Director appointed to help lead innovation hub’s expansion

The University of Leeds’s innovation hub, Nexus, has appointed Gareth Scargill as director to support the continued growth of the community and enhance connections within its business network.

The role will see Scargill lead Nexus’s operations as it looks towards international expansion, as well as supporting its community of start-up businesses, which span the technology and academia sectors with securing funding and partnerships.

Prior to joining Nexus, Scargill was business development director at Oxford Innovation Space where he supported inspiring businesses and innovators.

He joined Nexus in 2023 as deputy director, to support the next stage of its expansion while the community continues to grow, including new members from across the UK, Europe, the US, Canada, and New Zealand, before replacing Dr Martin Stow as director.

Stow, Pro-Vice Chancellor: Business Engagement and Enterprise, University of Leeds, said: “Gareth brings a wealth of experience in innovation hub and community management, ultimately helping businesses to scale and succeed.

“Under his leadership I’m confident Nexus will continue to thrive and scale, delivering impact for the university, city region and beyond.

“I look forward to working with Gareth to ensure that engaging with business sits at the heart of the University of Leeds.”

Scargill said: “The Nexus success story is something that is well recognised across the UK and is now increasingly being heard on an international scale as companies look for the right UK base to accelerate their growth.

“As part of my new role, I will be working closely with our experts, particularly our cluster leads, to evolve the support that we can provide our members and encourage them to give back to our local community too.

“I’m excited for this next stage of growth, particularly now as we enter a new academic year with the university.”