About us

David Coleman
CEO, University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd

David has been with the organisation since 2010, initially as Head of Spinout Portfolio, then Head of Enterprise Acceleration before taking over as CEO in February 2021.  David has over 20 years' experience in university technology transfer and commercialisation, from licensing, start-up development and growth, to business incubation, and investment. He's also an experienced non-executive director (currently on the board of Irresistible Materials Ltd and Linear Diagnostics Ltd).  

Dr Jonathan Watkins
Head of Intellectual Property Services

Formerly a research chemist and new product development manager, Jonathan has worked for the University of Birmingham since 2002. In addition to identifying, developing and commercialising IP, Jonathan is also highly experienced in licensing out technology, setting up spin-out and start-up companies and arranging other types of commercial contracts.

Jerel Whittingham
Head of Enterprise Acceleration

Jerel has over 25 years’ experience with early stage, technology-based businesses in both investor and operational roles, building on prior innovation, strategy and business development functions. He is experienced with the University/business interface plus raising investment and in managing relationships with key stakeholders and professional advisers. He has served on the Boards of several companies including 2 PLCs.

Vincent Coole
Head of Academic Consultancy

Vincent is responsible for organising and managing the Academic Consultancy Service and its staff at UoBE. Vincent is responsible for the successful completion and management of all consultancy agreements with industry on behalf of the University’s academic members of staff. Vincent is also responsible for the launch and management of UoBE’s Operating Divisions. Vincent joined UoBE in 2021.

Angie Reynolds
Head of Birmingham Research Park

Angie has over 20 years of property experience, and has managed a number of landmark buildings in the Birmingham area. She joined the Birmingham Research Park in 2015.

Ruth Ashton
Head of Content and Communications

Ruth is a communication, media relations and content specialist with over 20 years’ experience in science, technology, environmental, and pharmaceutical communications. She joined the University of Birmingham in 2016.

Find out what we did in 2021-22

Download our Annual Review [.pdf]

Our commercial impact can be tracked by the number of products and services built or enhanced by our academic expertise and the number of companies we establish and help to grow. But our true impact is much greater when we consider the gravity of the societal issues our academics and companies are tackling.
Our Annual Review presents some of the stories we are most proud of across our portfolio of support. Download accessible version of the 2021-22 Annual Review [.doc]