The West Midlands is building a smarter, more flexible energy system, and regional innovators have a vital role to play.
Join the West Midlands Smart Energy Systems cluster in our upcoming webinar for an interactive online briefing on the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and the opportunities it could unlock.
Hear from National Grid DSO about its innovation ambition and the journey it is taking to refresh its innovation strategy. With this work still underway, you will be invited to share how National Grid DSO could better reach innovators and what would make engagement easier.
You’ll also hear from regional energy experts, explore SIF and collaborative project opportunities, and discover how Energy Systems Catapult and the cluster can help shape partnerships and develop future projects.
If you are interested in participating in the cluster and represent an organisation with relevant capabilities in the sector, click here to learn more.
Nathaniel Bottrell
Energy Systems Catapult, Senior Advisor in Whole Systems & Networks platform
Nathaniel is a Senior Advisor in Whole Systems & Networks at Energy Systems Catapult, leading a diverse portfolio of innovation projects and the Catapult’s engagement with network companies.
His work focuses on NIA/SIF projects, working with industry, regulators and innovators to turn complex system challenges into structured innovation opportunities, generating insight for future priorities. He has supported NIA and SIF projects across digital and AI, strategic energy planning, connections and engineering, and flexibility and markets, including Pathways to 2050, Power Wheels, Clean Power Flexibility Investigation, Data 2 Insights, Future Agriculture Resilience Mapping and Conductor.
Nathaniel holds a PhD and MEng in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London and brings over 15 years’ experience across engineering consultancy, applied research and whole-system innovation.
Tony Eccott
Energy Systems Catapult, Supply Chain Advisor
Tony serves as the Supply Chain Advisor for the Energy Launchpad Team at Energy Systems Catapult. In this role, he orchestrates collaboration across the “triple helix” of academia, industry, and government to develop commercial opportunities that foster SME innovation. He is also the Catapult lead for the West Midlands Smart Energy Systems cluster, spearheading the strategy to build a regional centre of excellence for smart and flexible energy applications.
Prior to joining the Catapult, Tony was the Industry Engagement Manager at the Active Building Centre. He brings to the energy sector a wealth of operational expertise from the automotive industry, where he managed complex supply chains for Calsonic Kansei, Dyson EV, and Aston Martin. His core competencies span supplier development, cost competitiveness, and sustainability through Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Kate Ashworth
Energy Capital, Head of Energy Infrastructure
Kate Ashworth is the Head of Energy Infrastructure at Energy Capital, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority. A chartered mechanical engineer, Kate has dedicated the latest chapter in a long career in energy systems to ensuring that local government has a strong role in shaping the underlying energy infrastructure needed for a just transition to net zero.
Cara Finn
National Grid, Capability and Strategy Manager
Cara Finn is an innovation and strategy leader with over 15 years of experience helping organisations solve complex challenges through science, engineering, and technology. She is passionate about finding practical ways to use new ideas and emerging technologies to improve people’s lives and create a more sustainable future.
In her current role leading Strategy and Innovation for National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO), Cara helps shape the long-term future of the distribution network, ensuring it can meet the changing needs of our customers. Cara also owns DSO’s innovation and business change programmes, through which she works with businesses, universities, and technology partners to develop innovative solutions that deliver tangible benefits for customers, communities, and the planet.
Thursday 13th August, 2026
10:00AM
Online
Duration: 2hrs
Register Now