Sean Sutcliffe, Chair

Sean Sutcliffe has wide business leadership experience across technology enabled businesses. He is chief executive of Oxford Space Systems and Chair of Biocleave Limited. Sean was born in Reading and grew up locally, so was delighted to be able to make his way back to live in the area some years ago. As an engineer he is passionate about making things work better and in serving society, and at Launchpad he uses his skills and experience to make a positive difference to people’s lives, and to the town and surrounding area.    

Hannah Powell, Vice-chair

Hannah works for the Probation Service and is involved with a wide network of local organisations in Reading aimed at supporting people to make changes in their lives.

Ian Haslam, Vice-chair

Ian is a geophysicist by training and worked in oil and gas exploration for over 30 years, with the last 20 years in the Reading area. After leaving, he volunteered for Launchpad for three years before being asked to become a trustee. He is active in the community – working in climate change mitigation groups, volunteering for other charities (including the Prince’s Trust), and in campaign groups that address inequality and environmental issues. His main contribution as a trustee is in operations and strategy.

Suzanne Stallard, Trustee

Proudly born and bred in Reading, Suzanne has been involved in grassroots community based organisations for over 25 years. She is the founder of the local arts charity Jelly, a town centre based organisation that works with a number of businesses, people of all ages and groups across the area including Launchpad.

Matt Andrews, Trustee

Matt is a qualified architect, which means we can easily access essential professional property advice. Matt has been a trustee for many years.

Phil Jones, Trustee

Phil is VP of Partnerships at Double verify, with extensive experience in sales, marketing and business development. He’s passionate about helping people and has worked with several charities, mentoring groups and individuals from challenged backgrounds.

Bill Montague, Trustee

Bill qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and co-founded Dexter Montague in 1987. With a broad range of experience spanning over 30 years Bill’s personal practice concentrates on advising business and voluntary sector clients on their legal affairs including property, strategic and operational matters.

Helen Waring, Trustee

Helen is Reading born and bred and works at Cream Design, the agency responsible for Launchpad’s rebrand in 2011. Helen is also a trustee of charities Swings and Smiles and Reading Former Players’ Association.

Deborah Edwards, Trustee

Deborah has been a Labour Southcote Councillor since 2006 and was Worshipful Mayor of Reading for the 2011/2012 and 2018/2019 terms. She also volunteers as a school governor and is Chair of SITE (Southcote Information Technology Experience) – and believes in life-long learning and personal development for all. Deborah is passionate about offering the best possible support to vulnerable people in Reading so that they can lead a fulfilling and happy life – and joined Launchpad’s board of trustees in 2019.

Dr Anna Ghelli, Trustee

Hailing from Italy, Anna started her working career in Reading as a researcher at the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading and then spent several years at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. She is a trustee of the Royal Meteorological Society, chairs the Society’s Scientific Publishing committee and is a specialist mentor for Graft Thames Valley, a charity that supports disadvantaged people. Anna is passionate about education, as it helps to build self-confidence and equips people with life-enhancing skills.

Alison Wright, Trustee

Originally from London, Alison moved to Reading after graduating from Portsmouth University / Bordeaux Grand Ecole to start a career in technology. Over 20+ years she’s held a number of leadership positions in sales, marketing and operations and currently is a senior Director at Microsoft UK leading their Small and Medium Business segment. As a working mother and a dyslexic Alison has also been a keen supporter for building diversity within the technology sector and is particularly passionate about supporting, under-represented early in career talent, and working parents. In her spare time Alison has engaged in extensive volunteer work across a range of institutions including Hampshire Constabulary, Reading Youth Offending Services and the All Night Café homeless shelter run by New Beginnings.

We are always interested to hear from people who’d like to be involved with Launchpad as a trustee. Get in touch with us if you’d like an informal chat about what the commitment of being a trustee involves. Email: enquiries@launchpadreading.org.ukTr