The Warwick Science Park Newsletter
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Welcome to the March Edition of SPARK
At the time of the release of our last newsletter, we were re-emerging from the second national lockdown. The situation is very similar now as we are slowly emerging from lockdown 3.0 with a key difference as the progress made on covid vaccinations is very encouraging. Uncertainty is still a dominant theme and times remain challenging for even the most seasoned business leaders.
A deal was reached with the European Union on Brexit but this deal means that many businesses need to prepare for the new trading rules. In our guest column, Acuity Law has summarised the most important changes and what to look out for. We encourage businesses to make themselves familiar with the new rules. There is an upside to everything as the government has announced the SME Brexit support fund which companies can apply for, to receive Brexit-related advice or training.
This edition of SPARK also covers a breadth of regional business community updates, an overview of workshops from our Business Ready programme as well as other local events. We are covering the University of Warwick’s commitment to lower carbon emissions on and off-campus and an overview of selected support programmes that businesses can benefit from.
We hope you find the newsletter useful and informative. We would like to encourage you to submit your own stories for consideration for the next edition of SPARK or give us
your feedback. Please use the links at the bottom of this newsletter to do so.
Teenage Coventry media entrepreneur takes on staff & expands into new office
A media business in Coventry, run by a teenage entrepreneur, has expanded into bigger offices after taking on three new team members and diversifying into new markets.
Geeka Media was set up as a YouTube channel by James Cousins, now 19, when he was a 12-year-old pupil at Caludon Castle.
Warwickshire Entrepreneurs team up for amateur sports app
Two Warwickshire entrepreneurs are planning to make the lives of amateur sports coaches easier with the development of a revolutionary new app – which already has buy-in from the Football Association.
Growing digital business pays tribute to Science Park support
We Are Digital has grown to become a £4 million turnover-a-year company that measures not only profit but social impact too. It delivers digital training on behalf of housing associations, financial support services for customers of major high street banks and runs digital projects for central government.
Help to Grow Programme - Take your Business to the next level
The programme will help small and medium sized businesses across the UK learn new skills, reach new customers and boost profits.
Innovate UK Grant Funding Competitions
Innovate UK have launched a number of funding competitions to help tackle industry challenges ranging from SMEs in aerospace to zero emission vehicles.
Trading beyond Brexit: The Essentials by Katrina McWhinnie
With a majority of businesses struck with unforeseen challenges in the last year – COVID-19, Brexit, redundancies, shattered supply chains, it’s no wonder many SMEs have yet had the opportunity to get their head around the new trading regime with Europe.
Tech business expands into new Coventry office after 2020 growth
A specialist in developing point of sale systems and e-commerce apps for the hospitality industry has seen major growth during 2020 – despite the sector being hit hardest by Covid-19.
Warwickshire firm that helps overseas businesses settle in the UK sees Brexit boost
EBS is taking a second office at the University of Warwick Science Park’s site at Warwick Innovation Centre. This will enable the company to accommodate additional staff and create a state-of-the-art video conferencing suite.
£20 million SME Brexit Support Fund opens for applications
Smaller businesses can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU.
On-Demand Bus Service launched at University of Warwick as part of future transport trial
A new on-demand bus service is being launched at the University of Warwick promising staff, students and the local community convenient services to order.
WMG Professor named as one of the ‘Top 100 Women in Supply Chain’
WMG Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Strategy, Jan Godsell, has been ranked 54th in the ‘Top 100 Women in Supply Chain’ report.
Increasing Sales: Sustaining Sales Webinar (Part 3 of 3)
📆 29th Mar: In Part Three, we pull together all that we have learned in parts one and two and look into sustaining sales.
SME Virtual Breakfast: Quality, Productivity, and Optimisation
📆 21st Apr: Bring along your breakfast of choice, join the virtual discussion and find out how WMG can support your business.
Launchpad 2021 - An accelerator to get your business started
📆 14th Apr: The Launchpad programme lasts for 8 weeks and consists of weekly 2hr sessions.
How can practical leadership grow your business and create resilience?
📆 19th Apr: This online event will be set in the landscape of business disruption, summarise key leadership lessons + more.
