The Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have just launched a new initiative called Innovation 50. The project, which will run over the next three years, aims to identify important characteristics and strategies of the 50 fastest growing small to medium sized (SME’s) businesses in Essex.
Essex County Council’s Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) already works with many companies providing expertise and professional mentoring to help companies to grow.
Innovation 50 aims to build on this success encouraging the county’s SME’s to develop further.
“The launch of this project will give a major boost to some of the top small businesses in Essex and will enable us to support many more SMEs across the county. Small businesses are absolutely vital to growing the Essex economy and I would encourage all that are eligible to apply.”
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Essex County Council
How the University and business collaborate
The partnership between EIP and ARU has been set up to encourage the sharing of expertise and good practice to support economic growth in the region. Leading and innovative businesses are encouraged to get involved via the Innovation 50 website.
“We have had a successful partnership with Essex County Council for some time and we are particularly looking forward to the contribution that we as a University Business School can make to enable businesses to thrive.”
Dr. Rob Willis, Director of Research, Anglia Ruskin University
Why get involved?
Innovation 50 is looking for 50 of the most innovative SME’s in Essex that can demonstrate growth and innovation. Businesses operating in any sector are encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the project include:
Free support and guidance from the Essex Innovation Programme- Academic and business expertise from Anglia Ruskin University
- Assistance from professional business mentors
- Publicity coverage
- Networking opportunities to extend contacts within the business community
- Innovation 50 achievement accreditation
To enter your business for the Innovation 50 project apply here.
About the Essex Innovation Programme
The Essex Innovation Programme has worked with many companies over the last 10 years. Their team of experienced, private sector professional business advisors help companies, small and established, to grow and commercialise new products and services.
“Innovation 50 is an exciting opportunity to showcase the brilliant businesses in our county, to learn how they have used innovation to achieve success and to use this knowledge to make our innovation support even better.”
Emma Wakeling, Innovation & Sector Development Manager, Essex Innovation Programme
Read here for more information on the Essex Innovation Programme
