University Advisor Steering Group

GARY WOOD

Professor Gary C Wood PhD NTF SFHEA, Academic Director, New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering

“Professor Gary C Wood is a National Teaching Fellow,  and experienced educator, recognised for developing and delivering innovative learning experiences that challenge students to build technical knowledge whilst enhancing professional skills. He has particular expertise in developing and using integrative projects for authentic learning; building inclusive communities of learning, and supporting students’ transition into and out of higher education. Gary also has a strong interest in student engagement in curriculum design,  and enhancing learning with technology.

Gary is currently Academic Director of NMITE (New  Model Institute for Technology & Engineering), Hereford, UK, where he leads delivery across NMITE’s Master of Engineering Integrated  Engineering programme, and the development of new programmes. He also contributes to regional skills development, supporting NMITE’s regional mission in employability, entrepreneurship, and skills.

Gary has been an Enactus University Adviser since 2014, when he began supporting the team at the University of Sheffield.  He became Chair of the Enactus University Adviser Steering Group in 2018, and is a passionate believer in the power of Enactus to transform lives not only of project beneficiaries, but also of our students who  build their skills, and discover their agency as change-makers, and  realise the impact they can make when they apply their learning and  skills with a focus on positive social impact.”

PHILL WILLIAMS

Careers Consultant (Life & Environmental Science), Careers Network, University of Birmingham

“Over the last decade, I have worked in a variety of Careers & Employability roles both at the University of Leicester, and my current institution, the University of Birmingham. I became University Adviser for Enactus Birmingham in 2020, and have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of getting to grips with what the Enactus programme is all about, and how we can try and make Enactus Birmingham a success. I see Enactus as a fantastic opportunity for all students to be empower to make a real and meaningful difference in society, but also for building a community of like-minded staff across the Higher Education sector.

As relatively new to Enactus myself, I fully understand the challenges that new University Advisers have in familiarising themselves and understanding the nuance, terminology and complexity of the Enactus programme. It can feel overwhelming and a lot to take in, and as such, my role in the steering group is to represent advisers, like me, who are new to the Enactus programme, and ensure that the comprehensive and excellent programme of support for University Advisers continues to support those who are still learning and understanding the exciting world of Enactus. In addition to this, I have also taken on the responsibility within the Steering Group of ensuring that our University Adviser network has effective and meaningful methods to engage and network with each other.

I will be best place to support University Adviser’s who, like me, are new to the Enactus Programme, and a new to the role of University Adviser. I’m happy to share my experience and help support any worries or concerns that you may have. Please do get in contact if you have any questions!”

NICOLA WALKER

Enterprise Hub Manager,
University of Huddersfield

“Nicola provides administrative support to the University of Huddersfield’s Enterprise Team and manages the day to day running of the Enterprise Hub and Enterprise Placement Year.

Nicola has been University Advisor for Enactus Huddersfield since 2017 and loves seeing the passion and commitment that Enactus brings out in students and helping them get projects off the ground. 

In her role as New University Advisors Leader on the Enactus UK Steering Group, Nicola provides support and advice to new UAs to help them settle into the wonderful world of Enactus.”

ALEXANDER MCLEOD

Graduate Enterprise Officer at Warwick Enterprise (University of Warwick) and Fellow of EEUK

“I am a professional with 20 years of corporate, entrepreneurial, and higher education experience. 

Currently, I work in the higher education startup and innovation ecosystem where I support university graduates with launching their own venture in the United Kingdom.

As an entrepreneur, I am active in the secondary school entrepreneurship education and university innovation space. I have developed and implemented extra-curricular and digital initiatives that advocate entrepreneurship and innovation and foster entrepreneurial activity among youth. 

My corporate experience is in managing projects that focused on strategy, business process improvement and SME support. Projects I managed were for clients in the education, transport, tourism and commercial fishing industries. 

My journey so far has afforded me the opportunity to report to, work alongside and manage people across all levels of various public/state and private sector organisations. I am a diligent, pragmatic and fair-minded person who can manage and work in a team.”

JOE BLOOMFIELD

Enterprise Events and Operations Adviser at Generator, University of Greenwich

“I’m an Enterprise Events and Operations Adviser at the University of Greenwich and I have worked in the university’s student enterprise centre, the Generator, since 2020. In my role, I support students to launch new businesses, and specifically social enterprises, and as such am able to use this to support Enactus Greenwich in developing new projects. I also focus on the event logistics and delivery, and the operational running of the team. 

I have been a University Advisor since November 2022 and supported Enactus Greenwich during their first time in the finals at National Expo. I have really enjoyed supporting the Enactus team at Greenwich, and see it as such a valuable learning experience for students to learn more about developing impactful projects. Since becoming a UA, I have had to learn on the job about Enactus in a very short time, and am looking forward to using my experience to help other UAs.”

SIMON TROUP

Principal Enterprise Fellow, University of Southampton Business School

“Simon is a fractional contracted (20% FTE) member of the enterprise team within the Business School with a focus on banking and finance. His experience spans fintech platforms, data architecture, quantitative research, ESG investing, and open-source software in finance.  He is also an active angel investor and mentor of founders with current investments in workspace optimisation, alternative data intelligence, and pay-tech, he is also a mentoring partner of Southampton’s Future Worlds start-up & spin-out accelerator. Simon is committed to a supporter of ALL our students' ambitions and is an ally and advocate of all enterprise societies, and of course Enactus UK & Ireland!

Simon strives to ensure all students have equitable access to opportunities in our largest graduate employers, and have the confidence to start small businesses or find partners like Enactus to leverage their passion for social enterprise. The remains of Simon’s week are spent in London at AllSpring Global Investments where he leads API design for our next-generation investment ecosystem.”

KAREN FRYER

Lecturer and Programme Leader MSc Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Glasgow Caledonian University