Meet Louise Allen, Mitchell McCombe & Louise Bermingham - Innovation Team

Why did you choose to work for the Combined Authority?

Louise A:

"A couple of former colleagues came to work here and told me about what a good place it is to work. I started looking for roles at the Combined Authority and found one that sounded perfect - that was three years ago and I'm still enjoying what I do. I've always had jobs where what I do makes a positive difference to people, and working at the Combined Authority is no different - what we do makes a real impact to the people and businesses in the region."

What does your role entail?

Mitchell:

"I am responsible for developing our region's innovation policy, meaning that I help shape our priorities to enable more of our people and businesses across West Yorkshire to innovate - whether creating or improving products, services or technologies. There is a real task ahead to showcase innovation as a sport for all and that anyone can be an innovator - and we're looking at new ways to stimulate an interest in innovation across the region."

Why should applicants join the Innovation team?

Louise B:

"As a whole, our directorate are really respectful of colleagues and value each other’s opinion. You can contribute to a wide range of projects and be able to make a difference. The best bit about the innovation team is that you get to work with and learn about some amazing businesses and their ideas. Some of the things I’ve seen have literally blown me away and to know you’ve had a hand in their success, regardless of how small, is really rewarding."

Why is innovation important to you?

Louise B:

"A chap I used to work with had a brilliant way of looking at this – and it’s a view I’ve stolen. (Thanks Robin). Innovation is making money out of new ideas. Without ideas, our region can’t generate more money. Without money, our region can’t develop, prosper and compete to be the best it can be. I’m not Yorkshire born but have spent most of my working life here and definitely consider myself an honorary Yorkshire bod. I’m proud of where I choose to live my life and want to help it be even more amazing. and supporting good innovative ideas are a way to help achieve that!"