Harry Swan, Managing Director of Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. based in Consett, County Durham has been appointed to the Governing Board of the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.
Innovate UK, formerly known as the Technology Strategy Board, is the UK’s innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation.
Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Innovate UK brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy.
The Chair of Innovate UK, Phil Smith, said:
“I am excited by the contribution that Harry’s appointment will bring to our Board’s discussions. He leads a mid-sized, cutting-edge advanced materials and chemicals company and so brings a real customer’s perspective to our work. Beyond that, his work with the Chemical Industries Association and the recently established Chemistry Growth Partnership bring us first-hand insight into some of the strategic channels through which we engage and support businesses in key areas of potential UK economic growth.”
Of his appointment, which will last until June 2017, Harry Swan said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed to the Board of Innovate UK. As Managing Director of an SME that has a long history of innovation, I believe that harnessing the UK’s remarkable capability to innovate is central to re-building a strong economy based on wealth generating businesses. To be able to contribute to the organisation that is at the heart of this challenge is a real privilege and I look forward to working with the other members of the Board over the coming years.”
Harry Swan joined Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. in 2002 when he was tasked with launching the Carbon Nanomaterials Business; in April 2006 he took up the position of Managing Director. Harry is the fourth generation of the Swan family to work at the company.
About Thomas Swan
Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. is an independent chemical manufacturing company. With offices and warehousing in the UK, USA and China and a global network of distributors, they service the domestic and international markets and export to over 80 countries worldwide.
Founded in 1926 in Consett, in the North East of England – still home to our manufacturing facilities – Thomas Swan today produces over 100 products, in kilogramme to multi-tonne quantities, and offers an experienced and flexible manufacturing service.
For further information on Thomas Swan please visit: www.thomas-swan.co.uk