Project Manager, Tech Adoption for Growth, Business West
Having a career spanning academia, technology start-ups and business support, Dr Ben Masheder has built extensive expertise in innovation, funding, finance and digital technology adoption. His experience combines academic rigour with a practical understanding of the challenges ambitious businesses face as they seek to innovate, secure investment and achieve sustainable growth.
As Project Manager for Tech Adoption for Growth at Business West, Ben leads a major programme that is helping sole traders and small businesses to use digital technology more effectively. Through tailored one-to-one support and specialist-led workshops, the programme helps businesses improve their productivity, efficiency and profitability by harnessing the power of AI, automation, digital marketing, CRM software and other digital tools and technology.
Ben is also a Delivery Team Manager within Business West’s Innovation Team. He supports innovative businesses through their investment-readiness and grant-funding journeys, helping founders assess their options, develop stronger propositions and focus their resources where they can have the greatest impact. His approach is practical, insight-led and grounded in the individual needs and ambitions of each business.
Before joining Business West, Ben worked in academia and the technology start-up sector. He holds a PhD in chemistry and has experience of establishing research collaborations, developing partnerships with universities and multinational organisations, and obtaining funding to support innovation. This background enables him to understand complex ideas quickly while maintaining a clear focus on their commercial potential and real-world application.
Ben has supported more than 250 businesses and has extensive experience delivering technology adoption programmes for SMEs during their first six months of support. He is particularly interested in helping businesses move beyond experimentation and use technology purposefully, selecting the right tools, building confidence within their teams and making changes that deliver measurable value.
A committed advocate for innovation and responsible technology adoption throughout the South West, Ben is pleased to join the TBE Awards judging panel. He looks forward to recognising the ambition, ingenuity and achievements of businesses across Bath, Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
He said, “We’re delighted to support the TBE Best User Experience Award and provide an important opportunity to celebrate the businesses and people driving innovation and growth across our region. I’m looking forward to hearing their stories, recognising their achievements and helping to champion the talent that makes the South West such an exciting place to do business.”