Heather joined Interface in 2014 as Marketing Executive University Assets which focused on the promotion of University Technology and Specialist Facilities. Having built up two years of expertise in supporting academic and business partnerships Heather was promoted to Marketing Manager in May 2016. After graduating from the University of Stirling in 2007 with a BA Honours degree in Marketing Heather held a global marketing position with IndigoVision, an Edinburgh established manufacturer of IP Video Security Solutions. Heather has a wealth of experience across the marketing mix including: product marketing, event management, brand management, PR and advertising, communications, social media and lead generation. Outside of work Heather enjoys running, socialising and visiting new places – especially those with warmer climates!
Laura is Interface’s Business Engagement Officer. Prior to joining Interface Laura worked as a customer service manager in the finance and retail sectors. With over 15 years experience as a manager she is great at establishing good strong working relationships with stakeholders and her customers. Outside of work Laura enjoys spending her time walking the countryside with her dog Charlie and spending times with her two young nieces.
Laura is Associate Director Business Engagement and Systems at Interface. She has been with Interface since 2014 as Head of Business Engagement and held the position of Interim Director in 2022.
With over 20 years’ experience in knowledge exchange and business development Laura is passionate about knowledge exchange and inclusivity. She brings a wealth of experience in developing and implementing strategies to engage with businesses and organisations across Scotland, the UK and Internationally.
Interface plays a unique role bringing businesses and Scotland’s world class academic community together. These partnerships stimulate innovation and drive economic, social and environmental activity and Laura has been a driving force of this activity.
Prior to joining Interface Laura worked at Edinburgh Innovations Ltd (formally Edinburgh Research and Innovation) and before that held positions in oil and gas and financial services.
Laura is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University with a BA in Business Information Management.
Louise has over 20 years business development experience in creating sales and marketing strategies to generate leads, in both business to business and academic to business environments. She has been with Interface for over 15 years, providing a free and impartial matchmaking service, connecting businesses across all sectors quickly and easily, to the world class knowledge and expertise within Scotland’s universities and research institutes. There is a vast diversity of expertise within academia, from students to researchers to specialist facilities, all of which both small and large companies can benefit. Working closely with her client companies, she helps them define their technical problems or requirements, and connects them to the appropriate academic partners ensuring the best possible solution for the business. Her knowledge of funding and network of support organisations ensures she provides a holistic service to client companies to drive innovation and the delivery of new products, processes and services. Prior to working at Interface, her career includes experience in the technology and aerospace sectors working for organisations such as NCR and Raytheon Systems. Out of work Louise enjoys yoga, walking her dog and socialising.
As Project Officer, Nicola works across the teams to deliver Interface’s mission which is to connect businesses and academics. Her role involves HR, Office Management, Funding delivery, as well as providing support for the marketing, and systems and finance teams. Having grown up in Kenya she graduated with a degree in Media, Society and Culture from Northumbria University. Since then, Nicola has gained international experience in a variety of roles from events management, retail and administration. Nicola is one of Interface’s qualified Mental Health First Aiders, is a University of Edinburgh Sustainability Champion and is part of the Responsible Business group. In her free time Nicola enjoys travel, reading, and exploring the Edinburgh food scene.
Suzy has been with Interface since 2015 as PR and Communications Executive, following 17 years working in public relations both in-house and agency.
Prior to that she was a journalist with a variety of daily and weekly newspapers.
Suzy’s main role at Interface is the creation and implementation of the PR and Communications strategy, letting the world know of the amazing work that Interface does, the impacts that this has on Scotland’s economy and society and supporting small businesses by spreading their success stories.
In 2023, Suzy became accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project.