Meet the Profitnet team

Dr George Tsekouras

George is a Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in Innovation Management (CENTRIM) and founder of the Profitnet programme.

He currently leads research in the area of learning and innovation within small enterprises. George has also worked in a number of other innovation management fields such as benchmarking, regional development and business process reengineering. He has a first degree in mechanical engineering, a DPhil from SPRU at University of Sussex. He has presented his work to various international conferences and he is a reviewer for a number of international journals.

Deana Ward - Business Development Manager

Deana leads the Profitnet programme, looking after the team and developing strategies to expand Profitnet both nationally and internationally. Having joined the team in 2006 she has a passion for helping businesses innovate and fulfil their potential.

She holds a masters degree in business administration (MBA) with distinction from the University of Brighton, coupled with a comprehensive background in business management. Deana has a wealth of experience across a broad spectrum of industries and environments, from managing an International mail order company based in Dubai to successfully running her own business in Hove.

Judith Badger - Development and Delivery Manager

Judith began her career as a trainer and teacher.  After running an incentive gift company supplying the wine and whisky industries, she then moved into the role of Director of Studies for a therapy training college, managing the company on a day to day basis and looking after the team, curriculum and business development.  

She has over 3 year’s experience of managing Profitnet groups and working with Profitnet members. She is a trained facilitator, with specialist knowledge in social enterprise, having launched the first SE learning network for the University of Brighton.

Roz Buchan - Project Manager

Roz joined the Profitnet team in September 2008 after four years as a Project Manager at Sussex Downs College in the Partnership and Employer Relations Department.

She has wide experience of both the public and private sectors and brings to Profitnet many years of business experience including starting up and selling a business. Her career began in PR and she was Head of Press for a leading record company before establishing her own business. She later became involved in the world of publishing and events with a very successful newsletter and conference business.

Geoff Smith - Project Manager

Geoff was the original Project Manager responsible for the launch and delivery of the first Profitnet programme in Hastings in 2004.  He is a business graduate and has held director and senior management positions in companies operating in the engineering, chemical and financial services industries.

He has also been a Lecturer in business and finance, an Independent Financial Adviser and company owner.  Geoff brings over 30 years' business and public sector experience in management, finance, sales and marketing together with consultancy in business improvement.

Rachel Carter - Independent Consultant

Rachel is an independent consultant and facilitator who has been part of the ProfitNet team since the beginning of 2007, as a facilitator, consultant and has recently written a manual for Facilitators. She has both a mix of commercial and public sector experience having spent most of her career in the BBC and its commercial division.

Her degree is in Business Studies and she has recently completed a post graduate diploma in Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring.