Ged's background has been in research and development in the cosmetics, toiletries and healthcare product sectors for Unilever, PZCussons and Alliance Boots.

His current role as Head of Product Development for Alliance Boots involves the design and development of formulation and packaging technology for all Boots brands and exclusive products.

Ged has been involved in the Boots Centre for Innovation since its inception and supports the day to day operation and the interface between the Centre and Boots.

Ged has a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Colloid Science from Imperial College London. He is involved in a number of industry forums in the UK.

Louise joined the Boots Centre for Innovation in October 2007 as Marketing Manager.

Louise has a long history in marketing and has worked at T-Mobile, Wanadoo & Orange in all areas of the marketing mix including product development, brand marketing and customer relationship marketing.

Louise has a BA Hons in Business Studies with Marketing from University of Hertfordshire.

Louise’s role is to market the Centre by driving awareness through online and off line channels, exhibiting at key trade shows, events & conferences, and by building credible PR coverage.

Helen has been with Boots Centre for Innovation since its creation in April 2007.

Helen has worked at Boots for nine years and has vast experience in Supply Chain, Planning and Project Management. Helen was previously responsible for the supply of Nurofen and Strepsils worldwide and more recently, worked as a Project Manager for the manufacturing site in Germany involved in the delivery of numerous cosmetic and Christmas gift lines, including the relaunch of No7, 17 and Natural Collection cosmetic ranges.

Helen has a BA Hons in French from The University of Hull and is also fluent in German. Helen is currently studying for a PhD in Open Innovation.

Helen’s role as Business Development Manager is to assess the feasibility of products or ideas that are brought to the Centre and to identify the next steps to progress the product or idea to ensure commercial success.

Gail joined the Boots Centre for Innovation in November 2007.

Gail has a long history in retailing including over 18 years at Boots. She has gained a wealth of experience in product development, buying and brand management within UK and sourcing and production experience gained from 7 years based in Hong Kong. Gail’s experience includes working on own brand cosmetics, baby and Christmas product areas.

Gail studied Business Studies and Fashion Design at Northumbria University.

Gail’s role as Business Development Manager is to assess the feasibility of products or ideas that are brought to the Centre and to identify the next steps to progress the product or idea to ensure commercial success.

Gail has worked at Boots since 1997 and in October 2007 joined the Boots Centre for Innovation. Gail started her career in Boots on the Business Management graduate programme and has worked in a variety of roles providing her with a thorough understanding of the business.

Gail joined the Boots Centre for Innovation team in October 2007 as a project manager. Gail has vast experience as a project manager within Boots and was responsible for the seasonal gift new product development programme with over 2000 lines brought to launch each year.

Gail has a BSc in Industrial Design from Loughborough University of Technology.

Gail’s role as a project manager is to work with companies who have approached the Boots Centre for Innovation providing hands on business advice to help them develop their product or idea through the product development process.

Janet joined Boots Centre for Innovation in September 2007 after completing two Masters degrees at Newcastle University; the first in ‘Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology’ and the second in ‘Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise Management’.

Janet is interested in commercialising scientific ideas and is combining the business and science aspects of her background to help transform business ideas into profitable products.

Janet’s role as a project manager is to work with companies who have approached the Boots Centre for Innovation providing hands on business advice to help them develop their product or idea through the product development process.

Ryan joined the Boots Centre for Innovation in November 2007.

Ryan has a bio-chemistry background acquired from working in the laboratories of Alberto Culver Plc and for Shield Medicare Limited. For the last 4 years Ryan worked for a small company, Shield Automotive Limited involved in every aspect of the business, focusing on product development and supply chain.

Ryan has a degree in BioTechnology from the University of Glamorgan and has recently acquired a HNC in Management & Business.

Ryan’s role as a project manager is to work with companies who have approached the Boots Centre for Innovation providing hands on business advice to help them develop their product or idea through the product development process.

Yvonne joined Boots Centre for Innovation in April 2007 as the Office Manager.

Yvonne began her career as a secretary and accountancy clerk. In her next position as a legal PA at a solicitor practice in Oxford, she was promoted to departmental administrator where she managed a team of 15 people and was responsible for holiday, sickness, IT support and other departmental duties.

Yvonne’s role as Office Manager is to ensure the smooth day to day running of the Boots Centre for Innovation including client database management, budget management and management of 3rd parties such as IT support. In the majority of cases, Yvonne will be the first point of contact for companies approaching the Boots Centre for Innovation.