A leading intellectual-property lawyer has urged companies and entrepreneurs to take advantage of tax relief on patents.

The relief is available from 2013/14 and Adrian Chettle, of Withers and Rogers, says it is too good to miss, rather than being too good to be true.
He said: “This scheme will commence next year and rumour is that £1 billion has been set aside to cover the reduced tax take. It is too good an opportunity to miss.”

David Grindrod, of the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “Many of the companies based here at the Science Park will be extremely interested in this development as they are exactly the type of company this is aimed at.”

Patent Box tax relief quick guide, by Withers and Rogers partner Adrian Chettle C.Eng. F.I.Mech. E. (Chartered and European Patent Attorney)  (Read more)

A Coventry networks vendor is celebrating an export milestone, having notched up customers in 100 countries. (Read More)

The University of Warwick Science Park has backed the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s drive to get more firms exporting. (Read More)

Attracting an Angel

Do you need much-needed funding to take your business to the next level? This edition’s Business Nugget looks at angel investors, such as the University of Warwick Science Park’s own Minerva Business Angel Network, and the best way to catch their eye.

The Science Park’s Tom Blount runs through the different reasons why angel investors choose to put their money into a fledgling company and what they expect in return. (Read More)

A West Midlands company is aiming to expand after announcing the launch of a new web based change management product. (Read More)

A French design and engineering company has opened its first UK office at the University of Warwick Science Park.

RCD Except, which has offices in Paris, Sochaux and Toulouse in France as well as in Romania, specialises in producing 3D concept models, renderings and animations for the transport and product development industry for companies ranging from Airbus to Renault. (Read More)

Recruitment of New Participants for Goldman Sachs Small Business Programme

10,000 Small Businesses is an innovative, fully-funded programme designed to unlock the economic and job creation potential of small businesses and social enterprises from across the Midlands. The programme is delivered by Aston Business School in partnership with the Goldman Sachs Foundation and it is targeted at the owners of small businesses and the most senior decision-makers in social enterprises who have clear ambitions to expand. (Read More)