Bio
After gaining her Ph.D. from Heriot Watt University, Helen embarked on a period of post doctoral research projects before moving into commercialisation and business development roles for a globally recognised nutrition research institute. Thereafter she gained over 20 years’ experience working in innovation delivery to the Scottish food and drink industry – including delivering bespoke insight and innovation strategies across micro to large enterprises and project managing innovation programmes.
Helen then joined SAOS in 2018 and is currently Head of Supply Chain Innovation. Since joining SAOS she has been responsible for developing the C2Network which reaches out to other sectors and the agri research base to bring new thinking and building collaborative opportunities for the SAOS co-op membership.
The ethos of working in partnership and collaborative ventures extends to Helen’s hobbies – training and competing in a variety dog activities including heelwork to music & freestyle and currently embarking on a competitive obedience journey with her adopted six year old border collie Lily.
The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS)
SAOS Ltd, Scotland’s agricultural cooperative and development organisation, is dedicated to advancing Scottish agricultural sectors and enhancing supply chain efficiencies and resilience – a purpose that has driven its mission since its founding in 1905. Structured as a cooperative, SAOS represents approximately 24,000 farmers through our co-op membership and this reflects around a third of Scotland’s food and drink sector. SAOS embodies cooperative values across both its core and subsidiary businesses and fosters collaboration and strengthening the industry for the public good. SAOS is also recognised for delivering thought leadership on strategic development opportunities within the agri-food sector.
SAOS launched the Cultivating Collaboration Network (C2Network) in 2023 to drive cross sector collaboration and to bring new thinking to key farming challenges. Their journey through C2Network activities has resulted in developing strategic partnerships that bring collaborative innovation opportunities for the co-op membership.
Abstract:
At ‘Collaboration : Charting Success Together’ Helen will contribute her experience in building collaborative partnerships to address future farming / rural scenarios and how that journey plays into bringing resilience and efficiency into agri food supply chains via agri co-ops.
Resources
- Overview of Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRlXSEvpy4g
- Insight into SAOS’ member Co-Ops – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJF_ls1xQU
- ‘Why Co-Operate?’: All about Co-ops and Cooperation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfpe2OGlXgY
