The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) in Huddersfield has announced the appointment of Henry Rigg as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Sue Cooke, who is retiring.
Stepping into the role of CEO in late April, Henry brings a wealth of experience in business development, economic regeneration and enterprise support, making him ideally suited to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth.
The 3M BIC plays a vital role in supporting businesses with access to state-of-the-art office and lab spaces, product development facilities and specialist technology. With Henry’s extensive background in business growth and innovation, the Centre will continue driving forward its mission to support start-ups, SMEs and larger enterprises in West Yorkshire and beyond.
Henry will also lead on the creation of a new health and wellbeing innovation centre that will be situated on the top floor of the Emily Siddon Building, the second on the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus. Due to open in 2026, the centre will house offices and labs, events and co-working space, as well as a Maker Space equipped with technology to support businesses looking to develop products in the health and wellbeing arenas.
Henry began his career in 1995 at Leeds Development Agency, supporting business grants and manufacturing initiatives. In 2002, he joined Yorkshire Forward, managing employment and skills programmes before leading youth enterprise, social enterprise and access to finance initiatives.
In 2009, he became regeneration policy manager at Leeds City Council, shaping strategy and reviewing key services. He later joined the Leeds City Region LEP, focusing on inward investment, international trade and SME support.
Following the formation of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) in 2015, Henry became head of business support, establishing and expanding the Business Growth Hub. Over eight years, he developed SME support programmes in finance, innovation, export and productivity, playing a key role in WYCA’s Brexit and COVID-19 response. He later led its Trade and Investment function, including WYCA’s presence at UKREiiF 2023.
More recently, Henry was director of enterprise for Northern England at NatWest, leading the bank’s Accelerator programme for high-growth start-ups in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle. [Since September 2024, he has been working as a business support consultant and leadership coach.
On his appointment, Henry said:
“I am thrilled to be joining the 3M BIC as CEO and to build on the incredible work done by Sue and the team. I’ve been aware of the Centre for many years as a driving force in innovation, supporting SMEs and fostering collaboration across industries.
“I am looking forward to working with the team, partners and businesses to strengthen its role in the region’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem, in particular in the health and wellbeing sectors.”
Professor Tim Thornton, Chair of the 3M BIC Board and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Henry as the new CEO of the 3M BIC. His extensive experience in business development and innovation will be invaluable in driving the Centre forward, strengthening its role in supporting regional businesses and fostering collaboration.
“This is an exciting time for Henry to join the 3M BIC, with the upcoming launch of the new health and wellbeing centre on the University’s National Health Innovation Campus in 2026. The centre will play a key role in advancing health innovation across the region, supporting new and emerging enterprises.”
The 3M BIC is a subsidiary of the University of Huddersfield that provides businesses with the tools to innovate, connect and grow through access to technology, expertise, research and collaboration opportunities, as well as grow-on space and meeting room hire.
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