Thank you to our board members for their continued support!
Jenny Walford - PR and Communications
Jenny is ADPR’s Joint Managing Director. Jenny is a highly seasoned communications professional who plays a vital role in getting to the heart of a brand, their purpose, the project, and its objectives. Her experience spans a variety of sectors including sport and leisure, technology, FMCG, home interest, consumer finance, film, TV, gaming and education. Having worked in-house and within agency, Jenny is a master of campaign development, interpreting briefs and understanding exactly what clients need. Creative to the core, she is always brimming with ideas on how to devise and deliver strategies and campaigns targeting a wide range of audiences with diverse challenges that stand out from the crowd. Jenny has recently been awarded a CIPR Specialist Diploma in Internal Communications.
Alex Clancy - Business & Education
Serving as Head of Business Development at Wiltshire College & University Centre and now as Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Yeovil College, Alex directly supports around 5,000 learners. This includes partnerships with some of the largest tech employers in Somerset, particularly in the defence and manufacturing sectors. Alex is also part of the Regional Place Leadership Group for South Somerset, North & West Dorset and is actively involved with key strategic stakeholders across the South West, including at Hydrogen South West, the South West Defence Cluster, the West of England Institute of Technology, and Yeovil Chamber of Commerce and Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Smith - Business & Education
Paul is passionate about helping people and businesses across Somerset grow, innovate and prepare for the future. As a Business Growth Officer at UCS College Group, he works with employers to identify opportunities, develop their workforce and navigate the skills landscape, connecting them with the resources, networks and support they need to succeed. Having run his own businesses for over 15 years, he understands the challenges and opportunities employers face. His background spans business development, marketing, design and education, giving him a practical perspective on growth and the value of investing in people. Alongside his college role, he continues to run a creative business and magazine, championing collaboration, digital innovation and stronger connections between education and industry. He believes Somerset's greatest strength is its people and that, by working together, we can create lasting opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
Scotty Quilter - AI, Automation, and Technology
Scott Quilter FBCS is the Co-Founder and Chief AI & Innovation Officer at Techosaurus, an award-winning Somerset-based technology training company. A Fellow of the British Computer Society with over 20 years of industry experience, including time with Microsoft, Scott specialises in AI, automation, digital transformation, and helping people and businesses use technology better. Alongside Techosaurus, Scott is an industry expert instructor, associate lecturer, and regular speaker. Passionate about making technology accessible to everyone, he champions practical education, collaboration, and building a stronger digital community across Somerset.
Amy Ralston - Digital IP & Legal
Amy Ralston (Chairperson) is a Legal 500 recommended and Chambers UK ranked Intellectual Property and Technology Partner at Stephens Scown, a B Corp and employee-owned law firm in the South West. Specialising in AI and Influencer Marketing Law, Amy guides clients through the entire innovation lifecycle, ensuring their ideas are protected from inception to commercialisation. I am delighted to be involved in Digital Somerset – pushing the digital literacy and accessibility agenda is something I am passionate about. Photo credit: Ivy House Photography
Tasha Astill - Business & Education
Tasha Astill is a Business Growth Manager at UCS College Group, helping employers develop workforce strategies through skills training and professional development. Having completed her own apprenticeship she is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and the transformational impact of skills development. Tasha is also the creator of the Levy Loop initiative, which aims to connect levy-paying organisations with SMEs, expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening local skills ecosystems and supporting sustainable economic growth across the region.
Nick Porter - Business & Finance
Nick was born in Taunton and grew up in Street in Somerset. Nick is very proud of his roots and has spent the past decade focussed on supporting Somerset businesses and communities in his day time job as Barclays Regional Manager for Business Banking in Bristol and West of England. Nick is an Inward Investment Ambassador for Invest Somerset and sits on other boards and forums across Somerset to support wider initiatives, including Digital Somerset. Nick is a season ticket holder at Exeter Chiefs, loves all things tech and attending live music events.