Sophie Dale-Black

Dr Sophie Dale-Black is a scientifically trained and commercially driven consultant, adviser and non-executive through her business SDBInnovation, which focuses on the success of science and innovation led businesses across the UK. She combines commercial knowledge of what it takes for a business to grow and succeed, awareness of regional opportunities for grant, lending and equity based business investment, and a deep understanding of a wide variety of sectors, especially life sciences and tech. She works with a growing portfolio of clients, holding roles such as commercial director and investment director on a part-time basis, alongside providing board adviser and non-executive director support.

Most recently Sophie was a Director within the British Business Bank’s UK Network, leading a team of senior managers based across the Midlands and North of England in working with key partner organisations to help the Bank understand and overcome the challenges smaller businesses face in their access to finance journey. Sophie joined the British Business Bank from ICAEW, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, where she focused on transforming member engagement and local support services in her role as Midlands Director.

A PhD-qualified scientist by training, Sophie previously worked at Innovate UK, the UK Government’s innovation agency, where she worked across the UK in various roles supporting the growth of innovative businesses, including through a Chief of Staff style role strategically supporting the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Chair. Prior to that, Sophie built her career in research and innovation management at Loughborough and Nottingham universities, following an initial postdoctoral research position at Newcastle University.

Sophie’s non-executive experience includes being Vice Chair of the Governing Council at the University of Leicester, Member of its Nomination and Remuneration Committees, and Trustee of its van Geest Foundation Cardiovascular Disease Research Fund. Additionally, she has held advisory positions on UK Research and Innovation funded research programmes and as a primary school governor.

Born in Leicestershire, Sophie also completed her studies in the county, gaining a PhD in chemistry and X-ray crystallography and a first class medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry degree from Loughborough University.

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