Simon Barnes
Programme Director
Growing Kent & Medway
Bio
Simon Barnes leads Growing Kent & Medway as Programme Director, providing strategic direction and fostering collaboration between businesses, government bodies, and charitable organisations to drive sustainable innovation across the region's horticultural and food and drink sectors.
With over eight years as the University of Kent's Strategic Partnerships Manager and significant experience throughout the food and drink supply chains, Simon brings comprehensive industry expertise to his role. He is committed to strengthening Growing Kent & Medway's position as a leading research cluster for plant-based food and drink innovation.
Area of expertise
- Industrial-Academic Collaboration
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Water Resource Management
- Supply Chain Optimisation
- Sustainability