HATCH ENTERPRISE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Communications and IT Manager
Adam specialises in multimedia design, from websites to booklets, from films to photography. He has a penchant for combining multiple types of media to achieve his end goals and he's always looking for new challenges to aid him in expanding his skill-set.
Job Titles:
- Head of People and Operations
Anna has a background in HR, operations, learning programme design and volunteer management. She is an entrepreneur at heart having co-founded a social enterprise which supported social entrepreneurs to solve business challenges in Sri Lanka, Brazil and India - where she lived and worked for 3 years. Anna has also previously worked on designing and delivering learning programmes and setting up support programmes for entrepreneurs which is why she is extremely passionate about the work Hatch.
In her spare time Anna loves to spend time planning adventures, travelling, yoga, dancing, conscious festivals and trying new experiences, workshops and practices to evolve herself.
Anne-Helene has over 15 years of professional experience. Over the last few years, she has been working as a Senior Investment Manager at CAF, and is currently responsible for the Investment team, the oversight of CAF Venturesome's 4 social investment funds and portfolio of c. 120 organisations.
Previously, she worked for over 10 years as a senior consultant with strategic management consultancies in the UK & France, where she is from. She has first-hand experience in the third sector having worked in and with numerous local and national charities, VCOs and social enterprises, helping them to diversify their income streams, apply for funding and grow successfully, as well as access social investment. She has also delivered a number of enterprise skills programmes, which has allowed her to mentor personally over 30 individual social entrepreneurs.
Job Titles:
- Head of Marketing and Communications
Bevis joins Hatch with more than 15 years of experience working in communications, PR and marketing in the third sector. Over that time he has worked for international development charity VSO, and several health and research charities, including the NHS's Imperial Health Charity and national bone and soft tissue charity Sarcoma UK. He has grown and developed communications teams and is a passionate believer in the power of communications in all its guises to do some good in the world.
He is a keen runner and yogi, a music hoarder, and loves nothing more than being surrounded by trees, hills and mountains.
Job Titles:
- Acting Co - Head of Programmes
Job Titles:
- Head of Corporate Partnerships
Deryl joins Hatch with a background in CSR, working in partnership with City and Canary Wharf companies to provide meaningful volunteering opportunities for their staff particularly supporting students and young people. Deryl is also a freelance coach with a focus on women changing or developing their career. She is a keen cyclist, loves playing pool, Scrabble and - true to her NZ roots - can disappear with a backpack for a day or two to explore new places.
Dirk is the founder of Hatch Enterprise, which started in 2013. He's been following his passion to build responsible businesses since 2004 where he's worked on over 50 projects across the UK and Europe, focusing on sustainability, vocational training and entrepreneurship. Dirk helped set-up a number of social enterprises and a commercial Solar PV company. He's passionate about enterprise and helping people get their ventures off the ground.
He managed to get through a BSc in Social Anthropology with Business Studies and completed his Masters in Social Anthropology (Goldsmiths). He's interested in understanding the gift vs contract culture and organisational anthropology. A cyclist commuter by heart, he loves it so much that he's done a few 1000 mile charity rides around England and Japan.
Edmund is a Partner with Jenson Solutions. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Grant Thornton UK LLP in London where he worked in audit, Corporate Finance, Project Finance and latterly the Government, Infrastructure and Advisory team. His career at Grant Thornton saw him work for both the private and public sectors as well as working internationally. He has worked across a range of sectors including transport, waste and renewable energy, urban regeneration, leisure and manufacturing, helping to bid large contracts, complete financial models and provide wider strategic and commercial advice. He is passionate about working with SME's to drive growth in their business, explore new routes to market and maximise their sustainability. He is also a mentor for ICAS and Virgin Start Ups.
Job Titles:
- PR and Communications Manager
Emily joined Hatch as PR and Communications Manager in January 2022 bringing experience in establishing and growing an impactful communications department from her last role at a homelessness charity in Cornwall.
She has a keen interest in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship which was developed during her time volunteering on a Raleigh International ICS livelihoods programme in Tanzania, and is passionate about telling the stories of those who are often not given a platform.
She is a very amateur hockey player, aspirational rock climber, and enjoys volunteering through Girlguiding.
Iqbal Wahhab has lived in Britain for almost his whole life and in a career spanning 30 years he has built a reputation for delivering world-class excellence through his highly successful restaurant businesses, Roast and The Cinnamon Club. It was Iqbal's early experience in the media which saw him run his own hospitality PR business and Indian food publication, Tandoori Magazine that launched his career in the restaurant industry.
In 2003 he co-authored The Cinnamon Club Cookbook and in 2005 opened the highly renowned Roast, the British restaurant and bar in Borough Market.
Iqbal has won a number of major awards and accolades during his career. He was voted one of the Top 10 Restaurateurs in Britain in an Independent on Sunday survey and listed in the Caterer Power 100, GQ 100 Most Connected and The Sunday Times Maserati Top 100 business start-up mentors. He has also received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of East London and an Honorary Doctorate in Science from the University of West London.
He chairs two social enterprises - Mum's The Chef and Bounce Back and is actively engaged in the prison reform agenda, social entrepreneurship and in the social investment sector.
What Iqbal said about joining Hatch as a Patron: "I've long watched how Brixton's entrepreneurial talent has been growing in the past. There is a sense of people in Brixton and South London generally that they are building themselves into the centre. Hatch is empowering them to be part of this and being a patron with Hatch is a great way of getting involved in this movement."
Job Titles:
- Community Programmes Coordinator
Iulia is passionate about human creativity and technology and using the power of technology to make lives easier and improve inequality. She did a Law degree and a Masters in the Creative Industries where she was inspired by entrepreneurship, generating ideas, pitching (for 2 different social impact business ideas) and understanding the startup ecosystem.
After 8 years of supporting businesses, social enterprises and higher education institutions through events and project management, she took a leap of faith and launched her own business in the summer of 2020 enabling ethical and impact-driven companies work more efficiently and with less overwhelm through marketing and tech support.
In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor walks in the Oxfordshire countryside, spending time at her allotment, dancing, exploring, and watching Gilmore Girls.
Jess is the Social Media officer for Hatch, joining in July 2022 after graduating from Leeds Arts University in Fine Art and stumbling into marketing through passion for video making, photography and working with various charities across Leeds. She has brought her experience in the creative sector together with strong beliefs in creating powerful communities, resulting in a drive for telling the stories of others through visual communications. She believes strongly in the positive powers of social media to uplift underrepresented business founders across the UK and promote more easily accessible knowledge online.
In her spare time Jess is a lover of good food, good films and good music. She also spends her time dabbling in graphic design and taking on her own creative passion projects such as photography series and magazine making.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
- People and Operations Manager ( Interim )
Jessica is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Hatch. After graduating in PR and communications, she spent her early career working within operations in the beauty industry. She came to Hatch looking to be part of an organisation with a passion and purpose she truly aligns with and believes in.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys socialising with friends, cooking and trying new dishes; she also has a keen interest in all things beauty.
Joseph joined Hatch in January 2024. Originating from Hong Kong, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Joseph holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance, coupled with a Master's degree in Marketing Innovation and Strategy. His multifaceted skill set encompasses financial operations, strategic planning, and proficiency in management and business strategy. With a robust background spanning seven years in the finance function, Joseph has contributed his financial acumen to various industries. Noteworthy experiences include his involvement with Oxwash, a sustainability-focused laundry and dry-cleaning startup, and Eat Chay, a plant-based food brand committed to quality, ethics, and sustainability.
A testament to Joseph's entrepreneurial spirit is his founding of Eat Chay with an initial investment of £5000, ultimately achieving an impressive £1 million in revenue by the third year. This accomplishment garnered recognition from reputable publications such as TimeOut, Metro, and Evening Standards. When not crunching numbers, Joseph loves football, enjoys exploring diverse culinary experiences, and finds solace in hiking with his canine companions, Otter and Ozzy.
Kerry joined Hatch as Trusts and Foundations Manager in October 2022. Prior to that, she worked as a Literary Agent for 20 years, working closely with authors to develop their ideas and sell their work to the right publisher. She believes passionately in the power of storytelling to make sense of the world, foster understanding, and build communities. She likes reading, podcasts, wine, the mountains, running, dogs (although she doesn't have one - yet), and cycling around the city.
Leyla joined Hatch in January 2024 as the CLG Lead, to drive the overall strategy and coordination of the Collective Leadership Group.
As the founder of Diverse Minds UK Ltd in 2016 her passion lies in creating happy, healthy and inclusive workplaces. She is the host of the award-winning weekly Diverse Minds podcast, a show centred on mental health and inclusion. As well as a TEDx speaker. She is featured on the Diversity Power List 2023/2024 for her innovative work in inclusion. Leyla's career started in higher education, firstly at Leeds Students' Union, followed by the University of Oxford and finally Imperial College. She is delighted to be working with founders and entrepreneurs dedicated to improving society. She is a Board member of Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.
In her spare time she runs a feminist book group, tries to grow vegetables and goes for long walks.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder of Beloved Theatre Company
- Cohort Programme Coordinator
Lia is the Accelerator Programme Coordinator at Hatch and holds a bachelor's degree in Drama & Theatre Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London. She's passionate about community based work and is excited to work with Founders helping them to reach the next stage in their business.
Outside of Hatch, Lia is the co-founder of Beloved Theatre Company, created with her best friend after graduating university. Beloved Theatre focuses on amplifying Black culture, tradition and stories on stage whilst also creating pathways for underrepresented groups to enter the arts industry and equipping them with skills they can take throughout life both within and outside of the industry.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Finance Director
Matt joined Hatch as Finance Director in April 2023 after a financial and management career in the commercial sector - including at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Disney & Hasbro - and a lifetime of volunteering with charities. He is a qualified chartered accountant, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales, has an Executive MBA from London Business School and a Postgraduate Diploma in Charity Accounting & Financial Management from Cass (now Bayes) Business School. Matt is the Treasurer and trustee at Creative Futures; a multi-arts charity which offers transformative experiences to children, young people and families, especially those from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, through inspiring creative programmes.,
Matt started volunteering at Hatch in 2018 and has been a lay member of its Finance Committee since 2021. Having been fortune to benefit from multiple role models and opportunities during his life and career, he understands that talent is equally distributed but opportunities are not and that entrepreneurs are a foundation of our society and economy. Matt is inspired by Hatch's mission to support underrepresented founders and keen to utilise his experience to ensure its financial sustainability and continued growth.
Job Titles:
- Acting Co - Head of Programmes
Mellissa joined Hatch in February 2022 as Programme Manager for Launchpads and Hackathons. Having founded the UK's first vegan bakery Ms. Cupcake back in 2010, she fully understands the ever-changing life of a startup entrepreneur!
Through Ms. Cupcake, Mellissa has been a keynote speaker, written cookbooks (Ms. Cupcake: The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town was published by Random House) and has taught master classes at events around the world. Having begun her career in the creative and education sectors, she is excited to now be supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and communities.
Mellissa loves going to the theatre, singing karaoke, and playing board games (slightly too competitively).
Meredith has more than a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, working with organisations including NSPCC and Alzheimer's Society on corporate partnerships and programmes and later leading Childhood Cancer Canada as Acting CEO. She transitioned into strategy while completing her Masters in Business at the University of Manchester and is passionate about optimizing programme design and customer experience.
Canadian-born and still a camp counsellor at heart, Meredith believes we take strength from community. She's thrilled to be helping entrepreneurs build their own support networks and drive meaningful change.
Job Titles:
- Community Programme Manager
Naomi comes from a theatre and higher education background, having worked with students, young people, and those at the beginning of their careers to find their potential, develop their skills and successfully take their first steps into the professional world. Naomi is passionate about community, relationship building, and providing opportunity in order to facilitate social mobility.
She has a love for food (both cooking and eating), musicals, and literature.
Nasrat joined Hatch in Nov 2020 and has been our Head of Finance since April 2023. Nasrat has a Master's degree in Commerce and brings extensive experience in strategic operations and management across the finance function. At Hatch, Nasrat is responsible for overseeing financial operations and developing strategic plans to support Hatch's growth and long-term financial sustainability.
Nasrat is a keen advocate of diversity and inclusion and has a proven dedication and commitment to the charity and not-for-profit sector.
Job Titles:
- People and Operations Manager ( Interim )
Pia joined in November 2021. Coming from a background in the performing arts and wider arts culture sector, Pia brings a creative approach to her work and to our team. She is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and is excited by Hatch's ethos and aims.
Outside of work, Pia enjoys exercising (whether that's doing a home workout, heading to the dance studio, or going for a long walk), visiting new places in the U.K. and abroad, trying new food/restaurants, theme parks, spending time with friends and family and is an animal lover.
Rebekah is delighted to join Hatch as Director of Fundraising and Partnerships. She brings with her almost 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, and nearly a decade of leading fundraising teams in the International Development sector. Most recently, having worked for World Vision, a large international children's charity and Mercy Ships, a charity that is improving access to safe, affordable and timely surgical care in West Africa.
Rebekah is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with current and future Hatch supporters. She is excited to help them achieve their philanthropic and CSR missions through their engagement with Hatch and our amazing business founders. Rebekah enjoys giving supporters the best and most enriching experience possible and strives to demonstrate how their support makes a lasting impact.
Rebekah is passionate about equality and the power of opportunity and is a Trustee of Talent Trust, a charity that provides educational support and daily meals to children in the Philippines. She also volunteers for a local charity, Lasting Memories Charitable Trust, which supports people who are affected by cancer.
Rebekah loves to spend time with family and friends, eat good food, and likes to dabble in a bit of running. Her happy place is on a sunny beach!
Job Titles:
- Head
- Head of Philanthropy
Rosie joined Hatch Enterprise as Head of Philanthropy in 2022, having previously worked in a variety of fundraising roles across the arts and charity sectors. She is committed to building meaningful relationships with trusts, foundations and individuals that share Hatch's vision to create a more inclusive society through entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Rosie loves to go to the theatre, spend time with friends, enjoy good food and wine, and explore the Hertfordshire countryside with her husband, Matt, and Corgi, Cheddar.
Job Titles:
- Cohort Programme Coordinator
Shari is the Incubator Programme Coordinator at Hatch, supporting founders to take their businesses to the next level. She holds a bachelors degree from Warwick Business School and has a background in digital marketing, tech and operations.
She is enthusiastic about all things entrepreneurship, and is motivated by helping others to maximise their potential, grow in confidence and excel in achieving their goals.
Outside of work, she is passionate about fitness and wellbeing, enjoys playing the piano and loves exploring the world of fashion.
Job Titles:
- Event Coordinator
- Events Manager
- Co - Founder of Hope and Unity
Sosina is the Event Coordinator at Hatch. She is an International Development graduate with a background in the charity and non-profit sector. She's passionate about promoting equal access to opportunities and supporting underrepresented groups. She's excited to use her creativity and entrepreneurial experience to support Hatch's community of founders.
Outside of Hatch, Sosina is the co-founder of Hope and Unity, a non-profit organisation that supports vulnerable and minority communities to get access to information and services. She is also an artist and has founded her art business called Sxss Collection.
Job Titles:
- Head of People and Operations ( Maternity Cover )
Suzi joined Hatch in February 2024 as the Head of People and Operations (maternity cover).
With a background in talent acquisition, employee engagement, learning & development and resource planning Suzi loves solving people puzzles and bringing out the best in people.
Suzi comes from a PR and communications background, most recently managing the HR and Talent function in a PR agency. She has extensive experience in building and developing partnerships with teams, workload management and resource planning. She is passionate about finding and growing brilliant people to meet organisational objectives and experienced in developing tailored training plans to help meet skills gaps and challenges.
In her spare time Suzi is happiest when outdoors - be it riding her horse, watching her boys play sport or going out for a run (and of course eating the much needed cake afterwards).
Entrepreneur turned VC investor at Praetura Ventures, an early-stage seed-series A sector agnostic EIS fund based in Manchester. Prior to joining Praetura Tania founded, scaled and sold a multi award winning restaurant group across London. She was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018 and a finalist for the Barclaycard Everywoman Female Entrepreneur awards where she was recognised by the Mayor Of London Sadiq Khan as a ‘Success Start-Up Story'.
She currently acts as a Board Member & Trustee at Hatch Enterprise an organisation set up to support underrepresented entrepreneurs to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to launch and grow a business. Tania holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School. Tania is a Hatch Alumni, who's been through our enterprise programmes a few years ago and has since joined the board of trustees in 2022 to inform our work with delivering finance to founders.
As angel investor and startup advisor, Thomas focuses on underrepresented founders that have a positive impact on society. He has been mentoring founders on a broad range of topics since 2013, supporting Google for Startups, Google's internal incubator and Techstars.
With more than 20 years of experience in technology, media and privacy in a diverse set of roles including 14 years at Google, he has been responsible for strategy & operations, regional sales management, hands-on sales and project management. Thomas joined Shazam ($400m exit) as one of the first employees and worked on everything that needed to be done to launch the service and make it commercially successful. Thomas has a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh.
Tiany is the Deep Dive Programme Coordinator at Hatch. She will be working behind the scenes to help ensure the smooth running of the accelerator-level programmes and that each founder is getting the most out of the experience as possible. She's excited to be part of an amazing team who are working to drive social change and rebalance opportunity for deserving founders.
Outside of Hatch, Tiany is a jeweller and ceramicist. She is also in the process of creating an online collective called POUR: a space where creatives from poorer backgrounds can connect, co-work and collaborate, apply for funding and reach a wider audience: with the plan to later liaise with schools and doctors surgeries to provide free workshops for young people experiencing depression and/or bereavement.
She will take any opportunity to try new food and loves to cook, swim, kayak, and watch a healthy mix of documentaries + trashy 2000s films. Being in her studio, listening to music and making something out of metal or clay is one of her happiest places.