The Essex Innovation Programme works with Essex companies & entrepreneurs on projects that lead to company growth. A number of these companies have gone on to win awards.
Queen’s Award for Enterprise
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Excalibur Screwbolts, a pioneering manufacturing firm based in Hockley, worked with EIP to develop a high quality, high endurance bolt that enabled them to win a contract with Crossrail.
This year, for the second time, Excalibur Screwbolts is among nearly 250 UK firms named as winners in this year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The award recognises achievements by companies in the areas of innovation, international trade and sustainable development. Excalibur Screwbolts first won the Queen's Award in 2009.
“To win one Queen’s Award is very special, but to win two is unbelievable. This is such a proud moment. I’ve always believed in our products and I’m lucky to have a great team behind me who also believe in them.
Winning another Queen’s Award is recognition that Excalibur has continued to innovate and adapt. The business is what keeps me going and this accolade has given me and my team a huge boost.”
Charles Bickford, Managing Director, Excalibur
Essex Digital Awards
The Essex Digital Awards were set up in 2013 to recognise the online achievements of businesses, charities and schools from across the county. This year two Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) companies, Skilful.co & Polar Creative won in their categories…
Skilful.co – Gold Award for Website: B2B
Skilful.co, a specialist online training company, won a Gold Award in the B2B category in recognition of their modern and innovative management training solutions.
Since working with EIP Skilful.co has won contracts with some major multinationals and has moved to premises double the size to accommodate extra new staff.
“The feedback we’ve been getting really shows that online management training can make a big difference, and we love seeing managers become better and more confident and actually finding management training engaging and enjoyable. We’ve also been a part of the Essex Innovation Programme which has really helped drive us forward and grow as a business.”
Bill McAneny, Managing Director, Skilful.co
Polar Creative – Gold Award for Website: Marketing & Creative
Polar Creative, a creative design agency in Chelmsford, was a runner up in the “Best Small Business Website” category in the 2014 awards. This year they won a Gold Award in the Marketing and Creative category.
EIP has also been working with Polar Creative and has introduced processes to streamline their activity. This has resulted in Polar Creative expanding their workforce and the company now has a continued plan of expansion.
“The way in which Essex is embracing technology and applying digital skills is both exciting and fascinating. The benefits of an effective online presence are no longer up for debate, and Essex is becoming a forerunner in utilising these skills to positive effect. We look forward to seeing how Essex continues to develop in this area over the next 12 months.”
Lee Sturgess, Founder and Creative Director, Polar Creative
Promoting excellence in the county
This year the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP), who are experienced in helping companies to start up and grow, is sponsoring, judging and backing various awards and competitions in the county…
- Peter Jones Academy ‘Pitch & Invest’ – EIP is one of the “Dragons” on a Dragons Den style panel at this event for entrepreneurs to pitch for investment for their company. Taking place 10 June. Contact EIP for more details.
- Innovation 50 - a project to develop a business success roadmap which will support business growth in the county. Essex businesses operating in any sector that can demonstrate growth and innovation are encouraged to apply before 15 June.
- The BIG Business Boost Awards - a competition to find and support Essex’s most promising entrepreneurs and micro businesses. Funded by EIP the competition offers thousands of pounds of business support, training and cash prizes. Entry to the awards closes 31 July.
About the Essex Innovation Programme
The Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) works with established companies and start-up businesses to help them to develop, and take to market, innovative products and services.
See here for more information on EIP.
Source [Essex Digital Awards] [Polar Creative] [Skilful.co]
