Embryo

A Manchester-based, multi-award winning digital marketing agency with a strong focus on client value and experience, Embryo are the go-to digital marketing agency serving local, national and international brands looking to create real impact in the online, and offline space. Specialising in search (paid & organic), social media, content marketing and design & development, we work collaboratively with our clients to put their products and/or services at the forefront of their customers' buying journey.

Chief Innovation Officer

ITR Events

I went to ITR when they had 30-something people. I left three years later having built the company to 90+ people, helping the company to grow and beat every challenge in its path. I enabled the company to move from being a transactional business to a consultative business, drastically changing the fortunes of the business and the kind of customers that it now attracts.

Executive Director

Online Ventures Group

Dominating networks on behalf of our clients using network science and traditional marketing methods upon new media technologies.

Director, Sales, Marketing, R&D

redsauce.com

Helped to start redsauce.com, a content-focussed web marketing company that grew to ~30 people, across three locations in the UK (Stoke, Tamworth) and USA (Dallas).

Sales and Marketing Director

GetUpdated

Driver of research and seo and related technology for the company.  Created several products including Content solution which now forms a major part of income for the company.

Head of Research/CTO

Regus

Global oversight of improving web presence through SEO/PPC

Global Head of Online

Caudwell Group

Online promotion of several well-known online telecomms brands.

Marketing Manager

I'm James, a 23-year veteran of SEO, building successful strategies that elevate your websites into true industry leaders when it comes to search.

I've had amazing success with companies from many sectors. From turning one-man business into industry leaders, to turning offline industry giants into companies that dominate online for thousands of search terms.

I'm able to help any member of the C-suite to understand what is needed to be successful in their industry - and to get them there, too.

My aim is to support those people that have experienced mediocre, or average experiences with SEO agencies. I like to show people that strategies are always more simple than you think - but that hard work is still required.

Send me a DM if you would like some help.

James Welch

I’m driven by a simple belief: the UK’s digital economy grows stronger when innovation is inclusive, collaborative, and accessible to everyone.

For more than 14 years, I’ve supported hundreds of founders, startups and scale-ups across the UK, helping them innovate, grow, secure investment, build strong teams, and navigate a fast-changing digital landscape. 

My work spans consultancy, ecosystem development, mentoring, programme design and strategic advisory roles for organisations across industry, academia and the public sector.

As Co-Founder of Tech North Advocates, I’ve played a leading role in strengthening the North of England’s tech ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs, investors, universities, councils and corporates to unlock opportunities, build community, and champion the region as a global innovation hub. I’m also a passionate advocate for women in tech and inclusive innovation. 

My commitment to diversifying the digital economy has been recognised nationally, including being named Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Woman in UK Tech 2025, reflecting over a decade of impact in leadership, mentoring and digital inclusion.

What I specialise in:

Innovation strategy
Digital transformation
Startup and Scaleup growth support
Ecosystem building across the North 
Innovation
Women-in-tech advocacy
Entrepreneurship programmes
Venture development
Public –private–academic collaboration
Board advisory 
Senior leadership coaching

Why I do this:

I believe in the power of connected ecosystems. When founders can access networks, skills, capital and opportunity regardless of where they live or who they are entire regions thrive. 

My work is about creating those conditions.

Who I work with:

Startups 
Scale-ups
Universities
Local authorities
Innovation hubs 
Corporates
Investors
Ecosystem builders 
Community organisations

Let’s connect: If you’re building something that strengthens innovation, inclusion or growth, whether in the North or across the UK, I’d love to explore how we can work together.

Naomi T.

This week I was mostly.......

Pretending to blue steel it in Manchester for an upcoming magazine interview coming out in March.

Attending Leeds Digital Forum with Damian M. talking about all things Northern Arc - big thanks to Sarah Tulip and Fiona Bolam. Popped to the Mills & Reeve Tech Tuesday event and caught up with Stuart Clarke MBE and saw Jenson Brook from Britain's Got Startups (who I also saw on Wednesday at his event in Manchester) and finished at Leeds Digital Drinks.

Delivered the Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester StartupLab on Wednesday and Engine Room ScaleUp on Thursday and a planning afternoon with End Game

Finally finishing the week at Merseyway Innovation Centre Innovate Stockport where I caught up with tech founder Maqsud M. and 👩‍⚕️ Emma-Louise Fusari RGN who was filling me in on her Havas Boost pitch (keeping everything crossed for you!).

Naomi Timperley FRSA

Growth & Innovation Consultant | Tech North Advocates Co-Founder | Innovation Ecosystem Leader | Most Influential Woman in UK Tech 2025 | Advisor to Startups, Scale-ups & Ecosystems

As someone who has always loved LEGO, this story really caught my eye.
LEGO has been part of my life for as long as I can remember not just as a toy, but as a way of thinking, building and exploring ideas. Today, that love shows up in my work in a different way. I’m a LEGO Serious Play facilitator and a design sprint facilitator, and I see first-hand how powerful LEGO can be as a tool for creativity, problem-solving and innovation for adults as much as for children.

What’s always fascinated me about LEGO is its simplicity. A small number of bricks can unlock complex thinking, shared understanding and collective creativity. In workshops, LEGO Serious Play helps teams surface ideas, align around challenges, and build confidence to experiment. It’s hands-on, inclusive and deeply human exactly the kind of conditions innovation needs.

So when LEGO explores adding more technology into the bricks themselves, I feel both curious and thoughtful. Innovation is about testing boundaries, learning and evolving and I admire LEGO for continuing to experiment. At the same time, part of LEGO’s magic is that it doesn’t tell you what to build or how to think. The bricks invite imagination rather than prescribe outcomes.

For me, the question isn’t whether technology belongs in play, it’s whether it enhances creativity or constrains it. When innovation supports open-ended thinking, collaboration and storytelling, it can be incredibly powerful. When it becomes the focus rather than the enabler, we risk losing what makes LEGO such a timeless platform for ideas.

Whether I’m working with founders, leadership teams or communities, LEGO is a constant reminder that play and innovation are inseparable. The best ideas often emerge when people are given permission to experiment, build, reflect and rebuild brick by brick.

And honestly? I’ll always have a soft spot for a pile of bricks on a table and the simple question: what could this become?

Loved facilitating the discussion on “What is your End Game” with members of K-Club yesterday with Nick Richardson, FCMI, CMRS End Game

You wouldn't get in the car and not know where you're going. Or would you..?


A fantastic way to kick off our 2026 programme of events for some of our Members who participated in a great round-table discussion on their business 'end games' facilitated by Naomi Timperley FRSA.

There were plenty of valuable conversations and takeaways, both for those thinking about their own businesses and for those supporting clients through this journey — from strengthening profit and brand value, documenting processes early, and focusing on what truly sells, to recognising the value of your IP, using trusted advisors, being flexible around exit timing, and staying grounded in your purpose.

Thanks to everyone for taking part and to Naomi for her insight and practical advice.

Many thanks to Georgina Breeze of Brown Shipley for hosting us in the boardroom with a spectacular view of the Manchester skyline.

Wishing a happy birthday to Adam Wilson - any excuse for us to ditch 'being healthy' in January and enjoy a slice of birthday cake!

And no round table event is complete without including some delicious food. Gusto came up with the goods last night - if you haven't eaten there recently you're in for a treat! 


Fancy being involved next time? Take a look at our Membership Offering and be part of our next discussion! https://lnkd.in/eCSCd6-P

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James Welch

Naomi T.

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taplio

The Battle

James Welch

Naomi T.

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Naomi T.'s LinkedIn Performance

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