Welcome to the August Edition of SPARK

As our world is returning to some form of normality (the new normal), we are looking back at the past few months; we have observed, across the Innovation Centres, a wide variety of coping mechanisms being adopted by businesses following the restrictions imposed by the lockdown. It is reassuring to witness the creativity, flexibility and resilience demonstrated by our tenants & clients, who have weathered the storm, despite the circumstances.

We have seen companies adopting agile working practices; we have seen companies reinventing themselves and pivoting; we have seen companies "bucking the trend"; and we have, sadly, seen companies winding down operations to minimise the damage that Covid would have on their business. To find out about some examples please read the stories section in our newsletter.

Thankfully, our local business ecosystem is robust, and can make its contribution to help the region, and the country, recover in the coming months and years. Innovation is one of the key driving forces behind the recovery of our region, and we are proud to be working with so many pioneering companies with the potential to spearhead this recovery.

Our specially trained Innovation Centre teams are committed to support the safe return-to-on-site-work for our tenants, and to support with appropriate Health & Safety advice, as required. Please do follow the guidelines, and the instructions from our staff; the rules are there to safeguard everyone. We will continue to refresh the dedicated Covid section on our website with news and updates, so do please check this regularly to keep yourself informed. We recognise that these are challenging times for every one of us, but we are here to help you. For hands-on business support from an experienced adviser, please contact our dedicated support team who have helped scores of companies on their respective journey to recovery and growth.

Warwickshire PPE firm set up by businessman inspired by brother who contracted COVID-19 sees rapid growth

A Warwickshire businessman has received vital support to help set-up a social enterprise supplying PPE equipment, motivated after his brother contracted Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic.

Harris Qais, from Tanworth-in-Arden, has launched HealthCorm Ltd which supplies PPE (personal protective equipment) to businesses and organisations including NHS trusts, care homes, dental care groups and hair and beauty salons.