UMi welcomes new Director of Strategic Projects

Julie Cuthbertson joins UMi as the new Director of Strategic Projects, bringing a wealth of experience in commercial finance and organisational leadership.

With over 22 years in finance and business development, Julie’s expertise underpins UMi’s aspirations to make an even greater impact in helping businesses understand and access finance, as well as UMi’s broader growth through acquisitions and investments.   

Beyond professional credibility, UMi and Julie are driven by similar values. Julie is deeply involved in organisations and charities like SmartWorks and Discovery Learning Trust, being a board trustee of both, aligning perfectly with UMi’s commitment to making a positive impact in local communities.

Nicki Clark, CEO at UMi said: "We are thrilled to welcome Julie to UMi. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Julie for a little while and I’m delighted she wants to continue developing her career in UMi.

“As UMi continues to expand its reach and impact, Julie's leadership will play a pivotal role in driving our development.

“I’m really excited about what we can achieve with Julie onboard.”

Julie Cuthbertson, Director of Strategic Projects at UMi said: “I am delighted to be joining this dynamic team. UMi’s commitment to supporting businesses and making a positive impact on communities is something I really value, and I’m eager to contribute my expertise to furthering that mission.

“Having already met some of the talented individuals at UMi, I’m excited to start working towards strategic initiatives that will drive growth, innovation, and positive change across the UK.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of UMi, and I am thrilled to play a role in shaping it’s future success.”

Julie’s appointment at UMi marks an exciting chapter in the company’s journey of growth and innovation. With her skills, experience, and shared dedication, Julie truly embodies the ART of UMi – adventurous, responsible, and togetherness.

With Julie on board, UMi is poised to make even greater strides in supporting businesses across the UK, driving economic growth, and fostering positive change.

The news of Julie joining the team follows closely behind another exciting development at UMi – the acquisition of Innovation SuperNetwork (Innovate NE) – a partnership which provides a range of opportunities.

Over the past eight years, Innovation SuperNetwork has convened hundreds of organisations from across the region to simplify and improve access to finance and specialist support for innovation, helping more than 1700 businesses. The company has also managed the region’s digital cluster since 2018 and via the Northern Investor Hub, it has built an investor community with more than 200 angels and funds, successfully connecting qualified deal flow from across the North and leveraging more than £40m of investment for businesses.

Since 2007, UMi has worked with more than 600,000 businesses across the UK, defraying £300m in grants and loans, leveraging £650m of private investment, creating or safeguarding 40,000 jobs and facilitating contract wins worth £185m. Alongside its extraordinary network of partners, UMi currently deliver major local and national business support services across the UK, including the National Business Support Service, supply chain engagement activities for Manchester Airport Group, UMi Debt Finance Scotland and Start Up Loan’s Post Loan Support, amongst others.