Entrepreneur Profiles
Louise Allcroft Chief Operating Officer, Complement Genomics
Louise Allcroft is Chief Operating Officer of Complement Genomics® based in Sunderland. Louise has extensive working knowledge and up-to-date technical experience of molecular biology, gained primarily in a clinical diagnostics and research background. The goal of Complement Genomics® is to provide genetic testing services to the consumer, in order to empower individuals with their own genetic information so that they can make informed lifestyle decisions based upon their own genetic information. To deliver this vision, the company has developed the Geneblitz® contract research service and has now firmly established itself in the consumer genetics arena with the dadcheck® paternity testing service and DesigNA®, offering unique gifts based on your very own DNA profile. Louise cofounded Complement Genomics with Dr Neil Sullivan following the completion of an MSc in Medical Genetics at Newcastle University in 1995. www.complementgenomics.co.uk
Meryl Dodd Director, Actif Solutions
Meryl Dodd is Director of Actif Solutions based in Durham, which provides unique research and business solutions to a wide range of clients throughout the UK. Actif Solutions Ltd also specialises in managing business centres and incubation units, including e-zone on the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead. This side of the business aims to provide innovative managed workspace with on site support and networking for small businesses, while offering a contracted service solution for local authorities and other agencies. Meryl previously worked at the Universities of Northumbria and Sunderland, and has had spells during her career as a language assistant, administrator, sales assistant, chambermaid, and a freelance writer. Meryl completed her MA in Entrepreneurship at Durham Business School in 1999 and was voted Winner of the Women in Business Networker of the Year Award 2003.
Mark I’Anson Co-Founder, Integrated Micro Products
After graduating from Cambridge University, Mark began his career in computing as a research fellow at the Open University. Leaving academia Mark and a colleague further developed these ideas and founded Integrated Micro Products. Over 15 years Mark grew this to a several hundred person business, made a US acquisition, floated it on the US NASDAQ stock exchange and was ultimately acquired by Sun Microsystems. Within Sun Mark was responsible for the Telco Platforms Group and provided leadership in Sun’s telecoms and internet strategy development. Since leaving Sun he has continued to develop his business career and is Chairman of Nexpress Group Ltd, a computer remarketing company and ESB Ltd, a developer of business applications for mobile devices. He is also a non-executive director of Non-Linear Dynamics, a leading developer of proteomics software and Arjuna, a middleware and transactioning software company. Mark is involved in a number of business development organisations. He chairs the Derwentside Industrial Development Agency, a local business start-up and support agency, and is a founder director of The Alchemists (Northern) Ltd, which is a government backed body charged with maximizing the potential of the North-East’s highest growth businesses.
George Kinghorn Managing Director, Touchbase UK Ltd
George Kinghorn is Managing Director of Touchbase UK Ltd, deploying and managing screen-based networks. The business has grown into one of the countries leading companies in Narrowcasting. Clients include Northern Rock PLC, McDonalds Restaurants, ONE North East & numerous further education colleges nationwide. George discovered his entrepreneurial tendencies at the age of 14. After working for 10 years as a car salesman and reaching Senior Management level, George re-discovered the entrepreneur in him, establishing a number of successful businesses, including a computer consultancy business, Blue Inc computers, and the phenomenally successful StudentMobiles.com whilst studying at Durham Business School.