Supporting Business Innovation & Growth in Cumbria Sarah Allison & Melanie Burton Project Managers
Definitions of INNOVATION Staying relevant Any variation goes, as long as it includes new and it addresses customer needs and wants The implementation of creative ideas in order to generate value, usually through increased revenues, reduced costs or both The future delivered Executing an idea which addresses a specific challenge and achieves value for both the company and customer (www.ideatovalue.com)
OVERVIEW European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) project aimed at supporting small medium enterprises (SME s) in Cumbria to grow through innovation 3 year project until 2020 Partners are Lancaster University & University of Cumbria Variety of support and opportunities available to meet SME needs, depending on where you are on the innovation journey
Innovation Workshops A series of practical workshops will help business leaders gain the tools to shape innovative business ideas. From concept to commercialisation, these workshops will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for today s ever competitive markets. Workshops: Intellectual Property Protecting your ideas (26 th Sept) Introduction to Commercialisation (2 nd Oct) SHOWCASE EVENT (31 st Oct) Financing Innovation (15 th Nov) Managing your Message (12 th Dec) Marketing & Sales (18 th Jan) Building, Managing & Presenting your IP and Assets (19 th April) Business Development and Developing the Business (4 th July) These workshops will also provide a platform for Cumbrian SMEs to come together to discuss the possibilities and challenges relating to their business, and share ideas for development and progression.
Innovation Development Programme A peer-network programme for Cumbria based SME s where business leaders, explore and test opportunities, challenge each other, and learn the tools and knowledge needed to accelerate innovation business ideas. A 6-month programme suited to businesses that have not had the tools or the space to explore new markets or ideas for product or service development. Also designed for SME s who have an initial idea but need the support to assess their business model and accelerate market entry. First cohort starting in October 2017 Based at Lancaster University Management School
Research and Development PhD student project (3-year) Masters Student projects (1/2 year) Internship student projects (20-day) Digital Product Design (technological expertise to diversify with digital products and services at Lancaster University) Unique Facility Access (access to scientific equipment and facilities at Lancaster University 11.4m ctap building)
Sarah Allison Project Manager - Cumbria Innovations Platform T: 015394 30244 Ext: 5244 M: 07969 768919 E: sarah.allison@cumbria.ac.uk University of Cumbria Rydal Road Ambleside LA22 9BB www.cumbriainnnovations.org www.cumbria.ac.uk
www.cumbria.ac.uk/eco Melanie Burton Project Manager
Eco-innovation Cumbria is a 4-year programme 2020 A collaboration between the three partner Universities Aimed at small & medium sized enterprises in Cumbria ERDF & University funded Focus on helping ideas become a reality To help SMEs improve efficiency, grow capacity and develop new solutions for industry
By providing: Series of workshops and events on innovation and product development, low carbon and environmental topics Access to undergraduate research for short term projects Access to in-depth, long term researchers working specifically on business led projects
We re looking for SMEs with innovation needs and ideas Referrals Workshop participants Industry challengers
Eco-innovation Cumbria can help SMEs to: Change the way they operate to reduce energy consumption Find innovative uses for waste products Develop products or processes which reduce greenhouse gases Identify and create opportunities to supply into the low carbon market Increase innovation in low carbon technologies
Come and talk to us, get in touch! melanie.burton@cumbria.ac.uk 07779 132185 www.cumbria.ac.uk/eco sarah.allison@cumbria.ac.uk 07969 768919 www.cumbriainnnovations.org