Who will be the Professional Innovator 2011?

After six months and six gruelling challenges, the Professional Innovator Challenge 2011 is drawing to a close, the contestants have slugged it out and the judges have deliberated to select the final six who will go through to the Professional Innovator Final on April 14th.

It was a closely fought battle and for those who haven’t progressed to the Final we’d like to say a massive thank you for taking part and we hope to see you at the awards evening to congratulate your fellow competitors!

Meet our Finalists

Rob Illidge, Ralli Solicitors
Rob is a Marketing Executive at Ralli Solicitors, where he has been responsible for implementing the firm’s social media strategy. He is also responsible for launching the UK’s first legal iPhone apps and creating the UK’s first legal ‘viral’ to support Soccer Aid’s summer campaign. He is Marketing Director for the Manchester’s Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI) and has studied International Business at the University of Central Lancashire and Central Connecticut State University.



Isobel Donaldson, PwC
Isobel is a Management Consultant at PwC, she works with a range of pharmaceutical clients in helping them develop and implement strategic initiatives, with a particular interest in turning strategy in to reality. She has previously held roles in executive search in the public and private sectors before joining PwC two years ago. She is a graduate from Manchester Business School with a Masters in Organisational Psychology

Paul Widger, Baker Tilly
Paul is a forensic Account or Financial Detective as he describes it! investigating frauds, value companies, advising lawyers on financial matters and reviewing/advising struggling businesses. He also works with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce policy units seeking to improve the conditions in Manchester for business to thrive. He is a board member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and also runs the pro.manchester Litigation Group arranging seminars on legal matters. He lives in Manchester with a piano and unfinished book!

Danny Callan, The Oldham College
Danny is a student at The Oldha m College studying Web Design and Game Design. He enrolled on the course as he was curious as to how websites and games were programmed. He also runs an online business creating websites along with an extensive range of other services, He also does sub contractor work for web design companies.

Natalie Healey, The College of Law
Natalie is a student at The College of Law currently studying her Legal Practice Course. She has built a small profile through social media outlets which have led to work placements with Ralli Solicitors and Slater Heelis Solicitors where she advised the firm how utilise LinkedIn and Twitter, she has also been published in a number of articles centred around the benefits of social media for business. Natalie also has a key interest in politics and has even had her five minutes of fame on Question Time!

Chris Hunt, Manchester Business School
Chris Hunt is a student at Man chester Business School currently studying MSc in Innovation Management. Prior to his studies he worked for a number of years in engineering consultancies in Greater Manchester however after finding it difficult to change career path he took the plunge back into full time education in September 2010.

The Awards!
The finalists will meet with the judges for the final hurdle before they decide who will be crowned Professional Innovator 2011 at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday April 14th at The Power House, MOSI. 

Places are available to book online now! Don’t miss out on your chance to support the finest young talent in Manchester and be part of something great!