Bristol Innovations Ltd (BIL), a University of Bristol subsidiary that manages the University’s holdings in spin-out and other companies engaged in exploiting new technologies emerging from its research, has announced the appointment of Nick Morant and John Pocock as board directors. 

Over the past decade, spinout company activity at the University has been strong, with 26 active companies bringing in nearly £20 million in new funding in 2006-07 alone. Much of the money raised by the University’s spinout companies, in some cases over 50 per cent, is spent on on-going research and development within the University.

Nick Morant is the founder and Managing Partner of Cormorant Corporate Finance LLP, an independent corporate finance firm. A qualified barrister and a graduate of the University, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to BIL. This includes his current role of providing direct investment as principal in private companies and business development and advisory services to UK listed and private companies. Previously he was an investment banker in London and Asia, where his roles included Vice-President and Head of Asian Equity Capital Markets for JP Morgan and Managing Director of investment banking for Nikko Europe.

Derek Pretty, Chairman of BIL and Registrar and Secretary of the University, said: “I am delighted that Nick has joined the BIL team. It is an exciting time for enterprise at the University and Nick’s experience in this field will be invaluable.”

John Pocock will also be joining the board. Mr Pocock, also an alumnus of the University, has held a range of chairmanships and non-executive directorships in the IT and financial services sector. His experience includes a career as a CEO in both a FTSE 250-listed plc and venture capital environment with a track record of managing businesses in both upward and downward economic environments across the globe. After an early career in IBM and Andersen Consulting he worked for 12 years at Druid Group building it from a turnover of near zero up to £60 million. He has also successfully created business subsidiary start-ups in the US and the Far East.

“John’s proven skills in strategic planning, operational analysis and team building will clearly be an asset to BIL,” said Mr Pretty.  “We are delighted to welcome both Nick and John on to the board and look forward to working with them in the future.”