Dr. Richard Taylor, CTO of Vector Photonics, has successfully completed the Royal Academy of Engineering’s, Shott Scale Up Accelerator programme. Managed by the RAE’s Enterprise Hub, the programme seeks to equip young, engineering-based leaders and founders of high-growth, UK technology companies with the skills they need for growth. Applicants compete for places on the programme. The winners receive a £10,000 grant towards training, expert business mentoring and coaching – all aimed at developing a leadership mindset, strategic capability, and business-growth skills.

Richard Taylor explained, “Managing the effective scaling of a technology company is as critical to its success as having the original idea! Many businesses struggle or fail at this point. The RAE’s Shott Scale Up Accelerator programme has given me the skills I need to help grow Vector Photonics, alongside the other directors. I used the £10,000 training grant for the IoD (Institute of Directors) Certificate in Company Direction, covering the role of a board director, finance for non-FD’s, strategy, and leadership. I have also become part of a community of talented and proven engineers and innovators, including Enterprise Hub members and Fellows of the Academy. Not only do they have a wealth of business experience, but they also offer support and willingly share their invaluable expertise.”

Ian Shott CBE FREng is a highly successful entrepreneur. He helped establish the RAE’s Enterprise Hub in 2013 to give entrepreneurial engineers the skills to scale up their businesses and succeed.