Championing growth through innovation in Nottingham

Stronger together

It wasn’t the bees pollinating that created the biggest buzz in Nottingham on May 13th, it was Innovate Local East Midlands. Kick-starting the day was an opening keynote by none other than Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands. The Mayor’s message was clear, inclusive growth is key to addressing economic inequality. The Mayor highlighted how a regional economy can’t be powered by few people in a handful of sectors, it needs to embrace the whole economy. To address this, the Mayor’s focus is on growing major sectors but not forgetting those key services like social care, public services, and retrofit. Opportunities like the Peak Cluster, STEP Fusion, and NHS CHEATA showcase some of the region’s potential in key sectors.

Dean Cook, Executive Director Place & Global at Innovate UK, spoke of the East Midlands’ rich innovation ecosystem, with one foot in tradition and history, and the other firmly planted in the future. Dean articulated his passion for working in partnership with key local players to make more seamless referrals between local and national agencies and subsequently a more seamless journey for organisations to get the support they need, when they need it. As such, Dean encouraged more businesses to explore and apply for public investment to support innovation in the region.

The following innovation support providers showcased a snippet of the innovation landscape and the breadth of local and national support available: East Midlands Combined County Authority, East Midlands Freeport, Innovate UK Business Growth, Innovate UK Business Connect, Nottingham Business School, and University of Nottingham.

Journey through innovation

A panel of local businesses shared their experiences of the ups and downs along their innovation journey and the various types of innovation support they’d received.

Mohammad Mesgarpour, Head of Data Sciences at Microlise, saw the true value of innovation when engaging in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. They have since developed a much more active approach to innovation which has seen them grow four time larger in 12 years.

Laura Grant, Co-founder of Shades Dancewear, admitted that entrepreneurs often struggle with imposter syndrome, and advised that the most important thing is to be in the room and be heard. Laura stated that embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow is essential.

Chathura Sudharshan, Founder of Seamless Source, stated that Innovate UK Business Growth support was essential in understanding the opportunities and accessing global markets via the Global Business Innovation Programme. They have since become a much more active part of the local innovation ecosystem and found success through building strong local partnerships.

Navigating Net Zero

The East Midlands has strong foundations in net zero, and regional momentum is building. Our Net Zero experts explored where delegates were on their net zero journey using the Net Zero Innovation Adoption User Journey. Speakers demonstrated that each net zero journey is unique and progress looks different for all. Their advice was to use others’ experiences to shape your own next steps. Local SMEs can access practical support through programmes like Greener Futures. Regional research strengths, like the Energy Research Accelerator, are driving scalable solutions.

Workshops

The afternoon saw sector experts engage with the audience through a series of workshops covering a range of offerings from Innovate UK.

Investor Partnerships

A three-year initiative to boost Future Economy-focused SMEs through aligning grant funding for R&D development with investment from partnerships with credible investor partners.
Learn more about Investor Partnerships.

Creative Growth

Helping businesses in England convert their creative potential into creative growth.
Learn more about Create Growth.

Manufacturing

Innovate UK helps manufacturers to innovate and innovators to manufacture. Working across technologies connecting you to partners, experts, facilities and funding, working with businesses at all stages from start-up to scale up.
Learn more about Manufacturing.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Bringing together forward-thinking businesses and expert academics to tackle strategic innovation challenges to deliver economic, societal or environmental outcomes.
Learn more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Health

Innovate UK Business Connect supports the whole sector by focusing on the broad sub-sectors of Medicines, Medical Technology and Digital Health.
Learn more about Health.

About Innovate Local

The Innovate Local programme is now in its sixth year and provides an unprecedented opportunity for businesses to find out more about the products and services offered through Innovate UK and our local partners, that can help guide and transform businesses.

Find out about upcoming Innovate Local events.

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.