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2 May 2006 11:32:30
The Inland Revenue and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) were among some of the experts on hand at the recent M1 Knowledge Exchange Showcase to advise companies from around the region about how to become more innovative.
The Showcase, entitled Finance and Expertise for Innovation, was organised by the University of Luton in collaboration with Cranfield University, and aimed to help companies develop new products and services – by taking advantage of the current initiatives, expertise and financial incentives that support research and development.
This follows the Chancellor’s budget announcement of higher tax relief for innovative businesses, and experts along with University academics offered advice about the latest research development grants as well as tax credit for small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Local businesspeople such as Brian Plunkett, Managing Director of Trichocare Diagnostics Ltd, believes that companies can benefit enormously from such events.
“There is a gap between academia and business, they work very differently, and this kind of event is a great way to bridge that,” said Brian, whose company researched and developed a simple sensitivity test for the hairdressing industry.
“We are big supporters of the M1 Knowledge Exchange, and events like this, where there are small groups interacting, are fantastic for getting yourself known – and making useful contacts. I learned a lot of useful information at this showcase and made a good contact.
“We are now hoping to look at other University-run projects aimed at SMEs to see how we can work in partnership with academics, graduates and other companies.”
The opening presentation of the day was made by Mark Aspinall, Head of Enterprise at the East of England Development Agency. Mark spearheads EEDA’s mission to encourage innovation and economic development in the region.
Sue Whittaker, M1 Knowledge Exchange Project Manager, said: "Having Mark at the event underpins the importance of encouraging innovation in our region. As Head of Enterprise for EEDA, he understands the need to drive innovation so that companies perform well both regionally and nationally.
"The excellent relationship between Luton and Cranfield has been crucial in delivering expert advice and support via workshops and we will be working to deliver another series in the coming months.”
Other contributors on the day included academics from Luton and Cranfield, and Luton-based IBC vehicles. Some of the workshops specifically focused on the technologies and manufacturing industry sectors with presentations on Wi-Fi technology; IT security; lean and agile manufacturing; and cost engineering.
Exhibiting on the innovation theme at the event were representatives from i10, the Chamber, Bedford and Luton Economic Development Partnership, Business Link and Knowledge Networks.
For more information about the next series of workshops, visit www.m1ke.org.uk or contact Sue Whittaker at the University of Luton’s Knowledge Hub on 0800 328 5334. Alternatively, visit www.luton.ac.uk/knowledgehub/m1ke.
Latest news» 2006» May» Universities show SMEs how to crack innovation
