To help your business become more innovative, we have developed a guide that explains how you can make innovation a key business process and outlines the different approaches you can take. It gives you advice on planning for innovation and creating the right business environment to develop your ideas. It also outlines the help and support available to innovative businesses. Read our guide to use innovation to grow your business.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has recently streamlined and increased its support to the region's businesses in the current economic conditions. Some of this support is aimed at helping businesses improve innovation and efficiency and includes:
Grant for Research and DevelopmentTo assist businesses to introduce innovative products and processes including research trials, product testing and demonstration of low carbon technologies. Grants range between £20,000 - £500,000. To find out more visit the NWDA website.
Innovation VouchersEnables businesses to fund research and development from universities, colleges or private sector research establishments in the region. Up to £3,000 is available, which can be 'pooled' with other businesses to create a larger research project. To find out more visit the NWDA website.
Manufacturing Advisory ServiceAdvice and funding to reduce costs and improve productivity. Up to 50% funding for a maximum of 30 days on-site consultancy and training support to implement improvements such as LEAN and Six Sigma. Available to manufacturing businesses across the North West. To find out more visit the MAS website.
Further informationBusiness Link's information library gives you instant access to information and tools to help you tackle key business issues. View our full range of guides to help you exploit your ideas.
Access to help and supportThere is a range of support available for businesses in the North West you can search our business support directory to find solutions for your business.
If you would like to talk about innovation and how we could support your business, call the business adviser team on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.