Converge marks new phase of growth for 2022
Converge, Scotland’s largest company creation and enterprise programme, has extended its national reach through the appointment of two new regional enterprise executives. Based in the west and the northeast of Scotland respectively, the roles will broaden Converge’s influence and collaboration with universities in both the northeast and west of Scotland.
Richard Cormack Corrigan joins Converge as enterprise executive for northeast of Scotland. He previously worked for Young Enterprise Scotland’s Elevator UK programme promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship in education. Richard will be based at the University of Aberdeen, supporting university enterprise development teams across the region.
Brian McEwan joins as enterprise executive for the west of Scotland, working with universities in the greater Glasgow area. Brian is well-known across the Scottish education eco-system having worked across the west coast of Scotland for the last 15 years supporting students and practitioners to develop start-up businesses.
Richard and Brian will work closely with Lissa Herron, Converge’s existing enterprise manager. Lissa provides dedicated support to universities and research institutes in the central belt and is responsible for the overall delivery of Converge’s outreach and training programme.
The new team structure will enable Converge to be truly pan-Scotland, providing enhanced support to universities and their next generation of innovators, creators and ground breakers at all stages of development; including delivering educational workshops, providing one-to-one advice, and helping to strengthen entrepreneurial mind-set and the pipeline of new businesses.
The expansion of the team at Converge is part of the organisation’s new phase of growth for 2022 with an increase in funding and the expansion of the support it will provide. The expansion of services will include a move to supporting very early-stage businesses and an enhanced focus on investment readiness to better prepare first time entrepreneurs raise their first rounds of investments in key economic sectors.
Claudia Cavalluzzo, executive director, at Converge, commented: “These appointments mark a new phase for Converge as we expand not only our team, but also strengthen the ‘on the ground’ support we provide across Scotland. Brian and Richard both bring considerable experience and local knowledge to the organisation which will level up the delivery and awareness of our outreach and training programmes throughout Scotland.
“Converge’s new phase of growth is reflective of Scottish Government’s commitment towards entrepreneurship and focuses on enriching the bounty of creativity and innovation within Scotland. Converge’s expansion will ensure we are best placed to provide the support needed to turn Scottish ideas and innovation into actual, living sustainable businesses.”