Business Support & Funding Catalogue
Business Durham is supported by
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Foreword On behalf of Durham County Council and Business Durham, I am delighted to welcome you to the County Durham Business Support and Funding Carousel events. Durham County Council established Business Durham as the economic development arm of the Council, to enable growth, create jobs and improve lives in the County. Business Durham connects businesses with the funding, premises, advice, and specialist support they need to grow and thrive. It manages a portfolio of business property, including commercial office space, industrial property units and the North East’s premier science, engineering and technology park, NETPark. Business Durham attracts capital and inward investment to the county, building long-term relationships to foster sustainable growth in businesses. It also supports ambitious entrepreneurs with the vision to start and scale up their business in Durham through the Durham City Incubator (DCI), and works closely with partners to encourage an enterprise culture. These Business Support and Funding Carousel events have been organised by the Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP) which is a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Business Durham. The purpose of the events is to showcase the wide range of funding and support available to County Durham businesses, as illustrated in this catalogue. Whatever stage your business is at, the events will help you to identify and take advantage of the support that is most relevant to your specific business needs. With all of this on offer, together with the huge investments currently taking place across the county, including in Durham City and at key strategic employment sites, it really is an exciting time to be in business in County Durham. Thank you to all of the partners who have supported us in arranging the events, in particular, Europe Direct for their generous sponsorship, and I wish you every success in growing your business in County Durham. Councillor Carl Marshall Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, Durham County Council
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Europe Direct Information Centre A one stop shop for information about what the European Union is doing for you.
How will affect your business? Local companies have many questions about the impact of leaving the European Union. These range from the immigration status of employees, to changes to import/ export rules, to adherence to existing health and safety legislation. We can signpost enquirers to colleagues in the European Institutions and to immigration specialists who advise the European Commission Representation in the UK. Email Web Telephone
Europe.direct@durham.gov.uk durham.gov.uk/europedirect 03000 268503
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Business Durham Durham Business Opportunities Programme Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP), is a project aimed at helping businesses in County Durham to grow, by linking them with tangible opportunities, which could be a new contract, a new supplier or perhaps some investment. DBOP is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is delivered by Business Durham. The project will run until November 2022.The project aims to encourage and enable SMEs in County Durham to grow, through engaging the businesses and connecting them to opportunities. The DBOP team works with SME’s to identify barriers to growth, guiding them through the process of tapping into funding and business support and addressing their needs. The DBOP team are here today. We will be on hand to provide businesses with further information on what the programme can offer businesses such as yours. Our contact details can be found below and we would be delighted to chat with you about how we can help. Email Web Telephone
DBOPEnquiries@durham.gov.uk businessdurham.co.uk/dbop 01207 291268
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Business Durham County Durham Growth Fund Capital funding to support eligible businesses looking to expand or establish new operations in County Durham.
Small or medium enterprises planning a capital investment of ÂŁ100,000 leading to the creation of additional employment can apply. Contact one of our dedicated expert advisers to find out if your project is eligible and support you through the application process. Email Web Telephone
countydurhamgrowthfund@weareumi.co.uk countydurhamgrowthfund.co.uk 0191 716 1006
Supported by the 2014-2020 European Structural & Investment Funds Programme
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Business Durham North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence The North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence is one of five regional centres of excellence across the UK, operating with support from the UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult. We provide SMEs and large companies in the North East with the opportunity to tap into the UK’s £14.8bn space sector – one of the fastest growing sectors globally - through a programme of: • Industry and technical events • World class academic expertise • Business development and supply chain development support • Funding advice The North East Satellite Applications Catapult Centre of Excellence engages with all businesses and organisations which can use satellite data and connectivity to gain a competitive advantage and meet some of world’s toughest challenges such as climate change: Sectors include: • Communications • Energy and construction • Transport and logistics • Healthcare • Software and applications development We also help to develop opportunities in space hardware and components - from launch vehicles and other platforms such as drones and HAPs to photonics and other electronic products. Email Web Telephone
elaine.scott@durham.gov.uk https://sa.catapult.org.uk/north-east/ 01740 625541 / 07786 026916
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Business Durham Durham City Incubator (DCI) A fully-funded accelerator programme for Durham based business owners and entrepreneurs from Durham University and New College Durham trading under 12 months. Durham City Incubator (DCI) is unique partnership with Business Durham, Durham University and New College Durham. If you have a County Durham-based business that’s been trading less than twelve months or you’re looking to launch an ambitious, potential high-growth start-up, you can apply to Durham City Incubator (DCI) a six-month fully funded accelerator programme. DCI supports any ambitious entrepreneurs in Durham with the vision to start and scale up their business. We particularly encourage student and graduate talent from Durham University and New College Durham to apply via www.dcincubator.co.uk Each cohort runs from January to June and July to December and offers a comprehensive package of support including a £2500 grant, low cost workspace at Salvus House, specialist consultancy, 1-2-1 support, workshops, access to investors and much more. Further information on applications and closing dates can be found at www.dcincubator.co.uk
Email Web Telephone
leon.howe@durham.gov.uk dcincbator.co.uk 03000 269223
DIGITAL DRIVE COUNTY DURHAM WWW.DIGITALDRIVEDURHAM.CO.UK DRIVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD AND DO MORE WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
EVENTS
DIGITAL ADVICE
FUNDING
Fully funded workshops on topics including social media, websites, SEO, digital marketing, Google Analytics and more One to one support from our digital advisers Personalised digital health checks reviewing your website, social media and digital processes, providing suggestions and recommendations Up to 40% funding towards digital projects, including digital consultancy, equipment, website development or broadband infrastructure
WWW.DIGITALDRIVEDURHAM.CO.UK REGISTER FOR FREE ON 0191 389 8458 OR INFO@DIGITALDRIVEDURHAM.CO.UK
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Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) IMPACT As an experienced partner guiding you through to commercialisation, you can access CPI’s business services, product and process development assets and expertise, as well as access to our state-of-the-art formulation preparation, precision deposition and characterisation facilities. The IMPACT programme will cover: • Feasibility study • Support towards the development of new and/or improved products, materials and processes • Highlighting potential supply chain opportunities for SMEs • Support for creating prototypes to demonstrate to the end users • Opportunities to participate in collaborative projects and bids Capabilities include: • Coatings • Composites • Resins • Polymers • Textiles • Nano-enhanced inks • Sensors Email Web
info@uk-cpi.com uk-cpi.com/projects
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Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Durham University Spotlight The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Durham University have launched a joint ERDF programme, running until September 2020, providing support for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the North East. The Spotlight programme aims to support SMEs to apply photonics and emerging technologies for healthcare markets. SMEs will have access to CPI’s technical expertise, business support, state-of-the-art-equipment to enable pre-CE mark testing of devices and proof of concept research. Together CPI and Durham University can assist with the technical and commercial develop of your product. We offer: • Proof of concept research with Durham University academics • Design and re-design activity to take prototype photonic healthcare devices or instruments closer to commercialisation • Pre-CE mark testing of devices • In vitro validation of protype optical devices or systems • Integration of photonic component into flexible and hybrid electronic systems • Manufacture of medical devices or components to quantities required for clinical investigations • Supported pathway for generating clinical evidence • Health economic modelling • Regulatory compliance support • Business/commercial support for innovation
“The nice thing about the Spotlight programme is that it not only provides access to the expertise, but it provides it in a way that isn’t cost prohibitive to us as a small company.” LightOx Email Web
info@uk-cpi.com uk-cpi.com/projects
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Durham County Council Business Energy Efficiency Project There is no such thing as a free lunch ... but there is such a thing as a free energy efficiency audit. The Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) in County Durham have now worked with over 250 small and medium sized companies, helping them save energy and operating costs. We provide a fully funded (free to you) energy efficiency audit and have a grant fund pot to provide a percentage of capital costs. We have now worked with over 250 businesses in County Durham to help them become more energy efficient, as well as reducing their operating costs. You qualify if you have: • Less than 250 employees • Annual turnover is less than 50m • Balance sheet total less than 43m • Received less than 200,000 in State Aid over three years Auditing helps identify ways you can save energy usage, both by better energy management, or possibly upgrading to energy efficient equipment. Items we have helped with include upgrading lighting to LEDs, replacing boilers, new specialist business equipment etc. We’d like to help fund transport, solar PV…. in fact, anything energy efficient. Get in touch. There is nothing to lose. The audit is free and there is no commitment to any capital spend but, we can help if you decide to do so. Email Web Telephone
beep@durham.gov.uk beep.uk.net 0300 026 5547
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Durham County Council Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) is a way of supporting local development projects using structural funds from Europe. The CLLD Funding Programme aims to increase employment and skills, social enterprise and social inclusion addressing the following four priority themes: Enhancing Economic Inclusion Supporting initiatives focusing on those people who are the furthest from the labour market helping them to get back into employment Developing Growth and Enterprise Supporting small and medium size enterprises to grow and develop in areas such as business planning, investigating new markets, increasing productivity and growth Stimulating Entrepreneurialism Promoting a more entrepreneurial culture and self-employment, encouraging and educating people on the benefits of starting their own business Enterprising Spaces Developing or renovating underutilised space to use as a business space If you have a project idea and you want to check you are eligible for funding assistance through the CLLD Programme please telephone us or visit our website for further details www.durham.gov.uk/CLLD. Email southdurhamclld@durham.gov.uk northdurhamclld@durham.gov.uk Web www.durham.gov.uk/CLLD Telephone South 0738 424 7365 North 0738 424 7356
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Durham County Council Durham Savers Each year, the County Durham economy loses millions of pounds because households’ charities and businesses have not acted on their savings. The Durham Savers Project works with businesses, schools and community groups to provide money saving tips that when acted upon, can release money and improve the financial positions of many. We know that energy bills can be reduced by an average of £300 if households changed tariff or switched to a new supplier. This could be worth over £80m to the local economy. We also know that borrowing money, with interest rates of up to 1300% APR costs almost £30m per year in interest. It has never been more important to educate local people about alternatives. We work with partners to deliver positive money saving alternatives to our communities, businesses, schools and community organisations. Financial wellbeing is a key campaign within The Better Health at Work Award, many top businesses are in the process of gaining this accreditation and embed the Durham Savers Project. We want to work with organisations that are in touch with communities to help get this positive message across to people. We are always looking at new ways of helping people save money and improve their physical and mental wellbeing, so please get in touch.
Work with us We deliver short money saving workshops to businesses of all sizes, with money saving advice from partners like SwitchAid. We help set up in house staff saving schemes, delivered free of charge by our partner NEFirst. We work in schools to deliver positive money management sessions to children and families and set up savings banks to teach children the value of saving. We also work with charities and not-for-profits to provide money saving workshops within their organisation. Please get in contact for more information savers@durham.gov.uk
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Do you... Run a business?
If you own an SME business, you can help transform a young person’s life…
Are you looking to recruit a DurhamWorks young person into your team?
…and you could get up to £5,000 towards employing a new member to your workforce.
If so, DurhamWorks can help.
Text Works to 60777 or visit durhamworks.info/employers
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Durham County Council Employability Durham Providing the advice and support needed for jobs and training. County Durham residents who are unemployed and over 25 can access a number of projects across the county to help with moving back into work. These include; Durham Advance, L!NKCD, North Durham Assist and South Employability Mentoring Project. We provide expert advice on CVs, application forms and interview techniques with a dedicated adviser for one to one support which is tailored to the needs of the individual. We have access to funding to improve job prospects and direct links to real opportunities and training. We also work with employers across the region to help create employment or volunteering opportunities and offer the following services: Selection - getting the right person for the job. We can pre-screen candidates, ensuring they match the skills and experience that you need. Training support - we can source and provide funding toward the cost of any essential training required for the new recruit to carry out their role Funding - we have a wage grant of up to ÂŁ2,000 for eligible businesses In work support - we offer on-going support to your business once your new recruit is in work. Email Web Telephone
employability@durham.gov.uk durham.gov.uk/employability 03000 262009
BUSINESS IN
DURHAM “Powered by People is an initiative to highlight the success stories of our county and Durham as a fantastic place to live, work and invest.” Discover how Powered by People can help your business. Durham is attractive to businesses in so many ways. We recognise that it’s the people behind any enterprise that matter and people in the county bring something unique to any business - individuality, creativity, spirit, determination. You could call it ‘Durhamness’. It’s time to tell everyone how great our county is. And that’s where Powered by People comes in. This is an initiative that joins businesses together to support economic growth across the county. The simplest and most effective way to get involved is to show your support - together we can achieve so much more for everyone in the county than we can on our own. Powered by People brings together your achievements, stories and news to help spread the word. This is Durham. Powered by People. Email Web Twitter Telephone
PoweredByPeople@durham.gov.uk www.durhampoweredbypeople.co.uk @DurhamPbyP 03000 261261
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Department for International Trade North East By selling their products or services overseas, companies can stay in business longer and enjoy growth rates not achievable by just trading in the UK alone. Did you know there is support available in County Durham to sell your product or service overseas? The DIT North East can help you trade internationally, whether you are exporting for the first time or entering new markets. What’s in it for your business? • Access free one-to-one support from your local International Trade Adviser • Keep up to date with the latest international export opportunities at www.great.gov.uk • Tap into our knowledge, expertise and access connections overseas. Use our connections to DIT offices in over 100 overseas markets • Receive advice and guidance on selling online internationally through our online tool • Discover our range of workshops and events covering a variety of export-related topics • Register your interest to join a Northern Powerhouse Trade Mission providing the perfect opportunity to join a group led visit and maximise your export potential Email Web Telephone
northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk www.great.gov.uk 0345 136 0169
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Engineering and Manufacturing Network Membership / Networks EMN were created to fully support the manufacturing community in supporting their prosperity through continuity and growth. EMN are the delivery partner for the Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP), funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). We are the organisation tasked with supporting the continued growth of the area’s engineering and manufacturing industries. EMN have quickly become the regions fastest growing network, led by industry professionals to enable businesses to overcome day to day issues. Over the last 3 years EMN have supported an ever growing network of businesses in their day to day needs. This has included a wide range of aspects from B2B, funding / financial support, skills, technical and even legal issues. Our ownership of the regions only cross sector manufacturing show EMCON also provides businesses with an ideal platform to network and showcase their businesses to around 1000 visitors per year. EMN have found investment for new developments and to improve a businesses sustainability, helped some of the regions largest TIER 1 to identify new suppliers and even found technical support where it wasn’t believed to exist. To date we have never been unable to help a member. Our success is very much down to our members and the way that we work together as one ‘family’. Our not for profit status and regional coverage enables a more thorough approach to a businesses needs whilst ensuring that there is no conflict of interest or question over our motivation.
We are simply here to help. Email ben.gilhespy@cdemn.org.uk Web www.cdemn.org.uk Telephone 07568 480693
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Finchale Group Durham Sparks Connecting aspiring entrepreneurs and community enterprises with expert business coaches. Inspiring community enterprises to make a real and lasting difference to communities across County Durham. If you (or a group you are part of) have an idea for any sort of economic activity that could help make a difference in your community, local area or even across the county as a whole please do get in touch. We’ll be delighted to have an informal discussion with you about your idea and how it might be progressed. Equally, if you’re a social entrepreneur or involved in a trading business we can offer you specialist support with: • Marketing • Business planning • Maximising use of staff and volunteers • Accessing development funding One of our key aims is to support community enterprises to move away from grant/donation based income dependency and support them to identify and secure more sustainable sources of independent income. Durham Sparks is supported by Durham County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Services are free of charge for up to 12 hours of guidance and advice for eligible businesses. Richard Annand VC House, Mandale Park, Durham DH1 1TH Email Web Telephone
admin@durhamsparks.co.uk www.durhamsparks.co.uk 0191 386 2634
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Maven Capital Partners The Finance Durham Fund: Debt and equity funding available from £150,000 £2 million Take the next step in your growth journey with Finance Durham, a local fund for local businesses.
Finance Durham: A platform for growth across County Durham As businesses grow, large injections of funding are often needed to move them to the next level. A simple alternative to bank finance, the Finance Durham Fund is transforming the financial landscape for businesses across County Durham. Debt and equity funding is available between £150,000 - £2 million to support business growth. The Fund can back companies of all sizes and across most sectors, which contribute to economic development and job creation within the County. Email Web Telephone
info@financedurham.co.uk financedurham.co.uk 0191 731 8595
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Maven Capital Partners The North East Development Capital Fund: Debt and equity finance from £400,000 - £2 million Take the next step in your growth journey with development capital finance.
Growth funding for established businesses As businesses grow, large injections of funding are often needed to move them to the next level. A simple alternative to bank finance, the North East Development Capital Fund (NEDCF) can support established businesses via debt finance, mezzanine loans or equity investment. The Fund targets dynamic businesses based in the North East with strong management teams and ambitious growth plans. NEDCF is designed for small businesses that need funding to grow their business. Funding is available from £400,000 to £2 million. Email Web Telephone
northeast-enquiries@mavencp.com funds.mavencp.com/nedcf 0191 731 8590
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Mercia Asset Management North East Venture Fund Perhaps you are starting up or scaling up; we can provide investment to help. We are delighted that Mercia are managing part of the North East Fund. We look forward to continuing to work with them in supporting ambitious businesses here in the North East. Jason Hobbs, CEO of North East Finance There are more than five million small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK and many are struggling to find the right sort of investment to help them grow. With finance up to ÂŁ2m, Mercia is an experienced asset manager providing venture, private equity and debt finance that can help businesses to achieve their full potential. Mercia Asset Management is one of the leading providers of venture, private equity and debt in the North East of England, managing the North East Venture Fund supported by The Regional Development Fund (NEVF). NEVF focuses on Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham, providing commercially-focused finance as part of the North East Fund serving the North East LEP (NELEP) region, investing more than ÂŁ120m into small businesses across the region. Email Web Telephone
info@mercia.co.uk mercia.co.uk 0330 223 1430
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A £1m grant programme exclusively for County Durham Busineses What types of project can be funded?
Website design and development Business growth consultancy New product design Process improvement Social media consultancy
Up to 40% funding for business improvement projects costing between £2500 and £8000 Access up to £3200 towards your project
and many more...
www.nbsl.org.uk/nebsf/county-durham
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North East Business Innovation Centre
Igniting Innovation Igniting Innovation Flexible Support Programme
Igniting Innovation
Designed to unlock the Designed innovativetopotential of local SMEs, the unlock the innovative potential of local SMEs, the North East BIC’s SME Innovation Programme, ERDF, the The Flexible Support Programme is available to SMEsthrough based across North East BIC’s SME funded Innovation Programme, funded through enables fromto across the region to think differently – using countybusinesses who are keen explore their innovation potential, but need a differently enables businesses from across the region to think Designed unlock the potential of SMEs, theadvantage a innovation astoa to powerful toolinnovative to gain competitive advantage and helping hand understand what innovation means for them. innovation as a powerful tool to local gain competitive North East BIC’s SME Innovation Programme, funded through ERDF, accelerate growth. accelerate growth.
Twelve hours’ one-to-one from supportacross is availablethe to eligible businesses. The differently support enables businesses region tosupport think – using covers four themes and a ‘pick mix’ ensures that providedkey sectors, including The Programme supports wide range of approach the supports region’s key sectors, including: The and Programme a wide range of theis region’s innovation as amost, powerful tooltoenergy to competitive advantage and by helpin where it is needed and isrenewable tailored thegain specific needs of by thehelping business. manufacturing, digital industries, and healthcare; SMEs manufacturing, digital industries, renewable energy andtohealthcare; develop andthemes launch new products, services or processes. develop and launch new products, services or processes. The four are: accelerate growth.
• Horizon Scanning - analysinga how emerging Innovation Programme isThe available to Programme is Innovation The Programme supports wide range of theEligibility region’s key sectors, including: How we add value toHow your we addThe value to your trends and developments may potentially North East based SMEs that have traded North East based SMEs that h manufacturing, digital industries, renewable energy healthcare;a by • SMEsand B2Bhelping remit SMEs to business affect current activity. business for 12 months oroperating more andwith offers: for 12 months or more and o
develop and launch new products, services or• processes. Located in County Durham • Strategic Planning - helping SMEs take a the confidence Giving businesses the confidence andbusinesses Giving and • SMEs operating with a B2Ba•remit. SMEs operating with a B2B structured, sustainable and Canindemonstrate strong comcapabilities to excel right here infocused the approach capabilities to excel right •here the • Up to 40% funding for innovative to embedding innovation throughout the • Up to 40% funding for inno mitment to understanding what region is a vital part of our aim to attract region is a vital part of ourThe aim Innovation to attract Programme is available to projects. business. projects. innovation means for your busiand retain an immense pool ofand talent retain an immense pool of talent North East based SMEs that • Project value from £5,000 £40,000. •into Project valuehave fromtraded £5,000 ness to and putting it to practice armed with Landscape the tools they need to armed the tools they need • Digital - opening newwith markets for 12 months or more and offers: • Signposting to other sources of • Signposting to other sourc innovate and understanding succeed. innovate and succeed. • Can dedicate 12 hours of time through new and developing support change. innovative support change. technologies. Giving businesses the confidence and innovative • Potential impact will result in
How we add value to your business
• SMEs operating with a B2B remit.
• Attracting People - creating an (BIC) has change. capabilities toInnovative excel right here in the The North East Business and Innovation Centre £820, 439 (BIC) of The North East Business and received Innovation Centre received £820, 4 • Up to 40% funding forhas innovative innovative culture by cultivating knowledge region is a vital part of our aim to attract funding from the England European Fund as part ofDevelopment the fundingRegional from theDevelopment England European Regional Fund as part of within the and SME,Investment and then managing it projects. European Structural Growth Programme 2014-2020. andfrom retain an immense pool ofFunds talent European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. well. • Project value from £5,000 to £40,000.
armed with the tools they need to • Signposting to other sources of innovate and succeed. The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has received £899,250 of funding innovative support change. Find out more Find out more
from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Programme 2014-2020. The new Contact the Innovation TeamFunds at theGrowth North East BIC: Team Contact the Innovation at the North East programme BIC: The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has received £820, 439 of is part funded through the fund.
Tfunding / 0191from 516 the 6039 or E T / European Innovation@ne-bic.co.uk / 0191 516 6039 or E / Innovation@ne-bic.co.uk England Regional Development Fund as part of the European Find outStructural more and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. Contact the Innovation Team at the North East BIC:
T / 0191 516 6039 or E / Innovation@ne-bic.co.uk
Find out more
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North East Business Innovation Centre
Flexible Support Support Programme Programme Flexible Flexible Support Programme TheFlexible FlexibleSupport SupportProgramme Programmeisisavailable availabletotoSMEs SMEsbased basedacross acrossthe the The county who are keen to explore their innovation potential, but need county who areSupport keen toProgramme explore their innovation potential, butacross need the aa The Flexible is available to SMEs based helping hand tounderstand understand whatinnovation innovation meanspotential, forthem. them. helping what means for countyhand whotoare keen to explore their innovation but need a helping hand to understand what innovation means for them. Twelve hours’ one-to-one support is available to eligible businesses. The support Twelve hours’ one-to-one support is available to eligible businesses. The support coversfour fourthemes themesand anda ‘pick a ‘pickand andmix’ mix’approach approachensures ensuresthat thatsupport supportis isprovided provided covers Twelveithours’ one-to-one support is available to eligible businesses. The support where is needed most, and is tailored to the specific needs of the business. where it isfour needed most, is tailored toapproach the specific needsthat of the business. covers themes andand a ‘pick and mix’ ensures support is provided Thefour fourthemes themesare: are: The where it is needed most, and is tailored to the specific needs of the business.
The four themes are: HorizonScanning Scanning- analysing - analysinghow howemerging emerging Eligibility • •Horizon Eligibility trends and developments may potentially trends and developments may potentially • affect Horizon Scanning - analysing how emerging SMEsoperating operatingwith witha aB2B B2Bremit remit current activity. • •Eligibility SMEs affect current activity. trends and developments may potentially LocatedininCounty CountyDurham Durham StrategicPlanning Planning- helping - helpingSMEs SMEstake takea a • ••Located SMEs operating with a B2B remit • •Strategic affect current activity. structured, sustainable and focused approach • Can demonstrate a strongcomcomstructured, sustainable and focused approach • Can demonstrate a strong • Located in County Durham • to Strategic Planning - helping SMEs takethe a embedding innovation throughout mitment to understanding what tostructured, embedding innovation throughout the to understanding what •mitment Can demonstrate a strong combusiness. sustainable and focused approach innovation meansfor for yourbusibusibusiness. innovation means your to embedding innovation throughout the mitment to understanding what ness and putting it into practice DigitalLandscape Landscape- opening - openingnew newmarkets markets ness and putting it into • •Digital business. innovation means for practice your busithroughunderstanding understandingnew newand anddeveloping developing •Can Candedicate dedicate1212hours hoursofoftime time through • ness and putting it into practice • technologies. Digital Landscape - opening new markets • Potential impact will result in technologies. • •Potential impact12 willhours resultofintime through understanding new and developing Can dedicate AttractingInnovative InnovativePeople People- creating - creatinganan change. • •Attracting technologies. •change. Potential impact will result in innovativeculture culturebybycultivating cultivatingknowledge knowledge •innovative Attracting Innovative People creating an change. from within the SME, and then managing it from within the SME,by and then managing it innovative culture cultivating knowledge well. well. from within the SME, and then managing it well. TheNorth NorthEast EastBusiness Businessand andInnovation InnovationCentre Centre(BIC) (BIC)has hasreceived received£899,250 £899,250ofoffunding funding The fromthe theEngland EnglandEuropean EuropeanRegional RegionalDevelopment DevelopmentFund Fundasaspart partofofthe theEuropean European from The Northand East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC)2014-2020. has received £899,250 of funding Structural Investment Funds GrowthProgramme Programme Thenew newprogramme programme Structural and Investment Funds Growth 2014-2020. The from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European partfunded fundedthrough throughthe thefund. fund. is isStructural part and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The new programme is part funded through the fund.
Findout outmore more Find Contact the Innovation Teamatatthe theNorth NorthEast EastBIC: BIC: Contact Find the outInnovation more Team
0191the 516 6039oror Innovation Team atInnovation@ne-bic.co.uk the North East BIC: TTContact / /0191 516 6039 E E/ /Innovation@ne-bic.co.uk T / 0191 516 6039 or E / Innovation@ne-bic.co.uk
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NEL Fund Managers Growth Capital Fund • Unsecured loans • Up to £500k • Terms up to 5 years • Bespoke terms tailored to the business • No Directors Guarantees
Are you ready to fast-track your growth potential? The North East Growth Capital Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund backs ambitious businesses with unsecured investments of up to £500,000. The fund enables businesses to accelerate their growth potential and can form part of a larger funding round where required. The fund is managed by NEL Fund Managers whose local investment team are committed to supporting sustainable business plans backed by credible management teams. Bespoke funding packages can be tailored to individual business needs, typically via debt finance, mezzanine loans or equity investment. With a mission to boost economic growth across the North East, the Fund will help make securing affordable finance achievable by providing unsecured loans which do not require the lender to take charges over business assets or Director’s Guarantees. Email Web Telephone
enquiries@nel.co.uk www.nel.co.uk 0345 369 7007
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NEL Fund Managers Small Loan Fund • Unsecured loans • £5k to £50k • Terms up to 5 years • No Directors Guarantees • No arrangement fees (on loans under £25k)
Need a financial boost to take your business to the next level? The North East Small Loan Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund is a specialist provider of SME finance to support a wide variety of growth plans. The Fund typically offers loans of between £10,000 and £50,000 to support actively trading North East businesses. The fund is managed by NEL Fund Managers whose local investment team are committed to supporting sustainable business plans backed by credible management teams. With a mission to boost economic growth across the North East, the Fund will help make securing affordable finance achievable by providing unsecured loans which do not require the lender to take charges over business assets or Director’s Guarantees. Email Web Telephone
enquiries@nel.co.uk www.nel.co.uk 0345 369 7007
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Newcastle University Arrow - Innovation for Business Arrow de-risks innovation for North East SMEs by matching business needs with Newcastle University knowledge and expertise
Bespoke, intensive research and innovation support for SMEs Arrow is available to SMEs in the Durham County Council region. Our support can help to increase your innovation capacity whilst reducing the costs and risks of developing new products and services. The Innovation Catalyst provides support to co-create a project brief based on your innovation needs, identify an academic expert to lead the project and an Innovation Associate to work on the project. The Innovation Accelerator provides up to ÂŁ10k in a match-funded grant to access innovation from 3rd parties.
Email Web Telephone
arrow.admin@ncl.ac.uk go.ncl.ac.uk/arrow 0191 208 5488
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Good Work is Good For You If your business is interested in raising awareness of Health and Wellbeing, engaging and motivating staff to promote productivity whilst gaining recognition in the form of an award then the Better Health at Work award is GOOD FOR YOU. The award is free and available to all businesses in County Durham, you will be supported by a dedicated workplace health team and have access to free workplace training. To find out more about what this award can do for your business contact the team on: workplacehealth@pcp.uk.net
www.be�erhealthatworkdurham.co.uk
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North East Enterprise Agency CDC Enterprise Agency, EDBS & SDEA Available across County Durham, we offer a range of fully funded support to help you kickstart your business. Delivered at accessible venues across the whole of County Durham through our local Partners CDC Enterprise Agency, East Durham Business Service and South Durham Enterprise Agency we offer a full suite of business support services taking your business from a gem of an idea through to start up and beyond. We can help you to: • Start your Business • Grow your Business • Finance your Business • Market your Business • Find workspace for your Business • Innovate in your Business Our support is delivered through tailored one to one mentoring, training, workshops and networking.
For more information on how we can launch your business dream just get in touch…. Email Web Telephone
support@neeal.co.uk neeal.co.uk 0191 516 6133
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Northstar Ventures Innovation Fund We provide funding for innovative, scalable businesses - if you’re a growing business with big ambitions, based in County Durham, we want to hear from you. Northstar Ventures is a Venture Capital firm, we’ve been supporting entrepreneurs since 2004 and we are one of the leading early stage investors into UK businesses. We make and manage investments into a wide range of scalable ventures. We currently manage the £27million North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, and have already invested over £6million of that in a wide variety of businesses across very different sectors here in the North East. We don’t limit ourselves to any particular sector, the main criteria we are looking for are innovation and scalability – any ambitious founder with a great team who has these and is looking for funding should come and talk to us.
Thinking about investment? We want to hear from you. Email Web Telephone
hello@northstarventures.co.uk northstarventures.co.uk 0191 229 2770
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Northumbria University Santander Internships The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today’s possibilities into tomorrow’s competitive edge. Northumbria University is a national leader in business and enterprise. We partner with businesses, public sector organisations and charities, applying our expertise to deliver demonstrable benefits and impact Together we will identify, explore and develop new opportunities for you to grow through building new skills, new knowledge and new ways of thinking. Northumbria offer a range of services to support organisations including degree apprenticeships, continuing professional development and short courses, consultancy, research for business and knowledge transfer partnerships. In a connected world, collaboration will be the key to success. Working with Northumbria University’s leading academics, enables organisations to achieve game-changing results. Together we can develop innovative new products, processes, courses and services that can drive increases in growth and performance for your business.
Is your business ready? Email Web Telephone
businessenquiry@northumbria.ac.uk northumbria.ac.uk/business 0191 227 4419
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RTC North Pathways to Innovation Pathways to Innovation is a programme designed to help Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) protect and commercialise new technologies, products, services and processes and access new markets. Supporting the NE LEP’s strategic economic plan, Pathways to Innovation is particularly aimed at businesses in; and can provide up to 35% funding for projects. The programme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is delivered by RTC North in partnership with the Business & Intellectual Property Centre Newcastle. Pathways to Innovation gives companies access to one to one support from specialist innovation advisors with expertise in market research and competitor analysis, IP commercialisation and product licensing. Businesses joining the programme will also get access to a rolling programme of one to many masterclasses and workshops and may also qualify for a grant to part fund work with external experts. Email enquiries@rtcnorth.co.uk Web rtcnorth.co.uk Telephone 0191 516 4400
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RTC North Scaleup Challenging businesses who have the potential to achieve significant growth by 2021 Scaleup North East is not just another funding programme. The support we give is led by the needs of your business; it’s not a blanket approach where one size fits all. Our commitment to you is to get behind your business, invest time, energy and resources in your business and advise on growth strategies so that your business can be the best it can be. Scaleup North East offers a bespoke package of business support and intensive account management to achieve the aspirations set out in the NELEP’s Strategic Economic Plan of ‘increasing the density of scaleup businesses in the North East LEP area by 50% by 2024’. This unique programme for ambitious and growing SMEs has been designed to help business leaders learn from the best of their peers, increase productivity and performance and invest in transformational activity - resulting in scaleup businesses that grow faster and more sustainably than ever before. RTC North is delivering Scaleup North East in conjunction with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The programme is aimed at supporting North East-based businesses that can demonstrate both the hunger and the potential to achieve high levels of growth. Email scaleup@rtcnorth.co.uk Web scaleupnortheast.co.uk Telephone 0191 516 4400
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RTC North Supply Chain North East Empowering North East businesses to diversify their offering, expand their customer base and unlock untapped opportunities in new markets Our expert advisors and experienced market specialists are on a mission. Their mission is to get your business to build up its core competencies, cure its imperfections and seek out promising new opportunities to help it thrive. Supply Chain North East will see four key partners joining forces to work with over 800 businesses between 2018-2021 supporting businesses to identify opportunities in new and existing markets. An integral part of the North East Growth Hub, Supply Chain North East will be delivered across the region by RTC North, Generator, North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC). Supply Chain North East is a multimillion programme aimed at revolutionising the way SMEs diversify their offering and embrace new markets. The programme has received more than ÂŁ3m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund, which is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. Email info@supplynortheast.co.uk Web supplychainnortheast.co.uk Telephone 0191 516 4400
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Sunderland Software City Supporting businesses across the North East Fully-funded support for businesses in the North East LEP area. Here at Sunderland Software City, we’re working to inspire and support the growth of the technology sector across the North East of England. We want to make the region the place to do business for the international digital community. Through our fully funded support, SME’s based in the North East LEP area can access a wide range of services to help grow their business. Whether you’re looking for support with developing a new platform or app, or you’re looking for marketing advice and marketing research, our team can help. If you’d like to find out more about accessing our Business Support, or would like more information about the services offered, then please get in touch with Sophie Peel, our Business Support Specialist. Email Sophie.craggs@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com Web digicatapult.org.uk/regional-engagement/netv/ Telephone 0845 872 8575
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Sunderland University SAM (Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing) SAM is here to support the implementation of product and process development, including the introduction of new technology to SME manufacturers in NE LEP area. Reduce costs, access research and technology, improve sustainability and innovate your business. The SAM Project is funded by the European Regional Developmnet Fund and delivered by the University of Sunderland. The University has committed significant academic resources, including a team of industrial and research specialists, to support the delivery of fully funded, practical and research projects to eligible SMEs. The team will support manufacturing SMEs in the resolution or elimination of inhibitors to growth potential through R&D of product and processes. The project also gives SMEs access to industry leading equipment to test out advancements in their sector and to encourage engagement with advanced technology. Support is available in Technology, Research, Equipment, Knowledge Transfer and Grant Funding, including but not limited to: • 3D Printing • Advanced maintenance • CAD • Robotics • Software • Sensors • Lean tools/techniques • Process simulation • Quality systems/controls • Energy monitoring • VR/AR • Rapid tooling • Data analytics • Additive manufacturing • Automation Email sam.project@sunderland.ac.uk Web samprojectuos.co.uk Telephone 0191 515 3111
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“Not only is the scheme a cost-effective way to hire graduate talent, the support in finding the right graduate is excellent.” Paul Dunn, Quality Manager, Rokshaw Ltd
GRADUATE INTERNSHIP SCHEME Join the hundreds of North East SME’s who have accessed funding and support to grow their team, bringing fresh ideas and talent into their business. Recruit a graduate on a 12 month contract and receive £3,375 towards their salary.
Contact us for further details Internships@sunderland.ac.uk 0191 515 3045 www.sunderland.ac.uk/recruit-talent
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Sunderland Software City Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley Digital Manufacturing Programme Future-proofing the manufacturing industry through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual and Augmented Reality, the Internet of Things and more. As manufacturers embrace the 4th Industrial revolution and start to utilise advanced digital technologies, the need for specialist support has grown. Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley provides expert-led support services to manufacturers looking to explore emerging technologies. If you’re interested in understanding how technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being used to improve employee training and speed up engineering processes, how connected technologies like the Internet of Things and low-power wide-area networks are creating smart factories, or how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to make data- driven decisions, the Digital Catapult NETV team can help. Email Sophie.craggs@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com Web digicatapult.org.uk/regional-engagement/netv/ Telephone 0845 872 8575
Contact us today to find out how we can help you. Telephone 03000 261261 Address Second Floor Salvus House Aykley Heads Durham DH1 5TS Email enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk Web www.businessdurham.co.uk