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8 Apr 2009 09:11:20
Businesses from across the region attended the official opening of Butterfield Enterprise Hub and celebrated National Innovation Day on 2 April.
Innovation Day 2009 gave companies the exciting opportunity to gain free advice and support from leading industry speakers and take part in practical sessions designed to help them develop, grow and overcome the current downturn
Guest speakers included award-winning young innovator Jonathan Downing and renowned inventor Trevor Baylis OBE, who gave a lively and entertaining presentation emphasising the importance of invention.
The motivational speech focused on how anyone can be an inventor and how nearly everyone has had a good idea at some point – although most do nothing about it. He also stressed the importance of protecting inventors from exploitation and offered great support for women scientists and inventors.
Trevor’s dedication to innovation highlighted the general theme of the day and its important message for businesses in the region.
He said: “History proves that this country can survive downturn, but we must focus on innovation, invention and securing our intellectual property in such a way that we can make a profit from it. There has to be a place where local people and businesses can go to lift off their ideas in a safe way – somewhere like this.”
The event included an extensive range of business-focused sessions including company health checks with Business Link, and talks on a range of topics centred on financing innovation and research and development, as well as protecting intellectual property rights. Businesses were given the chance to exhibit their products and services on free stands, and the day gave participants an excellent opportunity to network.
Dr Abdul Al-Jibouri, Innovation Director at Butterfield Enterprise Hub, commented: “The day was fantastic, we had a great attendance and there was a real buzz about the event. Although the Hub officially launched at Innovation Day, we had already begun working with local businesses and have had some great successes already.
“Innovation is an essential element for any business and we are aiming to nurture an enterprising culture in the region and also help boost the local economy through the Butterfield Enterprise Hub. We have worked really hard to ensure we are providing the perfect facility to offer local companies all the help and advice they need from experienced professionals in order to develop and innovate.”
The University of Bedfordshire is the lead partner in the Butterfield Enterprise Hub, an initiative with Luton Borough Council and Basepoint Business Centre, with funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Butterfield Enterprise Hub is located at Basepoint Innovation Centre and Business Base at Butterfield, Luton.
Latest news» 2009» April» Innovation Day launches Butterfield Enterprise Hub to local businesses
