#BOARD MEMBERS

Board Chair
As a commercial solicitor, Alistair advises a wide range of local businesses and is passionate about understanding and encouraging business development. He enjoys supporting the MENTA team with the many and varied enterprise initiatives they provide to start-up and growing businesses.

Board Member
An experienced multidisciplinary business adviser, chartered accountant, and auditor with over 10 years’ partnership experience leading departments and offices within East Anglia. Currently a director of Jacobs Allen, he is passionate about demystifying corporate finance advice and making it accessible to businesses irrespective of size. As a Patron he has experienced the award-winning services MENTA provide and is looking forward to supporting MENTA as it continues to shape enterprise in the region.

Board member
Rob’s skills and knowledge centre on strategic eBusiness consultancy. His experience enables him to identify commercial objectives and requirements, and, in turn, translate these into an actionable technical strategy. Rob thoroughly enjoys his work with MENTA and brings a host of web-based and technical skills to the board.

Board member
Andrea is responsible for leading the team at Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council on economic development. She has a strong interest in helping businesses to develop, grow and prosper. As such, Andrea is passionate about supporting MENTA and using her knowledge, experience and connections to support the local business community.

Board member
An engineering graduate and former airline pilot and instructor, Bill’s extensive career in the aviation industry saw him progress to fulfilling various senior management and board-level roles, experiencing merger and acquisition on three different occasions. In 2014, Bill and his wife set up Bury St Edmunds-based IP firm, Ward Trade Marks. For Bill, helping MENTA to support the growth of start-up and early-stage businesses is a pleasure and a privilege.

Board Member
Louise is an entrepreneurial business leader with over 15 year’s Board level experience at one of the UK’s biggest PR consultancies. Since moving to Suffolk, Louise has become an independent communications consultant, specialising in corporate communications and growing new financial and fintech brands. Louise is also one of the founders of Opinium Research, one of the fastest growing international market research agencies, and continues on the Board in an advisory position.
Louise has benefitted first hand from MENTA’s excellent support including networking events and the creative workspace @Inc. In a post-pandemic era when many people will be considering their career choices.