BIS seeks two entrepreneurs to advise government

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is once more recruiting 2 successful entrepreneurs to help the government address the needs of small and medium sized businesses, and keep the country ahead in the global race. The roles will be quite distinct and will include acting as consultants to advise government by helping to deliver specific projects or programmes and be ambassadors for BIS, using social media and events to publicise schemes, opportunities and initiatives available to small firms. The application criteria this year are that applicants must have started their own business or have knowledge of 1 strand of the government’s industrial strategy. Closing date for applications is 29 April 2014

Scale-up Entrepreneur in Residence role

The successful entrepreneur will have substantial experience of starting and scaling-up businesses, to support small businesses grow and export. BISwill work with the EiR to develop a programme of activity. The ‘scale-up’ EiRwill be expected to cultivate networks within and outside government, speak at events and help officials develop policy.

SynBio Entrepreneur in Residence role

The winning candidate will have a strong background in technology based start-ups in sectors of relevance to synthetic biology (SynBio). The role will include networking with SynBio start-ups and research and innovation centres, promoting collaboration and informing the work of the SynBioLeadership Council. The department and the successful applicant will together develop a programme of activity, which would be likely to include establishing good relations with SynBio research centres and helping to to cultivate a National Infrastructure Network for SynBio in the UK.

The Entrepreneurs in Residence will be the second pair to fill the post and will spend a year working closely with the department helping us to design and guide policy.

Current Entrepreneurs in Residence

The outgoing Entrepreneurs in Residence at BIS are business owners Lawrence Tomlinson and Rekha Mehr, who fought off competition from over 200 other applicants.

Experienced Leeds-based entrepreneur Lawrence Tomlinson has run businesses in a number sectors including construction, software, chemicals, cars, and care homes.

Rekha Mehr is the founder and owner of Pistachio Rose, a London-based business creating high-end Anglo-Indian cakes and sweets, and Moonrekha, a business support consultancy. She has been hired specifically to be a voice for start ups and small firms.

The GREAT Business campaign has a wealth of advice and information to support small businesses. There are also some compelling case studies of firms that are succeeding and growing.

Visit http://www.bisappointments.com/sections/the_roles to apply for these roles.