Bio

Having graduated as an Analytical Chemist, Steve completed a Research Masters on Maillard Reaction Flavours, with the University of Reading. He then spent many years in Confectionery Manufacturing with Nestlé and Northern Foods, working as scientific and technical support to key brands, and later, Technical Manager at Ashbury Confectionery, a leading manufacturer of retailer and contract branded products. 2006 saw Steve join Leatherhead Food Research and with his wealth of industry knowledge and understanding undertook a wide range of commercial and project management activities for the Food Innovation group including; delivery of technical training courses and conference engagements on a wide variety of food innovation topics and running Innovation workshops, including ‘Food Innovation INTENT’, Leatherhead’s Open Innovation community. During this period Steve became widely recognised as a food industry expert. In 2015 Steve established The Aurora Ceres Partnership with his wife, Naomi, providing Innovation Management, Product development, change management and business support for the Food and Beverage industry. . As a recognised food industry expert, Steve is regularly approached to undertake international speaking engagements and provides regular comment for key industry media channels.