A former Festival Director of Sheffield DocFest has been hired by Sheffield Technology Parks (STP).
Brent Woods spent 10 years at the DocFest, before taking on senior roles at Production Park, The Media Centre, and Yorkshire and North East Film Archives.
He’ll become Head of Operations at the non-profit organisation, which combines work and meeting spaces, business incubation, scale-up support, networking and social events for Sheffield’s innovators.
“What’s exciting about joining Sheffield Technology Parks is the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to further enhance our offerings. It’s about ensuring that everyone who visits, works with, or is part of STP has the best possible experience, and I am committed to continuing that focus,” he said.
“And to be doing that alongside Tom [Wolfenden, STP’s CEO] and the great team at STP, when there’s this really exciting expansion happening with lots of big ideas in the making – how lucky am I?”
He’ll oversee day-to-day management of the building as well as leading on a number of “transformational projects to enhance STP’s reach and capabilities.”
This includes developing a suite of labs to accommodate growing numbers of life-science and deeptech startup companies. Additionally, he will help to establish and manage an STP presence at other locations in the city.
“There is no lack of talent, innovation and ideas in Sheffield, but there is a shortage of suitable space, infrastructure and business support for highly innovative startups and scaleups,” added Wolfenden.
“Whilst we are in a strong position at STP with full occupancy and a busy, thriving incubator, we are on a mission to create more touchpoints in the city; more spaces to grow and more infrastructure to support businesses at every stage.”
“Having Brent on board is a gamechanger. Our team can now fully execute the ideas and plans that we’ve had for a while, which I believe are going to make a lasting impact on Sheffield’s economy and reputation as the best UK city to start and grow a tech business.”
