Meet the Partnerships and Business Engagement team
Kingston University's Partnerships and Business Engagement team works with a wide variety of organisations to help achieve business growth through creativity and innovation. If you would like to discuss how we can support your business or find out more information, please contact us.
Business Development Manager
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Sahar Mansoori Zangir
Sahar focuses on the development of strategic partnerships between external organisations and academics with research and enterprise interests from the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences. She supports businesses looking for bespoke training provisions, project evaluations, development of creative solutions, collaborative funding opportunities and much more. Sahar has experience of working in both private and higher education sectors. With qualifications in science, business and training and a personal interest in the arts, she has helped create collaborations, education programmes and applied R&D projects in multiple sectors.
Business Development Manager
Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Neeta Barot
Neeta works with the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education on business engagement activities with a range of business, public and third sector clients. This includes contract research, consultancy, commercial CPD, summer schools, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, growth in intellectual property income and other business engagement activities. Neeta is also responsible for business development for degree apprenticeships for the University as a whole.
Business Development Manager
Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
Dr Mark Day
Mark leverages over 20 years of experience in commercialisation and business development to foster innovation and facilitate knowledge exchange between Kingston University and external organisations.
Mark's primary focus is developing strategic partnerships between academia and industry, supporting bespoke project evaluations and collaborative R&D projects. With a PhD in physical chemistry and a robust background in hardware and software development across multiple sectors, he has extensive commercial experience in technologies including AI, quantum computing, photonics, electron microscopy, medical devices and laser technologies.
Business Development Manager
Kingston School of Art
Bernett Thornes
Bernett focuses on business development of strategic partnerships between external organisations and academics with research and enterprise interests at the Kingston School of Art. She supports opportunities for knowledge share partnerships, businesses looking for innovation through consultation, targeted training provisions, project evaluations, collaborative funding opportunities and much more. With an MSc in Occupational Psychology and 17 years' experience in higher education, Bernett has significant knowledge in matching student talent with the anticipated growth and objectives of organisations.
Business Project Manager
Cassie Talfourd-Rich
Working closely with the Business Development Managers across all faculties, Cassie manages the development, planning, operation and evaluation of a portfolio of business projects, specialising in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). She is responsible for monitoring and ensuring all aspects of project delivery and is the central point of contact for staff, external stakeholders and clients in terms of business development and KTPs. Cassie also works to promote Knowledge Transfer Partnerships through internal and external events. Cassie has experience of working in both the private and higher education sectors.
Contracts Manager
Steph Adam
Steph manages the contracts process for the large and diverse range of Knowledge Exchange, commercial and collaborative activities across the University to ensure that activities are properly contracted for, maximising opportunities and reducing risk. She works closely with the Business Development Managers, the University's legal team, and internal and external clients offering professional yet pragmatic advice on a wide range of agreements.
Senior Business Engagement Coordinator
Rebecca Hill
Rebecca manages a range of strategic business engagement projects and activities designed to encourage collaboration between higher education and business and industry. Rebecca also plays a key role in the marketing and communication of the team's services and successes, and has been instrumental in the development of the Kingston Innovation Network, launched in 2020. Rebecca has worked in higher education for over 15 years and has a background in project management, marketing and events.
Business Engagement Coordinator
Ben Morrell
Ben manages and coordinates operational and reporting activities, which support business engagement across a range of knowledge exchange and employer engagement opportunities. This involves supporting the growth of KE income from external partners, making cross-referrals between business and employer-focused offerings, such as degree apprenticeships, and relationship management with business clients.
Ben has previously worked in fashion, film, and education since graduating from university with a BA (Hons) in 2016.
Business Engagement Coordinator
Zineb Mouine
Zineb acts as the first point of contact for all business engagement, short courses and summer schools enquiries. She supports the development and delivery of business engagement opportunities and products. Zineb works closely with the business development managers on the development of summer schools, short courses, and bespoke training courses for businesses. She is responsible for the operational side of the projects, ensuring the programmes are run smoothly. Zineb also has experience working in the private sector.
Contact the Partnerships and Business Engagement team
If you would like to find out more about how we could work with your business or need further information or advice, please get in touch with us via our contact form.