Work smarter not harder with help from Humber Innovation Week

It’s a popular myth that ‘innovation’ is just about scientific development, but in the real world, innovation is actually a hugely valuable business tool. It’s about taking advantage of opportunity and using new ideas to do things better - in effect, working smarter, not harder.

Now Business Link Yorkshire is hosting Humber Innovation Week to help businesses do just that.

The week will see two innovation conferences – one on 13 April in Hull and the other on 16 April in Grimsby.  Each conference is about great ideas, creative thinking and exploiting new and existing opportunities to lead to better ways of running and developing a business.

A change to the business doesn’t have to mean a radical rework of a company, but for a successful improvement and to stay one step ahead of competitors, innovation needs to be embedded within the business.

The Hull conference is entitled Winning through Innovation…creative ideas for a better business. It will be held on Tuesday 13 April at Staff House, Hull University, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX. Keynote speaker is Hamish Taylor, who has a CV that The Times describes as “takes some beating.” Hamish has managed to follow academic and sporting success with a fast track career through a number of high profile business roles. In recent years, the Inspired Leaders Network have given him the title of “master thief” based on his record of innovation achieved by transferring ideas between sectors. A great conference and keynote speaker on topics such as business change, Hamish draws on his vast experience to give insights into business at all levels.

The conference will also include presentations from four local companies that have used innovation to increase their bottom line as well as address problems their customers are facing.

Companies involved include Spish Splosh Limited, Marquest Limited and Cook Group Limited.

Hull University will also present a session on how companies can work with the University to develop services, products and processes.

Yorkshire already has some impressive credentials when it comes to original thinking. 65% of firms in the region are ‘innovation active’ with 20% innovating in products and 12% innovating in processes (Community Innovation Survey).

Businesses have also been making the most of schemes such as Yorkshire Forward’s  innovation vouchers delivered by Business Link Yorkshire. The scheme, launched about a year ago, helps small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the region with financial support to engage with Yorkshire’s universities and other academic institutions. Vouchers up to the value of £3,000 can be redeemed to fund the cost of this practical knowledge and expertise. 

Companies with up to 250 employees can apply for a voucher online or by visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/yorkshire/innovation

Business Link Yorkshire Chief Executive Helen West said innovation was key to improved competitiveness for many business sectors.  “In these challenging times, the new reality for businesses is that they must continually innovate to survive and thrive, ensuring that their people continue to develop and adapt and create new products and services.”

For more information and to book onto the conference call Business Link Yorkshire on 08456 048 048 or visit the website on www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk/events