Bristol science and tech hub Future Space has appointed Aimeé Skinner as its new innovation manager in a move that further enhances its offering to member companies in a rapidly-changing business environment.
Aimeé, pictured, joined Oxford Innovation, which operates Future Space on behalf of UWE, from Bristol Water, where she spent two years as innovation manager – a role in which she was credited with developing and implementing the utility provider’s innovation agenda, including Robotic Process Automation. 
As an alumnus of UWE, she has a first-class honours degree in Environmental Science and was awarded an Honorary MSc in Environmental Science in 2019 for her ongoing commitment to the university and environmental sciences.
She is an active member of Bristol’s innovation community and co-manages the Bristol Innovators’ Group – a network of 200-plus innovation and change experts in the local area which organises regular workshops, talks and networking opportunities.
At Future Space she will redefine the workspace market with new member packages and business support services, designed to meet the needs of SMEs for the post-Covid era.
Aimeé said: “I’m truly excited to be part of the Future Space team. It’s a challenging time for companies and I am focused on establishing new ways to support the business community through pioneering and creative applications.
“I have also been further developing my close contact with UWE to build mutually beneficial links and access to resources for our member companies, to foster new ways of working and drive future innovation.”
Future Space has a newly created connected membership for businesses, which is being spearheaded by Aimeé.
Intended to meet the needs of small businesses in the current unpredictable climate, the package enables access to Future Space facilities and services without the need for a dedicated desk.
The package, which has an introductory offer of £150 a month, is designed to be a gateway to a more permanent presence at the centre with a fully flexible membership that allow businesses to take advantage of the networking spaces during the week.
Members will also have access to the full range of Future Space business support services, the budding community at UWE and its research functions.
Future Space centre director Laura Crocken Stevens said: “Aimeé’s credentials are second to none and she’s already made a positive impact on our resident companies in a very short space of time.
“Despite the huge challenges faced by companies in recent months we have been focused on how best to support our Future Space residents.
“The creation of our new member options alongside Aimee’s dedicated role means we can support even more businesses to achieve growth.”
Future Space, which opened nearly four years ago on UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus, forms part of the University Enterprise Zone. It has a range of office space, shared and dedicated laboratories, workshops and co-working facilities designed specifically for hi-tech, science based entrepreneurs and innovators.
