Stimulating Innovation and Growth - Venturefest 2017

"It works. We’ve a great record in helping companies innovate and grow internationally." That was the message from Paul O'Collins, Head of Innovation at Business West, to delegates at the Stimulating Innovation and Growth event, part of Venturefest Bristol and Bath 2017 series.

In association with Enterprise Europe Network South West and the Department of International Trade, this was the West of England Growth Hub’s first Venturefest event for 2017. This was an opportunity for businesses to learn about the wealth of support available to help them grow through innovation - and break into new markets.

Paul spoke to companies from the West of England about EEN’s role as part of the Innovate UK family. He gave an overview of the support provided by EEN, from helping find international partners to supporting businesses with R&D funding applications. 

Attendees were also given an overview of the innovate2suceed programme, a free innovation coaching programme for ambitious businesses, particularly scale-ups, who are introducing exciting new products or services and recognise the critical role innovation plays in their growth plans. 

Paul O’Collins said:

"We want businesses to be more innovative, we want them to challenge, we want them to disrupt, we want to find the new Ubers, the next Googles, we want the organisations that can go out there and turn the markets on their heads for UK PLC." 

"It's about developing innovation capacity, helping you plan and helping you prepare for international activity."

innovate2succeed is funded by Innovate UK and the European Regional Development Fund.