Innovation voucher helps boost SMEs
MORE than 130 Yorkshire SMEs are benefitting from a Yorkshire Forward funded voucher scheme designed to help the development of new and improved products.
Accessed through Business Link Yorkshire, the ‘innovation vouchers’, which are worth up to £3,000, are available through a monthly draw.
One recent recipient is Rotherham-based Magna Science Adventure Centre, which is working with Sheffield Hallam University to analyse the value of new adventure equipment in tackling obesity.
The research focuses on whether children and adults will use the equipment, which combines computer generated games and physical exercise.
Managing director Matthew Beck said he believed the research was important to the centre’s future.
“With obesity such a high priority there is a range of equipment on the market. This voucher will help us find out how much it will be used and whether it’s a good investment,” he added.
Helen West, chief executive of Business Link, said: “We are delighted to have seen such a healthy interest in the innovation vouchers, as this shows that people aren’t burying their heads in the sand and are innovating their way out of the recession.
“We have worked with universities and colleges to make it really easy for the two to work together so businesses can find new ways of being competitive in the current economic climate. Our advisers can help translate academic language so that businesses can understand and be involved in the process.”
The scheme aims to keep businesses ahead of the competition by finding easier or cheaper ways of doing things or adding extra benefits to their existing product or service.
Businesses that are not successful could still qualify for free support from a Business Link adviser to find the right organisation to help them innovate, find new markets and customers or reduce their cost base.
To download an application form go to businesslink.gov.uk/yorkshire/innovation and email your completed forms to innovation@businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk to enter the draw.
For more information and advice call Business Link Yorkshire on 08456 048 048 or visit the website on businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk
