Meet Asiyah & Sian from The Innovation Team at West Yorkshire Combined Authority

We met with Asiyah and Sian who work within the Innovation team, they talked to us about their roles and why they enjoy working within the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

West Yorkshire is a hotbed of innovation. With a vision to become a place that is globally recognised for developing an open, inclusive, thriving ecosystem, where SMEs, budding entrepreneurs and individuals are inspired to innovate. We even have our own framework to help get us there!

With £6m of new funds secured to help deliver our framework and support and develop innovation in the region over the coming years, we are expanding our innovation and sustainability team and are looking for people who are committed to supporting those ideas and turning them to reality. 

Meet Asiyah, Programme Support Officer within the Innovation Team

We asked Asiyah about her role within the Innovation team and why she chose to work for Combined Authority, as well as how Asiyah has found the role so far and what she has learned. Here is what Asiyah told us:

"I came to work for the Combined Authority after the role was recommended to me through a colleague. I also knew somebody here who only had praise for the Combined Authority in terms of team work, friendliness, helpfulness and flexibility, which I have now seen first-hand since being here.

I came from a business support background so the Innovation team was an opportunity to expand on my experience and knowledge.

My job involves providing operational and administrative support and also supporting businesses who are looking for innovation grant support.

Time has flown and I enjoy my work and working in my team who are very supportive. Anything can come up at any time so it keeps you on your toes.

I am learning about grant funding and how this can support businesses in innovation. I have also learnt there is no harm or fear in speaking up and asking for help and reflecting on how things are done and why. I am looking forward to the launch of our new support service and the expansion of our team."

Meet Sian, Service Manager for Innovation

We asked Sian about her role within the Innovation team and why she chose to work for Combined Authority, as well as how Sian has found the role so far and what she has learned. Here is what Sian told us:

"I came across the Combined Authority when looking into a career change after 15 years working in the youth sector. I was seeking a new challenge that would allow me to apply my skills and creativity in a different context and felt being part of the Innovation team provided the perfect opportunity for this. The innovation projects at the Combined Authority really excited me and the added perks of the MCard (providing free travel across West Yorkshire on bus and rail all year round) and flexible working made the opportunity even more appealing.

My role is to project manage and ensure the smooth delivery of various elements of the innovation business support service to support businesses across our region to achieve growth through innovation.

My experience over the last 4 months at the Combined Authority has been great. The environment is incredibly supportive and inclusive, which has made me feel welcomed and valued. The Combined Authority place a strong focus on professional development which aligns perfectly with my career goals.

I learn something new most days and enjoy how open everyone is to questions. Learning about the innovation ecosystem within West Yorkshire and the innovation projects that are taking place is very exciting.

I'm looking forward to seeing what innovation projects the businesses of West Yorkshire undertake next and the environmental and societal benefits that are achieved as a result."