Innovation and Technology Hub: The core of business development

Technology and innovation are at the core of any business development.

The Innovation and Technology Hub at the Gloucestershire Business Show, which takes place on Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19, will provide a creative space for visitors to engage with innovative technology from its first concepts to final delivery.

It will explore what innovation means for the Gloucestershire business community and will include presentations of business ideas and opportunities from a range of companies.

The hub is sponsored by Wynne-Jones IP, a leading firm of patent and trademark attorneys with offices in Cheltenham.

Jayne Nation, business development director at Wynne-Jones IP, said: “Wynne-Jones IP is proud and excited to sponsor the Innovation and Technology Hub. In the world of work there is always something new to learn and to apply within our own businesses; that is the nature of innovation.

“The Hub creates the environment where we can learn from each other’s innovative experiences, adapting them to create value for our own companies.”

There are around 14 organisations involved in delivering the hub, combining expertise in issues such as Intellectual Property, ideas from concept to market and finance for innovation.

These include hub sponsors Bristol Robotics who will be bringing robotic innovations to the show, and Innovation Makers, Innovate UK, Beaf and Wididi - the show’s associate sponsor.

Keynote speakers include Neill Ricketts, the CEO of Versarien plc and GFirst LEP Board Member, Catherine Coates of Catherine Coates Consulting, and Dr Peter Dirkin of Innovate UK.

Together they will be delivering a talk on materials that change our world, de-mystifying Graphene and other high-performance engineered materials.

Dr Peter Dirken, Strategic Partnerships – Exports and Inward Investment, Innovate UK said:

“Innovation is key to future prosperity, to increasing exports and improving productivity. Innovate UK are the UK’s innovation agency. We provide grants and connections to UK businesses of all sizes and sectors. Our role is to help them bring new products and services to market.

“We are delighted to support the Gloucestershire Business Show for the second year running and help ensure Gloucestershire businesses exploit the opportunities new technologies and ideas offer. The show provides a one-stop shop for businesses to find out what support is available, to meet potential partners, suppliers, etc. at a world-class venue.”

On Thursday, May 19, Catherine Coates and Neill Ricketts will be discussing the roller coaster ride that is building a successful business, reflecting on the good times, the difficult times and answering the question, ‘If you look back now, what would you learn from?’

Other confirmed speakers for the hub include Agritech and Dowty Propellers.

Antonia Coles, co-director of County Business Shows, said: “The content of the show is driven by the business community. It's all about business, discussion, promotion and collaboration.

“We are very excited about this year’s event and the work going on behind the scenes for the different areas of the show.

“Places are already filling up, so book now to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you and talking business.”

There are still a number of sponsorship opportunities available at the Gloucestershire Business Show.

Co-organiser Pete Allison, from County Business Shows, said: “Partnering with the Gloucestershire Business Show as a sponsor or exhibitor will give your business the opportunity to build brand awareness, create genuine leads and ultimately increase sales.”

Applications for exhibiting and sponsoring are now open. For more information, email exhibitors@business-shows-co.uk or visit www.gloucestershire-business-show.co.uk.