Meet the team

Meet the dedicated professionals united by a shared mission to drive sustainable economic growth across Berkshire. Since 2011, The Skills and Business Hub has grown to be the trusted partner businesses and individuals turn to for expert solutions that work. For over a decade we have been the collaborative force behind transformational change – empowering businesses to thrive, helping individuals unlock their potential, and creating impactful strategies that adapt to our community’s evolving needs. Whether you’re scaling your business, developing critical skills, or exploring new career opportunities, we bring proven expertise across business support, employment, skills, and investment to deliver results that matter. It’s your journey, and as Berkshire’s leaders in economic growth, we’re here to help you succeed.

Get in touch

Young business people meeting in an office for team building

Kathryn and Rachel from SBC team talking to an individual at Maidenhead Jobs Fair

Allison Giles and Sharon Hart Careers Hub strategy meeting

The Skills and Business Hub Team

Alison Webster

CEO

CEO since 2020, leading our journey from Berkshire LEP to The Skills and Business Hub. My role is about making big decisions, and being the link between our board, our team and the wider community. I'm passionate about creating opportunities that take people from classroom to boardroom!

Abby Lacey

Head of Business Operations

Head of Business Operations, overseeing HR, IT and governance. I have been with the company since 2012, growing alongside it. Bookkeeping and CIPD Level 5 qualified. Passionate about culture, inclusion — and my secret creative side (I designed our new logo!). Love walking, sea swims & glamping.

Allison Giles

Strategic Careers Hub Lead

I’m Strategic Careers Hub Lead for Berkshire, connecting education and employment to support young people’s futures. With 9 years in the sector, I value lifelong learning and collaboration. Helping young people find their path is my passion—whether in a classroom or on the road.

Andre Arundell

Business Adviser

As a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, I dedicate my career to supporting businesses of all sizes, fostering inclusivity, and driving sustainable economic growth. I combine strategic vision, operational expertise, and hands-on mentorship to empower individuals and communities to thrive.

Claire Bradbury

Skills Bootcamp Programme Manager

I’m Programme Manager for Skills Bootcamps, leading DfE-funded delivery across Berkshire. With a background in education, IT, and funded programmes, I’m passionate about lifelong learning. I also enjoy gardening and grow sugar snap peas in memory of my dog.

Clare Sharp

Electric Vehicle Project Manager

As an experienced and qualified Project Manager for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme across Berkshire, I work with the 6 Local Authorities to enable the delivery of the additional estimated 6,500 EV on street charge points across the region.

Gemma Welburn

Skills Bootcamps Operations Manager

As the Skills Bootcamps Operations Manager I provide operational oversight of the Skills Bootcamp programme, keeping Bootcamps running smoothly by ensuring delivery is consistent, compliant, and on track to meet performance targets. Outside work I love reading, travel and food.

Grace Slade

CEC Project Officer

I’m a Business Administrator and Project Officer for the Careers Hub, supporting smooth project delivery. Since joining in October 2023, I’ve completed a Level 3 Business Admin apprenticeship. I enjoy helping young people explore careers and love music and the gym.

Jack Hammond

Senior Skills Bootcamps Programme Coordinator

I’m the Senior Programme Coordinator for the Berkshire Skills Bootcamps. My role centres around supporting the successful delivery of our programmes, acting as the account manager for a range of delivery providers. I focus on building strong, collaborative partnerships and maintaining high standards

Jay Jenkins

Marketing Executive

My role is Marketing Executive where I drive growth across all of the different parts of the Skills and Business Hub. Before this, I completed the 16-week Skills Bootcamp in Digital Marketing at the Curious Academy.

Kate Evans

Employer Engagement Coordinator

I have worked in education for over six years, primarily with Special Educational Needs and Alternative Provision students. I am passionate about careers education and my current position is lead on our Enterprise Adviser network, connecting business volunteers to schools/colleges within Berkshire

Kathryn Cousins

Skills Bootcamp Programme Coordinator

I’m Programme Coordinator for Skills Bootcamps, managing provider relationships and streamlining workflows. I bring experience in mental health and education programmes, and enjoy connecting teams. Outside work, I love running and cooking.

Lesley Mckie

Business Adviser

Lesley McKie is a seasoned business owner and consultant with nearly two decades of experience supporting SMEs. As a Business Adviser, she specialises in marketing and communications strategy, start-up support, and mentoring - drawing on her background with KPMG and training in facilitation.

Martine Baker

Director of Business Development and Skills

As Director of Business Development and Skills I help drive our future direction. Having worked in skills, training provision and local government for many years I’m passionate about the work we do here. I love seeing people grow and develop, driving culture and supporting businesses.

Matt Cannaby

Operations Delivery Manager

Working across the Growth Academy and Berkshire Growth Hub, I ensure both run efficiently, delivering high-quality support and impact to professionals and business owners. When I’m not streamlining processes or supporting people, you’ll find me exploring the great outdoors.

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The Board of Directors

Bob Beveridge

Bob Beveridge - Chair

As Chair, I ensure good governance to give confidence to our stakeholders and ensure we provide the best possible value in our services. I provide both support and challenge to our chief executive and help to decide on new strategic opportunities as our company continues to evolve and grow.

Dominic Zaum

Board Member

I’m Pro-Vice Chancellor (Planning and Resource) at the University of Reading, overseeing staff deployment, course programmes, and capital investment. I’m also Professor of Governance, Conflict, and Security, and co-chair of the FCDO’s Science Advisory Group.

Liz Terry

Board Member

Bio coming soon

Paul Newman

Board Member

Bio coming soon

Peter Sheppard

Board Member

I’m a Non-Executive Director, appointed in April 2021. I bring private sector expertise to The Skills and Business Hub and chair the Steering Group overseeing the Funding Escalator scale-up fund, administered by The FSE Group.

Sarah Atkinson

Board Member

Bio coming soon

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More from The Skills and Business Hub

Growth Hub

Berkshire Growth Hub is a government-funded programme providing free business advice and support to any business in Berkshire.

The Growth Hub helps businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether you are launching, growing or ready to scale your business, we can provide tailored guidance to help you achieve real results.

Our support is part of the Business Growth Service: to transform how businesses access government and partner support by creating an inspiring, seamless, and trusted experience that connects all businesses to the right advice and support when they need it most.

Visit the Growth Hub

senior-craftsman-laughing-with-young-craftsman

Skills and Apprenticeship Hub

The Skills and Apprenticeship Hub supports employers and individuals across Berkshire in accessing skills development, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Skills Bootcamps offer flexible training programmes designed to help individuals gain in-demand skills and fast-track into jobs.

Berkshire Skills Bootcamps are making a real impact—supporting individuals’ skills development and addressing the workforce needs of Berkshire employers.

Visit Skills and Apprenticeships

Careers Hub

Berkshire Careers Hub, in partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, delivers fully-funded careers support to educational institutions across Berkshire, empowering young people to secure their best next steps.

The Careers Hub team facilitates real-world experiences, employer engagement, and help to shape tailored careers programmes that help young people understand their options and take confident steps forward.

We work closely with Employers and Volunteers to provide coordinated access to future talent while helping shape the careers education that prepares tomorrow’s workforce.

Visit Careers Hub