Welcoming Dr Richard Hutchins as Managing Director of IUK Business Connect

We are delighted to welcome Dr Richard Hutchins as the new Managing Director of IUK Business Connect. With nearly two decades of collaboration with Innovate UK, Richard brings a deep understanding of the innovation ecosystem and a proven ability to foster partnerships and deliver impactful results.

Richard’s extensive leadership experience spans a range of sectors, including higher education, regional economic development, advanced manufacturing and the food industry. He has held prominent roles such as Chief Communications Officer and Director of Strategy at the University of Warwick, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Programmes at Warwick Manufacturing Group and most recently as Managing Director of the Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership.

Richard is currently Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at CEME Business Campus in East London and has previously served on the Boards of WMG Academy for Young Engineers, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, and West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium.

Having lived and worked across the UK and internationally—including in Poland, Malta, Canada, and Belgium—Richard brings a global perspective and is committed to engaging with colleagues, partners, and the wider business community to identify opportunities and tackle challenges.

Richard’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for IUK Business Connect. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to connect businesses with the resources, support, and expertise they need to thrive.