commissioned by Preston Partnership and funded through Lancashire County Council. It sits with a series of core factors they outline as required to make up a successful innovation ecosystem, ranging from vision and leadership to capital and infrastructure. 

As a founding member of Preston Partnership, Preston City Council participated in the consultation process and welcomed the report.  

Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council said:

"We recognise that Preston is on the precipice of opportunity in relation to the cyber, technology, and digital sector with the imminent arrival of the National Cyber Force at Salmesbury. The report provides us with useful insight into how we can progress this important agenda, and I am pleased that we have been able to respond so quickly by commissioning an Innovation Ambassador to facilitate this process." 

Shirah Bamber who co-founded Alma, a Preston-based consultancy, has been appointed as Innovation Ambassador to represent Preston and raise its profile as a hub for innovation, cyber, tech and digital businesses. Acting as a single point of contact, Shirah will engage with the digital, tech, and innovation community across the city to identify opportunities for collaboration, good news stories, and further development. 

Shirah said:

"This is a really exciting project to be working on, and one that I feel strongly about as a local resident, business owner, and mother of teenage children who are currently considering their career options."  

"Preston has so much potential, and I am looking forward to working with the different businesses, agencies, and organisations who are already fostering innovation, community building, and promoting this sector across the city, and region."  

With more than a decade of experience working in senior roles for organisations such as The Foxton Centre, Preston City Council, and Network Plus, Shirah has an extensive network of contacts across the city and region and has already started to meet with key stakeholders.  

Businesses and organisations who work within technology, cyber, and innovation can connect with Shirah on LinkedIn, or innovation@preston.gov.uk.