Mark Holmes has an extensive background in mechanical and production engineering, culminating in over 15 years of R&D, process, and materials development within the global plastic food packaging sector. Mark's career journey demonstrates his expertise, from hands-on R&D and customer support roles within leading plastics manufacturers to managing R&D projects and programmes at a prominent commercial Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). Here, his responsibilities expanded into project scoping, commercial contract negotiations, technology scouting, and technical services procurement.

Before joining the Innovate UK Business Growth team, Mark excelled as a commercial bid writer, crafting compelling applications for SMEs and large enterprises targeting UK and European grant funding. This role leveraged his deep understanding of the innovation landscape, particularly the intricacies of grant funding, and honed his expertise in intellectual property's strategic application in commercial outcomes.

Mark's approach to innovation support combines his technical acumen with a keen insight into the grant application process. He is adept at identifying the strengths and weaknesses of applications, providing invaluable feedback to enhance their quality and competitiveness. His work has significantly impacted clients, many of whom have secured grant funding and other forms of innovation support under his guidance. Clients consistently praise the difference Mark's support has made, not just to their applications but to their broader innovation strategies.

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