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Staff Profile

Martin Cox

Strategic Adviser (Business and Innovation

Background

Introduction

I provide strategic advice to the University on all aspects of business and innovation, particularly focusing on how the University can build upon its central role in economic development in the North-East of England.

Until March 2024, I was the University’s Director of Business Development and Enterprise, with operational responsibility for all aspects of business development and enterprise across the University, including the protection and exploitation of the University's intellectual property, consultancy services, Continuing Professional Development, contract and collaborative research with commercial partners and other commercial and non-traditional services. Having retired from that role (replaced by Estelle Blanks (link)), I am now working part-time, putting my experience and expertise to work across the University and its partners in the region and beyond.

I have significant policy experience – for example, I was a member of the independent review of university spin-outs which reported to the Chancellor in 2023. I also have significant experience in developing programmes and activities through which universities make an impact on their communities and regions – for example, I have been involved in Northern Accelerator since its inception and led the conception and development of the Arrow programme. Both of these programmes are particularly noteworthy for involving multiple universities in the North-East.

I lead or support a small number of major projects for the university, all of which have the goal of ensuring that it, and the wider Higher Education sector, advances knowledge, provides creative solutions, solves global problems and support economic growth.

Background

I was originally employed at Newcastle University (on a two year fixed term contract!) as manager of a large government-funded genetic science project. I subsequently co-ordinated and project managed the development of the North-East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI), a joint initiative with Durham University and the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which also received significant funding from central and regional government.

I was appointed to a Business Development Manager role in the Faculty of Medical Sciences in January 2009, before taking on the role as Head of Enterprise Services in July 2011. I was seconded to additionally manage the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering Enterprise team from August 2016 and became Director of Business Development and Enterprise from January 2018 to March 2024.

Before moving back to my native Tyneside in late 2004, I was Director of Marketing and Membership at the British Dental Association in London, after a varied career across a multitude of sectors. I have an MBA (with Distinction) from Newcastle University Business School (August 2004).

Roles and Responsibilities

Regional economic development, project management, advice and support

Qualifications

MBA (Distinction)

Certificate in Marketing (Distinction)

Previous Positions

Director of Business Development and Enterprise, 2018-March 2024

Head of Enterprise services, Faculty of Medical Sciences, 2011-2017

Business Development Manager, Faculty of Medical Sciences, 2009- 2011

Life Science Programme Director, Newcastle University 2006-2008

Manager, Life Knowledge Park, Dec 2004 - 2006

Director of Marketing and Membership, British Dental Association, 2001-2004

Sales and marketing roles, British Dental Association, 1998-2001

Various sales, marketing and journalism jobs 1984-1997

Memberships

Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)

University and College Union (UCU)

Whitley Bay Golf Club (don’t ask about my handicap!)

Tyneside Irish Centre (great for Guinness on match days!)

Languages

English only I'm afraid

Informal Interests

Newcastle United

Promoting the North-East as a great place to live, work and visit


Research

Current Work

I lead or support a small number of major projects for the university, all of which have the goal of ensuring that it, and the wider Higher Education sector, advances knowledge, provides creative solutions, solves global problems and support economic growth.

Publications