Innovation is a daily occurrence for businesses across the spectrum, from sole traders to established enterprises.
While businesses can grow through adaptation and on-the-spot thinking, a structured approach to innovation can spark fresh ideas and generate value. The Innovate Humber project, partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), offers a well-designed, free support programme for businesses to refine their innovation strategies.
The programme, which comes to end on June 30, includes workshops, webinars and one-on-one consultations delivered by experts in various fields, including Business Processes, Finance Funding & Investment, Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Exporting & Trading Abroad. Furthermore, the project grants access to the Makerspace workshop (pictured), dedicated Innovate Humber advisers, and the new Innovation & Research Centre. Local businesses have already leveraged the project to develop ideas, unlock potential and plan for the future.
Businesses that have benefited range from jewellery designers bolstering their digital skills, natural food companies prototyping products, creative practitioners sourcing funding, wellness centres improving their PR strategy, to myriad businesses wanting to develop and protect their designs, services, and ideas. There is still time for any business registered with HMRC in the Humber region seeking to improve creative thinking or refine a process, product or service to sign up to the Innovate Humber project for expert guidance.
The Innovate Humber project was made possible by partnering with local, national, and international business experts to provide practical, specialised support. These experts include:
Fossu Ltd, an innovation consultancy based in the North, has supported more than 1,000 participants across the UK and Ireland in various programmes for corporate and public sector partners, including Google, Barclays and JP Morgan. For Innovate Humber, Fossu has been delivering workshops on Finance, Funding & Investment, and Business Processes.
LMAS, a business support company staffed by experienced business leaders, aids in diagnosing and implementing various forms of innovation. It offers one-to-one consultations and workshops on processes and innovation for Innovate Humber.
Magnetic, a design and innovation company, employs design thinking and lean experimentation to help companies achieve their goals. It has been running a series of workshops focusing on Exporting & Trading Abroad for Innovate Humber.
Potter Clarkson, a full-service intellectual property law firm, provides comprehensive support in all areas of IP. For Innovate Humber, it has been delivering a series of workshops and consultations on Intellectual Property.
Page Consulting’s team of business coaches and trainers help transform business performance using innovative approaches. It has been focusing on Innovation and the Innovation Journey in its workshops for Innovate Humber.
Vikki Johnson of Fusion Design Solutions offers workshops on sustainable marketing for innovation, drawing on her decade-long experience in the design and marketing industry.
The Innovate Humber project also grants access to the MakerspaceHull and the Innovation & Research Centre at Hull Central Library, providing entrepreneurs with state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and guidance to help their businesses move forward.
Furthermore, business owners can benefit from the resources and expertise of the Business & IP Centre Humber Partnership. It supports the thriving community of entrepreneurs in Hull, the East Riding and North East Lincolnshire by offering access to free resources, training and events, helping to grow ideas into successful businesses.
Eligibility for the Innovate Humber Project includes SMEs, businesses trading in the Humber region, those registered with HMRC, and those with a new idea for a product, process, or service that needs development assistance.