NEWS Help offered to protect


intellectual property Ignite IP is a new service which helps organisations exploit commercial opportunities by making maximum use of their intellectual assets and


complements the programme of business support available from Business West. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) play an important role in a company’s business strategy. Those companies that protect and understand how to utilise their IPR gain a significant competitive advantage.


‘In order to gain maximum commercial benefit from your IPR you must protect it’


Members get to know Chamber and each other


Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative recently held an evening for members to celebrate business in Bristol and the West of England. This inaugural meeting was designed to allow members to meet the team over drinks and enjoy a hog roast in the grounds of Leigh Court.


T


he evening showcased the array of services and support available to members including Events, How to raise your Profile, International Trade support and Representation, all designed to encourage members to make the most of their Chamber membership.


Feedback from attendees was very positive with many members expressing an interest in how they can raise their profile – from populating their member profile on the website with news, case studies, job vacancies and special offers to submitting news stories to Update magazine.


‘It's a great way of networking and meeting with many different businesses’


And of course, there was the opportunity to network and make new business contacts. Members told us that it was really useful for them to make contact with people who can help them take their business forward whilst connecting with like-minded business people in the region.


Several members were asked why they joined the Chamber and about the benefits.


Angela Emms, centre director at The Rainbow Centre for Children, said: “We've been a member for about 10 years and as a small charity it's a great way of networking


and meeting with many different businesses and other members, from small organisations to the largest employers in the area. This is vital from the point of view of publicising and getting the charity's name known. “We’ve also used our membership to market ourselves using the online tools such as the micro website where we have our own profile. Most recently we advertised a job for free on the website. “We’ve made use of the mailing lists when we’ve had a specific campaign and wanted to contact lots of specific businesses in the area. Again, as part of our membership, this comes free and we wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford to source that kind of data. “We also use online networking as members of the Business West Linked In group.” Philippa Constable from Womenmeanbiz emailed the events team to compliment them on a great evening.


She wrote: “Congratulations on your ‘Meet the Chamber’ event last night, which was most enjoyable and great to meet more of the team at Business West. I met some lovely ladies who are very interested in WomenMeanBiz which was a real bonus.” The next Meet the Chamber event will take place in December.


To hear video interviews from Chamber members telling us why they have joined and the benefits of membership visit: www.youtube.com/businesswesttv


Ignite IP has helped over 300 companies manage their Intellectual Property portfolios. Dave Morgan, Ignite IP, says: “In order to gain maximum commercial benefit from your IPR you must protect it. IPR generally relates to trade marks, designs, copyright and patents but can also include ‘intellectual assets’ such as specialist knowledge, company manuals and technical expertise. We will help companies manage all aspects of their IP.” Ignite IP will work with companies to identify their potential IPR, produce a report with action points and where professional services are required offer a fixed fee solution. James Monk, director of commercial services at Business West, said: “Helping businesses manage their intellectual property in the current economic climate is crucial and companies will certainly benefit from the advice that the Ignite IP team can provide.”


For further information, contact info@igniteip.co.uk, call 01275 370880 or visit www.igniteip.co.uk


Enter Queen’s Awards


Entries for the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are now open.


There are three categories: • International Trade • Innovation • Sustainable Development.


As the UK’s most coveted business awards, they are only awarded to the best companies as proof of their corporate success. The benefits of winning include worldwide recognition among your peers and you will be able to display the Awards emblem for five years. Winning can also lead to numerous press and PR opportunities, as well as increased staff morale, all of which can lead to a big boost in sales. Winners will be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace with The Queen. Entry is free, and the deadline is 31 October 2011.


For further details visit www.businesslink.gov.uk


Business West Update SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 5


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