BRIGG BUSINESSES CAN APPLY FOR SHARE OF £15-MILLION FUNDING

North Lincolnshire businesses, including those in the Brigg area, are being encouraged to apply for a share of £15m funding from Innovate UK to support cutting-edge research and development projects.
Innovate UK has up to £15m to invest in innovative research and development projects in an open competition targeted at a whole range of technology, engineering and industrial areas.
Proposals can be drawn from any area including the four key sectors:

• manufacturing and materials;
• emerging and enabling technologies;
• health and life sciences; and
• infrastructure systems.

This would be suitable for businesses looking to expand as a result of changes to contracts, for example moving from the steel supply chain to offshore wind.
If you think your business is eligible and you would like to enter the competition, you can contact our Economic Development Team for support. You can contact them on or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk
They will also help you identify and link to a research partner.

Projects must demonstrate innovation leading to new products, processes or services; and
a clear and anticipated growth impact leading to significant return on investment.
The competition opened on 6 June and the deadline for registrations is 12 noon on 31 August 2016.
Coun Rob Waltham, from Brigg, Cabinet Member of Business, Innovation, Employment and Skills, said: “This funding competition is a great opportunity for businesses in North Lincolnshire that are looking to diversify into a different sector. It is available for businesses of any size and a range of funding is on offer.
“Our Economic Development Team will be on hand to offer support if you think you are eligible to enter. They will also signpost you to additional support and help you find a research partner.
“It is vital we support the fantastic businesses we have in North Lincolnshire to ensure economic growth, which will increase the number of job opportunities available.”
Businesses of any size can enter and they can work individually or collaboratively. Projects can focus on market research, technical feasibility, industrial research or experimental development.
It is expected that projects will range in size from total costs of £25,000 up to £1m and to last between six and 36 months.
More details on the funding can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/news/fast-tracking-uk-innovation-apply-for-business-funding