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 anytime 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."

We asked Louise B (Senior Service Manager for Innovation) {centre}, Mitchell (Head of Innovation Policy) {right} and Louise A (Programme Development Lead) {left} about their roles.

Here is what they told us:

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!"

Hear from Kelly, Service Manager (Business Sustainability) at the Combined Authority.

Kelly talks to us about her role and how much she enjoys being part of a friendly team. She also tells us that the employee benefits we offer at the Combined Authority, such as the MCard (providing free travel across West Yorkshire on bus and rail all year round) and flexible working, really suit her work-life balance.