Meet the team
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Paul Cowie
CEO
paul.cowie@ruraldesigncentre.com
As the Chief Executive, Paul is responsible for the strategic development of RDC. Paul has over 15 years of experience in rural innovation both as an academic and a consultant. He has advised the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Island governments on rural innovation issues as well as a range of public and private sector organisations. Paul has published over 20 highly cited academic papers on rural innovation. Paul is currently working on projects to support rural skills and employability, community energy and rural connectivity.
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Liz Gray
Head of Innovation
liz.gray@ruraldesigncentre.com
Liz is involved in multiple projects, with a focus on supporting the development of community energy, emission reductions and community development. Key projects she is currently working on include a partnership with Northumberland County Council to support reducing emissions from agriculture and with Durham County Council to deliver community infrastructure projects.
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Nick Devitt
Head of Design
nick.devitt@ruraldesigncentre.com
Nick is a purpose driven design-led facilitator with 30 years’ experience of product, digital and service design. Nick develops and works across multiple projects at RDC.
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Hilary Anderson
Innovation Associate
hilary.anderson@ruraldesigncentre.com
Hilary’s work focuses on community energy opportunities and promoting community development in rural areas to empower local stakeholders, enhance sustainability, and foster economic growth. She provides project management and innovation expertise on various delivery strands in County Durham, working closely with Durham Community Action, the region’s leading infrastructure organisation, and Durham County Council.
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Dr. Ben Fisher
Head of Projects
ben.fisher@ruraldesigncentre.com
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Dr. Katie Aitken-McDermott
Innovation Associate
katie.aitken-mcdermott@ruraldesigncentre.com
Katie’s work currently focuses on supporting rural communities and organisations to design, develop, fund and deliver community infrastructure projects.
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Hermina Ely
Innovation Associate
hermina.ely@ruraldesigncentre.com
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Simon Laing
Rural Start-up Advisor
simon.laing@ruraldesigncentre.com
Simon delivers the Enterprising North pre-start business support programme in rural Northumberland and Gateshead. He provides 1-2-1 mentoring services and practical business planning tools, designed specifically for rural business. He also helps rural startups find funding for their ventures.
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Jamie Campbell
Design Research Lead
jamie.campbell@ruraldesigncentre.com
Jamie is a passionate Designer dedicated to helping the creation of sustainable and inclusive products and services. Currently working on a social research project within rural transport innovation, Jamie is looking at ways effectively understand, measure and report the social and environmental benefits of new rural transport developments.