Visiting Fellows Programme 

Our visiting fellows programme is aimed at SME leaders in the North-East of England who are aiming to grow their companies. The fellows programme provides skill development for small business leaders and an opportunity to engage with Durham’s research into SMEs in the region.

The programme offers a range of problem-based training through foundational small business workshops from research experts around themes of scaling, innovation and new business development, sustainable supply chains, leadership, and emerging technologies. The programme is made up of a small group 8-10 business leaders who meet over the course of the academic year across thematic half-day workshops. It requires a commitment of a minimum of 20 hours.

We adopt a learning community format, meaning that trust and co-creation is vital in the group. Sessions are designed to give you the opportunity to discuss live business issues from your organisation and co-develop potential solutions. Sessions are run by academic experts at Durham.

You will have the opportunity to meet several academics and have opportunities to explore mutual interests. This allows fellows to explore potential research collaboration, engage with events, research centres and/or get involved in guest lectures. Fellows will also help to input into an annual engagement event, in collaboration with Durham Enterprise Centre. Fellows are recruited on an annual basis. If you are interested, please let us know: smartandscaleteam@durham.ac.uk

Meet our Visiting Fellows  

David Swithenbank

David is Technical manager at The Expanded Metal Company Limited.  He has worked within engineering and fabrication for 27 years and is well respected within the industry.  Initially training as a fabricator at Rolls Royce and BAE Systems, he has extensive experience as a CNC machine operator, CAD Programmer, and as a 2D/3D Drawing Office Manager.  In his own time, David has gained an ONC and HNC in Engineering, along with an ILM, Level 5 in Business Management.  He also runs his own business, SMS Coatings and is keen to share his experience with the other cohorts whilst learning from others. 

Glynis Osborne 

Glynis Osborne is the Owner and Director of Thinking Success UK, a leading training and business development company. With over 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to fostering human excellence through business improvement, strategic support, and coaching. A licensed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer, Glynis specialises in developing leaders and athletes to reach their full potential. Passionate about personal and professional growth, she balances her career with family life, enjoying time with her three children at the seaside and sport clubs. Glynis is also committed to community service, supporting local youth and adult initiatives, combating loneliness and hunger.

John Graham 

John Graham, the founder of Newcastle based Reveela Technologies, has established himself as a prominent figure in the tech industry through his collaborative work with Durham University, creating new Artificial Intelligence for the publishing and marketing industries. With a history of entrepreneurial activities ranging from building his own micro processor at 17, to founding and scaling the Distinctive Group of Companies into becoming one of the region’s biggest employers, John is looking to reinvigorate global marketing communications with his new platform Reveela.com. He holds undergraduate degrees in Technology and Business from Sunderland University and an MBA from Newcastle Business School. 

Kelly M. Whitfield

Kelly M. Whitfield is an accomplished entrepreneur and strategist, specialising in employee engagement, recruitment and retention. Kelly’s mission is to positively transform communities and recruitment by using technology to bridge the divide between education, careers, aspirations and employment. In 2006, Kelly founded her first business, Adept, a specialist search, selection and recruitment firm. Kelly then founded Adept Payroll Services Ltd in 2013, to provide blue-chip clients such as Northern Powergrid and PwC with an ethical alternative to so-called umbrella companies. Having exited her first businesses, Kelly set about using her vast knowledge and experience to create her vision of a digitally disruptive tech concept. She incorporated parent company KLIK UK (SaaS) Ltd and is now set to launch KLIK as a licensed SaaS product that is capable of powering an unlimited number of Platform as a Service (PaaS) businesses and communities.  KLIK’s digital platform is designed to inspire, encourage and empower businesses to take their recruitment in-house. Industry experts have dubbed KLIK as the next tech Unicorn.  Sought-after for her visionary perspective, Kelly has featured across the media, including live TV on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch. She is also passionate about the prospects and welfare of children and young people and dedicates her time to supporting community and youth-based initiatives aimed at raising aspirations. Kelly’s down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach to business, careers, life and winning is what makes her unique.   

Kevin Price

Kevin has worked in the transport industry for over 22 years at senior transport manager level. He has always wanted to be his own boss and to help businesses streamline their transport costs. Kevin now owns a franchise with World Options as a shipping consultant. He works closely with clients to identify cost saving opportunities using their free online shipping portal and provide ongoing support as their account manager. Kevin is a very passionate person who enjoys interacting with like-minded people to reduce carbon emissions. He also enjoys networking with people to help promote North East industry. 

Kirsty Waite

Kirsty is the Founder and Co-Owner of The Ethical Coaching Company; dedicated to creating transparent and impactful business coaching experiences. With nearly two decades of experience in global organisations and a background in a family business, she deeply understands how businesses operate. Kirsty is passionate about the transformative power of coaching and works hard to make it accessible through trusted, accredited coaches. Her company also trains the next generation of coaches through The Ethical Coaching Companie's own IOL-approved professional business coaching accreditation. The Ethical Coaching Company is committed to changing the industry's reputation, one coaching conversation at a time. 

Dr Marie Whaley 

With over 25 years’ experience in water Utilities, including a wide network in the UK and international water sector, Marie's experience lies in strategy and regulation. Her focus is to bridge gaps in infrastructure management through knowledge sharing, partnerships and cooperation between policy makers, utilities and universities. She is a passionate advocate of making space for all voices and for different experiences. Throughout her career Marie has championed young professionals, supporting personal development and driving the growth of engagement with International Water Association (IWA).  Currently Senior Vice President of IWA elected in 2022, she was Treasurer from 2016 to 2022, a member of the Strategic Council and the Chair of the UK Governing Member since 2010.  Marie graduated as a Civil Engineer from Grandes Écoles, Paris. She holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics and a Master’s in Resilience from MIT, Boston.  

Rob Smith

Rob leads the marketing team at Magnitude Biosciences, where he oversees brand management, website development, and communications. With over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences sectors, Rob has collaborated with a diverse range of companies, including CROs, biotech startups, and top global CDMOs. His expertise includes Search Engine Optimization (SEO), digital advertising, social media, website management, and content creation. Throughout his career, Rob has successfully built and led digital marketing teams, driving both lead generation and internal growth for B2B businesses in the industry. 

Sarah Price

Sarah Price is a Founder, Director and CEO of ‘Go Well’ a Community Interest Company based in Chilton, County Durham.  She leads a passionate team of professionals who champion the transformative power of movement on physical health, mental health and personal development.  Sarah is an authentic leader, who is driven to create a business culture that supports people to be themselves, do their best and enjoy their work.  In 2021, Sarah completed an MBA in Strategic Leadership which linked academic research to her leadership practice and business, she is keen to continue this link with the SME Fellowship Programme. 

Scott Wilson-Laing

Scott Wilson-Laing is a multi-award winning entrepreneur based in the North East. As the founder and managing director of WL Distillery he has many year’s experience in product development, brand development, business growth and manufacturing. Alongside this Scott is also the CEO of the Northumberland Community Bank which supports individuals with their financial wellbeing through savings and ethical loans. With this role he brings experience in leadership, organization change and growth and partner engagement. Scott is very passionate about collaborative work and supporting business growth and development.