Name: Alex Pilkington
Job title: Business Support Specialist, RTC North
What do you actually do:
I’m lucky enough to spend my days working in the world of innovation, with an exceptional group of visionary innovators and entrepreneurs. I work with the founders and their teams to take their innovations from the workbench to marketable realities, providing business support which focuses on commercialisation, strategy and finance.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, who?
Yes, I’ve had a couple of unofficial mentors, over the years who have been incredibly supportive. I’m not naming names, but you know who you are and thank you!
Does money motivate you?
No, it’s the people in my life that are the most precious, as long as I have enough money to take care of myself and my family that’s all that matters. I’m just as happy with a picnic in a field in or a week on a superyacht – if anyone is offering!
What has been the most important event in your working life?
The first LCR Innovation Investment Summit, held way back in May 2022 was an incredible time for me and looking back now, I can see it was also a pivotal moment for the Liverpool City Region too. Mayor Rotheram’s opening of the summit, combined with the palpable energy and passion in the room, was fantastic to be a part of.
The Innovate UK Launchpad that followed on from the summit was a game-changer for the region, catalyzing innovation growth within LCR and few years later, this led to a pivotal moment for me too when I joined Innovate UK Business Growth full time.
Who do you most admire?
Lindsey Burrow the wife of late rugby star Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019. The bravery she showed throughout her husband’s illness and the strength she gave to Rob and her children was and still is inspirational – I’m totally in awe of her.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership for me is about authenticity and honesty. A true leader must, even in the most difficult of circumstances, be able to stand up, show confidence, and inspire and support others. A good leader will build a happy and confident team who are valued and who each work to their own individual strengths.
Favourite TV show?
The Last Leg, Black Doves and right now Bookish
How do you relax?
Yoga, a hot bath and a good book.
Fry-up or healthy smoothie?
Fry-up all the way!
Pub or club?
A good country pub with a relaxing garden for the summer and a nice open fire in the winter.
Gym or countryside walk?
Countryside walk
Favourite piece of music?
That’s impossible to say, I love so many genres of music, I’d have to have one piece for each, but right now I’m really liking Teddy Swims.
Flannels or Florence and Fred?
Flannels
Birkdale or Birkenhead?
Birkdale for the coffee shops and the golf.