Kai inspired by the creativity of Warwickshire's digital sector
"It is really inspiring to see how much brilliant innovation is going on in Warwickshire. Everywhere you turn there is a different company with a different idea."
As befits a talented rugby player, Kai Cott enjoys getting to grips with a situation.
And as a Business & Investment Officer (Innovation) at Warwickshire County Council, Kai has plenty to get his teeth into as he helps innovation-based businesses to access the support and finance they need to start up and grow.
It is very much a hands-on role, which he thoroughly enjoys.
And he admits it is a big help that his native patch (Kai was born in Leamington Spa) just happens to be world-renowned for its digital and creative sector. As technology began to gallop forward at the start of the 21st century, Warwickshire moved quickly to the forefront of the advance - and has remained there.
"It is really inspiring to see how much brilliant innovation is going on in Warwickshire," Kai said. "Everywhere you turn there is a different company with a different idea."
"That's why there is so much Foreign Direct Investment in our county and why it has such a big global reputation. It also makes my job easier because there are so many talented and creative people around."
Even the most talented and creative people need good advice and practical support, however, especially if they are an SME with little or no time spare to look for funding opportunities.
That's where Kai comes in. As part of the inward investment team in the county council's Economy & Skills office based at Barrack Street, Warwick, his role is to engage with businesses throughout the county, find out what support they need, tell them what's out there and help them access appropriate support.
It is a role he enjoys for its diversity. He's happy to do the hard yards in the office - but is happiest out and about.
"I really enjoy the job because it's not stuck behind a desk, it's all about getting out and seeing people," he said.
"We are here to help all these businesses grow. Part of that is signposting to support programmes run by ourselves and our partners, like Business Ready. We work in partnership with Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the universities to deliver ERDF-funded programmes and there is a lot of support out there for businesses. I'm here to connect them up to it.
"Accessing funding can be a long-winded process with different bodies involved and paperwork and acronyms (it took me a while to get my head round all the acronyms). That means some SMEs look at it and think 'I haven't got the time.' Part of my role is to demystify that process.
"We are here to support businesses at every level, from individuals who have an idea but don't know how to advance it to SMEs who have a great business but no experience in accessing funding so just need pointing in the right direction."
Kai is also leading the county council participation in the Innovation Test-bed programme, a joint European Regional Development Fund-backed scheme with, Coventry City Council and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd. The programme seeks to increase local SME engagement and take-up of innovation business support from national and local programmes such as Innovate UK and the university sector.
Another strand to his role, later on, meanwhile, will focus on businesses in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. There is, to say the least, plenty in his in-tray.
Kai's rugby career was cruelly hit by a serious leg injury at Sheffield Hallam University, which entailed many months on crutches. But he still plays, as a prop, for Old Leamingtonians - and both on the rugby field and on behalf of the county council he has plenty to tackle.