News

New call for proposals launched by DG Enterprise and Industry

admin 5 — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:54:50 +0000

The aim of this call for proposals is to promote the participation of SMEs, and their interests, in the European standardisation process, and to improve information to SMEs on European standards, their use and benefits. A Framework Partnership Agreement, implemented through an annual operating grant, will be agreed with a European organisation that will represent SMEs in European standardisation activities.When managing the grant and choosing activities, the organisation must focus on the interest of the majority of SMEs in the European Union. A budget of €1.5 million is available for up to 85% of eligible costs.
The deadline for submissions is 29 May 2013. Find out more

Deadline for FP7 call - Aeronautics and Air Transport - RTD-High Speed extended

admin 5 — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:28:21 +0000

This is a coordinated call which is expected to lead to the funding of a coherent research programme on Civil High Speed Aircraft, consisting of one project financed by the EU, and at least two complementary projects funded either by the Australian, Japanese or Russian Federation authorities or funding organisations.The indicative budget for the programme from the EU is €5 million.
The deadline has been extended to 29 May 2013. Find out more

The DNA Profit with Purpose Prize

admin 5 — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:18:32 +0000

This competition is seeking entries from UK-based ambitious start-up companies and social enterprises that are aged two years and under.

The prize comprises an investment of £100,000 for an equity stake of 10-30% in the winning business, plus ongoing mentoring support and expertise. In addition, the winning business has the potential to secure follow-on investment from Bridges Ventures, provided certain milestones are achieved.
The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 13 May 2013.

Find out more

Export Week - high growth markets

admin 5 — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:14:26 +0000

The global economic centre of gravity has shifted towards high growth markets such as Brazil, China and India. Is your company ready to take an early advantage of these developments?
UKTI can help, whatever your size or sector. Export Week is a UKTI-organised series of around 70 events on the world's fastest growing markets, running from 13-17 May.

Find out more

Will you be a manufacturing champion of 2013? Awards now open

admin 5 — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:07:05 +0000

The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards, now in its fifth year, has established itself as the biggest and most prestigious in the manufacturing sector.
Entry is open to all manufacturers and companies operating within their supply chains - from the largest to the smallest. Previous entrants have ranged from producers of vaccinations to communication systems.

http://www.eef.org.uk/awards/

FREE innovation training and project management qualification

admin 5 — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:45:09 +0000

This free programme is designed to unlock your thinking and develop skills for business innovation and project management. This Knowledge Hub training will enable you to achieve the internationally recognised PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification.
Key targets groups are:

Aerospace, engineering, ICT and creative sectors

Luton area (postcodes LU1-LU4)

Find out more

Business Breakfast success

admin 5 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:50:49 +0000

The Business Growth and Investment team hosted yet again another successful Business Breakfast which took place on Tuesday 26 March, with businesses attending from the ICT, creative, engineering and aerospace sectors. The event had a number of presentations, including one from Colin Chick, Director of Environment & Regeneration, covering the latest key developments in Luton. Other presentations included 'The benefits of business travel planning' and 'The importance of business continuity plans'. You can view some of the presentations on our business events page.

FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards 2013

admin 5 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:46:44 +0000

Are you a business based in Bedfordshire or a company that can prove that the majority of your business is conducted in Bedfordshire? If so, why not enter your business for the FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards 2013.The closing date for all entries is 25 April 2013. For more information on how to enter the competition, please visit the Federation of Small Businesses website. Businesses in Luton that require assistance in making an application, please get in touch with Luton Borough Council, Economic Development Service on 01582 547970.

What to do if disaster strikes your business

admin 5 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:39:31 +0000

Statistics show that almost one in five businesses will be hit by a major disruption every year. This may result in loss of customers, revenue, and even the collapse of a business. However, having a business continuity plan can help your business survive a disaster and keep your business going. Putting together a business continuity plan doesn’t take long. You can use the website online tools on the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience business continuity advice pages on the Luton Borough Council website.

Access to finance schemes that support entrepreneurs

admin 5 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:34:58 +0000

Projects that are not eligible or not selected for the Regional Growth Fund can find all the sources of potential funding for entrepreneurs on the GOV.UK website.

https://www.gov.uk/