BUSINESSES IN BRIGG & DISTRICT ENCOURAGED TO BID FOR FUNDING

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Innovative businesses in North Lincolnshire have been encouraged to bid for a share of a multi-million pound Government funding pot.
The Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), highlighted the £15m being made available through Innovate UK to develop novel products and services.
Businesses can also apply for a share of a further £10m for work on projects with graduates.
Cllr Waltham said: “I want to encourage innovation in businesses across North Lincolnshire.
“Great ideas are not exclusive to London and the big cities. We have some great businesses and a first class workforce in this area and I want them to be aware of the opportunities that may be open to them.
“I’d encourage them to have a look at how they can access a share of these grant monies. I wish them well with any applications.
“I welcome that the Government are supporting business in our area to grow and employ people.”
Applicable projects can range from short feasibility studies to longer industrial research or experimental development projects. There must be a potential for commercialisation or economic impact.
the competition opens on 1 March 2018 and the deadline for applications is 9 May 2018
projects must be led by a business working alone or in collaboration with other organisations or researchers the expectation is for projects to range in size between £25,000 and £1m and to last between six months and three years businesses could attract up to 70 per cent of their total project costs.
Innovative ideas can come from any sector or technology area and at any time.
Businesses also have the opportunity to apply for a share of the £10m for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).
KTPs allow businesses to benefit from a partnership with an academic institution and a recent graduate with relevant expertise to work on a specific innovation project.
For more details, go to www.gov.uk/government/news/game-changing-ideas-for-products-and-services-apply-for-funding. 

PICTURED: Shoppers on a busy day in Brigg town centre.