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Two new Innovation Board members join the North East LEP

The North East LEP has welcomed two new members to its Innovation Board, which is responsible for driving innovation and economic growth in the North East.

Dr Colin Herron, Managing Director of Zero Carbon Futures and Tony Ikwue, Director of Enterprise and Innovation at the University of Sunderland, are the newest members of the board, which is comprised of leading figures from the region’s business, academic and civic communities.

The board is chaired by Professor Roy Sandbach, the North East LEP’s innovation champion. Professor Roy Sandbach said: “Innovation is a vital part of the North East LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan which ultimately aims to create more and better jobs for the region. It’s a pleasure to welcome two new members to the Innovation Board, who are ideally placed to join us in driving innovation within the North East business community.”

Colin Herron is Managing Director of Zero Carbon Futures, the North East-based organisation responsible for delivering projects which helps towns, cities and countries adapt to the introduction of low carbon vehicles. Colin joins the Board as a representative of the North East Automotive Alliance and to support the North East LEP’s smart spec area of the development and adoption of electric vehicles.

Colin said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the LEP on the Innovation Board to represent the automotive industry.

“The automotive industry has grown to become a cornerstone of the North East economy and it is still growing at an incredible rate. We are seeing unprecedented innovation taking place with the launch of new products such as the Nissan Leaf, as well as technologies and ideas that will change the face of the industry like never before. It is essential that the North East is at the forefront of driving the industry forward and I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to support the LEP to stimulate growth and support automotive businesses to continue to grow.”

Tony Ikwue is the Director of Enterprise and Innovation at the University of Sunderland. He is passionate about low carbon economic development and brings a wealth of experience in the design and implementation of innovation systems as drivers for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Tony said: “We are entering an exciting period of change at the University of Sunderland. Our new Centre for Enterprise and Innovation, due to open this coming winter, will support business growth – encouraging entrepreneurship and creating knowledge jobs within the city and region.

“The North East has a huge amount to offer businesses and investors and we are delighted to work with organisations like the North East LEP, to harness that potential and help nurture the regional economy by sharing our skills, knowledge, facilities and research capabilities to help businesses prosper.”

The Innovation Board, whose members share their expertise on a voluntary basis, meets several times a year.

Professor Roy Sandbach added: “The membership of this group is diverse and includes leaders and experts in a variety of sectors who are working to continue the region’s growth as a centre for innovation. This will have a real impact on our ability to drive economic growth and deliver more and better jobs for the people of the North East.”

Other members of the North East LEP Innovation Board are Dr Alan Lowdon, Visiting Professor at the University of Durham; Dr Peter Simpson, Director of N8 Research Partnership; Neil Hemming, Managing Partner at global software leader SAP; Professor Nick Wright, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Newcastle University; Dr Tim Hammond, Director of Business and Innovation Services at Durham University; Professor George Marston, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Research at Northumbria University; Gillian Hall, Senior Partner and National Head of Corporate Law at Watson Burton LLP; Dr Arnab Basu, Founding CEO of Kromek Group Plc; Brian McCarthy, Relationship Manager at Innovate UK; Norma Refearn, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside; Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council; and Hans Mőller, Director of Innovation at the North East LEP.

Home / Innovation / Page 17

New finance support for North East businesses announced

The North East’s leading business organisations are coming together to develop an innovative new way to help companies access finance and grow their operations.

The team that delivers the region’s annual innovation conference, Venturefest North East, is working with the North East LEP and North East Finance to design a new programme of investment support that culminates in a major annual event.

Details of the programme are currently being finalised and will be announced in April when tickets will also be released for the inaugural event on 21 June 2016 at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham.

The development comes in the wake of the abolishment of the Government’s Business Growth Service, which ended its national business support programme following the Spending Review in 2015.

The programme has been developed with business input from the start. Business networks including the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum are involved to ensure the creation of a solution suited to the needs of the region’s businesses.

Simon Hanson, North East Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Without access to funding our members and smaller businesses cannot achieve their potential to grow their businesses, create new jobs and new wealth for the region.

“The development of this programme is a response to this need and will simplify the investment process for the huge number of business that have ambitions to develop.”

Support provided by the initiative will be dedicated to making it easier for companies of all sizes and sectors to secure the funding they need to develop ideas, innovate and grow. Businesses will receive expert advice to make their propositions as attractive as possible to investors and will gain access to a wide range of funding sources.

Hans Möller, Innovation Director at the North East LEP, said: “The development of this new programme represents a positive, collaborative move by the region to solve an issue shared by the whole business community.

“It demonstrates how the North East is leading the way in shaping its future by designing a solution to the challenges faced. This will really help widen access to funding as well as help SMEs to develop and grow.”

Other partners involved in the development of the initiative’s activity include: Transmit Enterprise, Blu Sky Tax Ltd chartered accountants, Agora Bay Ltd growth finance consultants and NatWest which has partnered with Entrepreneurial Spark to launch business accelerator hubs across the UK including one due to open in Newcastle this August.

North East businesses can register an interest in finding out more about the programme as it develops by emailing [email protected]

This initiative is part of a wider programme being developed with around 50 partner organisations to support innovation in the North East. Led by the Venturefest North East team, the programme is supported by Innovate UK and the North East LEP and North East BIC, with part-funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

CASE STUDY OF A BUSINESS WELCOMING THE PROGRAMME
NECC member Amber North East has grown rapidly since the launch of its healthcare workforce solution business in Durham in January 2015, with 100 staff already on its books.

Operations Director Kelly Bentham welcomed the news of the investment programme saying: “The challenge of finding finance for your business can be a show stopping issue no matter what size your business is.

“If you don’t understand what is available to you when you’re starting out you will struggle to get out of the starting blocks, while growing businesses don’t have the time to consider all of their options so can find themselves stung by high repayments.

“Cash is king when it comes to the growth of all businesses and this programme will make it simpler for companies to get access to the money they need to achieve their ambitions.”

Home / Innovation / Page 17

Newcastle bids for European Capital of Innovation Award 2016

The North East LEP is supporting an ambitious bid for Newcastle to be named Innovation Capital of Europe 2016.

Focusing on the city’s skills and expertise in age-related science and research, the bid to the European Commission, which will be formally submitted by Newcastle City Council, highlights how Newcastle is using innovation to ensure all people experience positive well being and good health as they age.

It outlines Newcastle’s vision to become an age-friendly, sustainable city where people live their lives to their fullest potential.

The Age Friendly City Group, established in 2012 includes partners from the region’s local authorities, universities, the voluntary sector, housing and employment agencies, as well as the cultural sector. They have started a radically different approach to how the city responds and reacts to its changing demographic.

Hans Möller, Innovation Director at the North East LEP said “The work being undertaken in Newcastle to look at our response to ageing is world-class.

“Newcastle University is creating the UK’s National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation and we also have the support of the public, private and voluntary sectors to achieve our vision to be a world-leader for ageing science and innovation.

“The North East LEP’s decision to support this bid to be named Innovation Capital of Europe 2016 really demonstrates our confidence in the city’s collective approach to addressing 21st century challenges through innovation.”

Find out more. Shortlisted cities will be announced in the spring.

Home / Innovation / Page 17

Venturefest 2015

More than 600 businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators and investors attended this year’s Venturefest North East making it the most successful to date.

The one-day event, which took place at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, is designed to support and accelerate North East SME business growth through innovation.

As well as keynote speakers and interactive workshop sessions, attendees at this year’s Venturefest North East also experienced the Innovation Showcase, which gave a platform to 15 of the region’s most innovative companies. Meet the Investor and Business Growth Service sessions also provided important networking opportunities.

Hans Möller, Innovation Director at the North East LEP was one of this year’s keynote speakers. Speaking at the event, Hans said: “Innovation is one of the key priorities in the North East LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan, and our aim is for the North East to become recognised as one of Europe’s leading innovative hotspots.

“Part of our broader strategy is to build an ‘innovation ecosystem’, promoting dialogue and collaboration to create new products and services to deliver growth, and bring more and better jobs to the region.”

The event provided a unique opportunity for regional businesses to meet and converse with investors, entrepreneurs and advisors, increasing the number and success of innovative products coming out of the region.

During this year’s event there were 223 scheduled meetings between businesses and investors, with many more informal meetings happening on the day.

There were also 119 scheduled meetings with 30 experts provided by partner organisations including event sponsors Innovate UK, the Knowledge Transfer Network and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

84% of attendees confirmed they would attend Venturefest North East events in the future demonstrating how the event is building its profile both regionally and nationally, as part of the wider Venturefest Network.

For more information about this year’s Venturefest North East and to sign up to the newsletter to receive details about next year’s event, visit venturefestnortheast.com

Home / Innovation / Page 17

Comprehensive Spending Review 2015 – key points

The Comprehensive Spending Review 2015 is the first Spending Review under current Government and sets out spending plans for the next five years of parliament.

This report summarises the key points of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2015.

Click here to download a PDF report on the key points from the Comprehensive Spending Review 2015

Home / Innovation / Page 17

International Festival for Business 2016 (IFB2016)

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) have partnered with IFB2016 as part of the Exporting is GREAT campaign to create 3 weeks of events, networking and deal-making.

IFB2016 is a global marketplace, bringing together thousands of delegates from around the world to create connections, share ideas and do business. It takes place from 13 June to 1 July 2016 at the purpose built Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

The first International Festival in 2014 saw 70,000 people attend events and created an estimated £300 million worth of investment and export sales. Building on this success, IFB2016 will be the biggest event of its kind next year.

The festival will provide significant opportunities to promote the UK around the world. It will enhance the competitiveness of British companies through overseas trade and investment.

What’s happening?

There are over 70 high quality events planned, focussing on 3 important sectors:

  • manufacturing
  • energy and environment
  • digital and creative

There will be a business services area where businesses can access free professional advice from experts in international trade, logistics, legal, banking, finance and more.

It will have the world’s biggest meet the buyer event with over 7,500 appointments available with buyers, advisers and investors from around the world.

The GREAT British Showcase will be there – a major exhibition curated by Number 10, featuring the UK’s most advanced innovations, products and technology.

There will be an investment hub, showcasing the best of British opportunities and a digital matching service to introduce businesses to potential customers.

Catherine Raines, Chief Executive of UKTI, announced:

“IFB is a huge opportunity to promote the UK as an unrivalled international business hub and to enhance the competitiveness of British companies competing on the world stage.

“The UK’s largest business festival will bring together decision makers, forge new business relationships and deliver real business results that drive UK exports and secure new inward investment.”

Why attend?

IFB2016 offers an unrivalled platform for companies to explore new export opportunities and grow their global network.

Over 35,000 UK and International delegates are expected to attend, giving UK Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) access to thousands of meetings and potential deals.

UKTI’s delivery network in 144 countries will work with IFB2016 to attract the world’s smartest business leaders and thousands of top international delegates.

A dedicated trading floor at the festival will see experts from across the world come together to support new trade and investment.

Who’s supporting IFB2016?

IFB2016 is backed by funding from HM Treasury and was announced in 2014 by Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.

Current ambassadors include:

  • Wayne Hemingway MBE, Co-founder of Red or Dead
  • Lord Bilamoria CBE, Chairman of Cobra Beer
  • Judy Kelly OBE, Artistic Director of Southbank Centre
  • Will Butler-Adams OBE, CEO of Brompton Bicycle
  • Claire Braithwaite, CEO of Tech North

How can you get involved?

Register now for the IFB2016 Business Club. This is your free ticket into the festival and also provides access to exclusive benefits during the run-up to the festival – including a range of free business support services that will be launched soon.

Home / Innovation / Page 17

North East LEP at Venturefest

As part of our recent work in innovation leadership, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Innovation Director Hans Möller, gave a presentation at the North East Venturefest on what innovation is and its importance. The presentation is available below for download.

Venturefest presentation 13 October 2015

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In conversation with Ammar Mirza CBE, current David Goldman Visiting Professor for Innovation and Enterprise at Newcastle University and North East LEP Business Support Board member

“Lights, Camera, Action!” A phrase that is synonymous with just getting on with it, and of course movies. Whilst I didn’t expect the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NE LEP) to make movies – although I am sure there are some dashing characters – I was anticipating a whole load of action.

Personally I like to be action orientated and sometimes just dive straight in. However, what I have learned over the years is that the planning stage is just as important as the action or doing stage. And if you don’t get the planning stage right then you will never make the delivery successful. The planning becomes even more important when you have limited delivery resource available, which is absolutely the case with the North East LEP.

So when given the opportunity to become a proud and active member of the Business Support Board, joining likeminded people with shed loads of experience and expertise – but more importantly enthusiasm and commitment ready to give up their own time to make the region a better place – I didn’t hesitate.

Being a board member enables me to get a better understanding of the regional enterprise eco-system and help contribute to shaping the local economy. It has taken a little while to fully appreciate how much planning and coordinating has taken already place, but let me assure you there now is a robust and clear plan on what the North East LEP, acting as an enabler, will help deliver and more importantly what it isn’t here to do.

Now when people ask me what the North East LEP has been doing up until now, I can confidently say that a plan has been developed with a whole host of stakeholders and partners. We have a comprehensive and clear delivery plan that aims to effect better communication, collaboration and critically celebration, of our great North East.

With the launch of the exciting North East Growth Hub we will start to see a whole host of additional linked activities that will truly help transform the economic landscape with an ultimate ambition to create more and better jobs.

So watch this space to hear how the plan is being executed, especially under the stewardship of the incredible Bob Paton. And, I love it when a plan comes together! Now where were those cameras…

By Ammar Mirza CBE

Ammar Mirza CBE is the current David Goldman Visiting Professor for Innovation and Enterprise at Newcastle University and holds several other posts across the Private, Public, and Third Sectors.

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In conversation with Dr Peter Simpson, director of N8 Research Partnership and member of the North East LEP Innovation Board

North East economic growth through Life Sciences innovation – can you help by completing our survey?

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) is currently working on a new strategy to grow the North East’s Health and Life Sciences sector.

I have the pleasure of representing this sector in my role as Health and Life Sciences Lead on the North East LEP’s Innovation Board. Over the last 16 years in delivering innovation in technologies, products and partnerships working in major global pharmaceutical organisations, I have learnt how important a supportive environment, research community, translational tools, skills and resources can be to make innovation happen.

The North East LEP identified Life Sciences as an important strategic area of economic activity in the North East. The LEP is keen to develop an industry strategy and action plan that will foster growth of the Health and Life Sciences sector in the North East – generating economic returns from more and better jobs.

The North East is a great place to do Life Sciences, and a great place to live and work. But there is so much more potential to unlock. The Innovation Board wants to help grow this key economic area through targeted, insightful actions that drive up innovation, and economic investment.

We want to position the North East as a leader in Life Sciences, attracting more companies to locate and employ skilled people in the region, and to help those companies already here to grow and flourish. To deliver this we have been thinking about how to leverage the region’s academic and clinical expertise, and key research institutes and Catapults, to grow the sector.

Seven months ago, the North East LEP Innovation Board set up a working group of volunteers from public and private sector organisations. They have been working in recent months to consider, with me, what we on the Innovation Board should do to help Life Sciences flourish. Under the coordination of Geoff Davison, chief executive of Bionow, the group have been very busy understanding and assessing current capabilities and capacities in the region; and identifying the North East’s strengths, and gaps, in support mechanisms.

We know that we don’t have all the ideas, and we would love to hear views from people working across Health and Life Sciences in the North East to shape priorities to emerge this piece of work.

Areas we have identified as possible opportunities so far include:

• Developing a cluster economy opportunity around world-leading companies selecting the North East for production plants – supplementing the supply chain

• Improving and leveraging the structures that support innovation commercialisation

• Unlocking the commercial potential of North East universities’ areas of world class research

• Helping clinical development in NHS by infrastructure that translates discovery through development to adoption

• Supporting existing North East key high growth businesses and sub-sectors

• Developing a specialist life science skills strategy for the region

We can’t do everything, so focus is vital. What steps would have the most impact on economic growth of the North East region? What have we missed?

I am most grateful to my colleagues on the working group. We are all in this together, I would love to see even more engagement from the industrial, public and academic sector to help move Health and Life Sciences forward in the North East. Insights from businesses, individuals, academics and clinicians are key to translating ideas into actions, and actions into results.

The Health and Life Sciences working group and the North East LEP Innovation Board are doing this work as volunteers because their passion is for the growing the economy of the region together.

Please contribute to this work by filling in our easy-to-use survey, and you can also volunteer time to help with the work too.

By Dr Peter Simpson