I’d like to take this moment to introduce our UKinCanada Science and Innovation readers to one of the newest members of our team. Shannon has actually been with us (the SIN team) since just after the New Year, but is has been with the Consulate General in Toronto for longer than that working for the Consul General and with the UK Trade and Investment team (UKTI) :). Shannon’s knowledge of the inner workings of (UKTI) will no doubt be an incredible asset when trying to plan joint projects, or to involve industry/private sector partners in our ongoing work. I’ve been holding out hope for a picture to post along with my introduction piece (well really Shannon’s self written introduction piece), but I guess I’ll have to add it in after! Shannon will be spending only part of her time with the SIN team, and is kept incredibly busy in her many other duties listed below. She has lots of energy and enthusiasm, and has not been afraid to jump in to SIN activities with both feet. She’s a welcome addition to our team and without further ado, I’ll let her continue the introduction:
Shannon Jones:
You jump right in with SIN! I thought I’d get a long learning curve but nope I’ve got a hand in reports, looming deadlines, receptions, workshops, conferences and the like. There’s something good about the pressure of a challenge, however. This team is one of the most inclusive I’ve ever worked with and there’s a real feeling of equality here. I’m many things within the FCO and UKTI – all beneficial I assure you. Primarily EA to the Consul General and Director for UKTI, Canada means I have an ear and an eye out for everything, which can prove most helpful when covering as deputy systems administrator or assistant business manager for trade Canada chargeable services (OMIS). I have my hand in budgets for 8 trade officers across 3 time zones that are responsible for a combined 12 sectors of business. And now I’m a researcher with SIN Canada – delightful 😉
What an opportunity this feels like, having the chance to expand my mind into a realm it’s not gone before, not really anyway, unless you count visits to my doctor.
I’ve not met everyone on the team in person yet but look forward to doing so at the UK Trade & Investment Canada conference in May.
Claire’s much loved yellow rubber boots will no doubt be hard to fill – but I will do my duckiest.