INSIGHTS / News

University business incubator programme SETsquared is seeking three enterprising and enthusiastic managers to join its world-leading team in supporting new tech start-ups.

SETsquared, a joint project between the universities of Surrey, Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Southampton, has achieved global success in accelerating the growth of innovative new companies from both the universities and the wider business community. 

The partnership is now recruiting a Head of Incubation for its Surrey centre, and two hub managers to work at the heart of world-class entrepreneurial activity in the Enterprise M3 area and deliver economic impact through the growth of tech start-ups.

The Head of Incubation will be a high-calibre manager, with a proven track record of successful business ventures. They will be expected to run Surrey’s operations and support its incubator companies, as well as planning for future expansion.

The selected candidate will represent Surrey within the SETsquared Partnership and as well as drive forward the University of Surrey’s successful and thriving Business Angel Club, the Surrey 100.

The two posts for hub managers will be based at a digital hub in either Guildford, Basingstoke, Farnborough or Woking. Experienced candidates with energy and empathy for the world of start-up companies are being sought, and knowledge of the digital technology sectors is essential.

The hub managers will work alongside the team in Surrey and Southampton to develop new incubation hubs for technology companies for Farnborough and Working and build on the success of SETsquared’s pilot innovation hub in Basingstoke.

These roles will support digital start-up companies in the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership area, build a thriving business network, identify and select companies for the hubs, and help companies identify investment and funding opportunities.

Celia Gaffney, Director of Partnerships at the University of Surrey, said: “These roles offer a unique and fantastic opportunity to work with some of the most exciting ventures and start-ups in the UK. The Surrey/Enterprise M3 area is incredibly forward-thinking and is home to many wonderful facilities, including the 5G innovation centre at the University and the Satellite Applications Catapult, so it’s the perfect place for candidates to take their career to the next level in the industry.

“The Head of Incubation role is also a great opportunity for someone to develop the Surrey 100 further to bring additional angel investors together with the outstanding companies SETsquared supports and others, which is a vital part of our success.”

Simon Bond, innovation director at SETsquared, said: “The partnership is delighted to be seeking three dynamic individuals to fill these exciting roles which will really give new tech start-ups the opportunity to flourish in the future.

“Over the last 14 years, SETsquared has helped more than 1,000 businesses raise over £1billion in investment, as well as contributing £3.8billion in GVA (Gross Value Added) to the UK’s economy.

“We are proud that SETsquared has been named by UBI Global as the top university business incubator in the world and we are continuing to grow. So those appointed to these managerial roles will help make a huge impact on the technical and economic landscape of the region.

“If you are passionate about tech startups and delivering economic impact why not apply to be come part of this award winning team at SETsquared.”

To apply for the Head of Incubation role online, go to https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=048216
And to apply for the hub manager vacancies, visit https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=755016TW