Milestones and Momentum: A year of Business Growth

This year, through publicly funded services delivered by Business West, we have provided tailored support to help ambitious companies enhance their capabilities across our region. Our mentoring and strategic advice in areas such as business planning, market analysis, and scaling operations has enabled businesses to manage innovation more efficiently and achieve sustainable growth. Find out more in our Impact Report.

Here's a snapshot of our year to date: 

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We have also continued work alongside a robust network of regional and national partners to drive innovation and business success across the UK. 

Since April 2022, our support has enabled South West SMEs to access the following national programmes: 

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Our video case studies 

From bad backs to muscular-skeletal conditions - Yate-based Ergochair Ltd is pioneering new bespoke ergonomic seating to help people living with pain.

We sat down with Managing Director, Ben Caton, to find out how they're making a substantial difference to their client's quality of life, with support from Innovate UK Business Growth, delivered by Business West in the South West. Watch here. 

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Bristol- based Light Trace Photonics is helping businesses to deploy photonic technologies in new devices through training, access to proven components and design consultancy. 

They've recently secured £600,000 in equity investment following investment readiness support from Innovate UK Business Growth. Watch here. 

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A look back at our case studies

The Far Out Thinking Company, based in the Isles of Scilly, has developed an AI-powered tool to track the spread of Asian hornets across the UK. Innovate UK has helped it develop its technology and as a business, to maximise the impact it can have in its target markets and its contribution to UK economic growth. Read more. 

NanoScope Services, a high-tech innovator based in Bristol, is transforming the semiconductor industry through its advanced microscopy and nano-engineering services. Working with Innovate UK, NanoScope has navigated complex R&D challenges. Read more. 

GBIPs in 2024 

Our GBIP lead, Louise Hooker, shares her experiences of helping individuals to grow and create tangible business opportunities in Asia and the Nordics. Watch here. 

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Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs)

How have local businesses, education providers, local authorities and employer representatives been getting involved with the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs)? How has it benefited them so far, and why do they think it's so important for other organisations to have their say?

We spoke to Claire Arbery from the West of England Institute of Technology about their involvement with the LSIPs so far. Watch here. 

The Somerset Innovation Network

This year, the Somerset Innovation Network has worked to encourage collaboration and innovation between businesses and deliver a variety of tailored business support. Here's what beneficiary, Chris Jones, Director of In Reality had to say about the support: 

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As we look forward to the coming year, we remain committed to fostering innovation, supporting business growth, and driving economic development across the South West and beyond. We invite you to explore our Impact Report to learn more about our achievements and the difference we are making in the business community.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.