Meet the Team
Get to know the Innovate Stockport team and business support experts.
John Booth
Centre Manager
Stockport Business & Innovation Centre
John has worked both in small family run business’s and huge organisations, such as Royal Mail and the NHS. He has many years’ management experience, heading up multi-site operations and large modern contact centres. John really enjoys working with people and enjoys the challenge being part of something special here in Stockport.
Rob Kates
Centre Manager
Merseyway Innovation Centre
Merchants House
Rob comes from a background in theatre production and event work. His knack for getting things done and finding solutions fits perfectly with his friendly and sociable personality. He’s all about building a strong community and forming valuable relationships at the centre. He’s also really keen on seeing businesses support each other and sharing success stories that come from the power of relationships. Outside of work, Rob will be playing football, DIYing, or spending time with his family.
Liz Wood
Assistant Centre Manager
Stockport Business & Innovation Centre
Gordana Maljkovic
Assistant Centre Manager
Merseyway Innovation Centre
Gordana blends years of corporate hospitality and customer service experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hotel Business. Her business acumen and warm, people-oriented personality create an environment primed for growth and collaboration. She enjoys helping customers with any day-to-day queries and oversees events and meetings at Merseyway Innovation Centre. In her spare time, Gordana is kept busy with her family and likes travelling.
Bernard Page
Innovation Director
Stockport Business & Innovation Centre
Naomi Timperley
Innovation Director
Merseyway Innovation Centre
Naomi has been a mentor for 12 years and has mentored hundreds of businesses. She is a highly experienced growth and innovation consultant and has extensive experience working with start-ups and growth businesses – particularly in the tech, digital and creative sectors.
Co-Founder of Tech North Advocates and We Are GSI Ltd., Naomi is proud to be in the top 50 Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018, 2019, 2020; 3rd most influential woman in 2021; and 4th in 2022. She is an Honorary Industry Fellow at the University of Salford Business School and sits on the board of the Industry Advisory Board. Naomi also sits on the board of charity Digital Inc, VocalEyes CIC, and Stockport-based Social Enterprise PIE.
Lynn Forbes
Customer Experience Assistant
Stockport Business & Innovation Centre
Tracy Griffiths
Customer Experience Assistant
Merseyway Innovation Centre
Tracy has a broad cross section of experience, through her career working within the textile industry with Brands such as Speedo, adidas and Reebok. On having 2 children, Tracy left the corporate world to establish her own business providing Leadership development Coaching, and training as a Licensed Dale Carnegie Trainer. Her love of meeting people and networking lead her to establish The Business Network Chester, which she ran for 15 years. After taking time away from her Business and the world of work to care for her elderly widowed Mum, Tracy has returned to the world of work and joined the team at Merseyway to help support the next generation of innovators from all sectors.
