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Calling on science and technology start-ups


Applications are now open for the 2016 Catalyst Programme, one of the UK’s most respected business incubators.


Created by the University of Southampton Science Park, Catalyst is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurial spirits with scientific or technology-led early-stage businesses. Now in its fifth successful year, Catalyst delivers a formula to boost business growth potential including six months of free business coaching, seminars and residency in the Catalyst Centre, as well as access to an entrepreneurial network; £1,000 cash injection; and links to further funding. No equity is taken and winning start-ups will receive widespread exposure during their time in the programme.


Access to the Catalyst Programme is gained through a competitive process which begins online at www. catalystcentre.co.uk. Applicants need not have a fully-fledged business, but they


must have a unique value proposition and the determination and business acumen to see it to fruition.


Peter Birkett, CEO of the University of Southampton Science Park and founder of Catalyst, commented: “We have come a long way since our initial idea for Catalyst back in 2012. Such is its success that we have invested in a new brand, designed to cement Catalyst’s position as a world- class business support programme. In 2015 the Catalyst Programme welcomed six entrepreneurs whose inspired ideas enabled them to raise over £700,000 in funding; their futures look very bright.”


He continued: “My team and I look forward to welcoming the next set of inspirational entrepreneurs to the Science Park later this year and I would encourage all those with a science or technology- led business idea to get involved.”


Adam Kingdon, 2015 Catalyst winner


and founder of Utonomy, commented: “Being part of the Catalyst Programme has propelled my business forward in a way I couldn’t have previously anticipated. Spending over six months embedded in a community of six determined start-ups, all with very different ideas but very similar goals has been absolutely brilliant.


“This, alongside the coaching I’ve received from mentor Phil Sharpe, the support of Peter Birkett and the relationships I’ve built with the wider Catalyst community, has proved invaluable. I came into Catalyst with an idea that was just a few months old; I now have a solid value proposition, a great team and £400,000 worth of funding to push it to the next level. I’d encourage anyone thinking of taking the leap into entrepreneurship to apply to the Catalyst Programme.”


catalystcentre.co.uk 023 8001 6199


Blue Chip celebrates hat-trick of investments in its IT services provision


Leading IT services and solutions provider Blue Chip has invested in driving growth while enhancing customer service. As well as appointing a new general sales manager, Blue Chip has opened a brand new London office and redesigned its website to provide a more rewarding customer experience.


These investments follow the company’s sustained success in its transition from a traditional reseller to a managed services specialist.


Sales and marketing director Anthony Green commented: “At Blue Chip developing great relationships comes first; our customers want to be listened to, not just sold to – especially with a factor as important as their IT infrastructure.


“Last year we made a significant investment into restructuring our account management teams to reflect our SME, corporate and enterprise-specific skillsets in order to facilitate this. The result is a much more customer-centric approach.”


Oliver Bruffell, general sales manager, will be overseeing day-to-day account management and sharing his expansive knowledge of the IT market and end-user requirements.


As well as this new senior management appointment, Blue Chip has opened a new office in London, staffed by an experienced and conscientious team focused on both the acquisition of new customers and providing an enhanced


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH COAST – SEPTEMBER 2016


level of service for existing customers in and around the capital.


The London base has been designed to offer greater support to clients that are situated between the existing Leeds office and Poole headquarters, so they are safe in the knowledge that talented staff are more conveniently available.


To support these recent changes, Blue Chip has also designed a fresh new website at the new address of www.bluechip.com. The website is easy to navigate, mobile friendly and includes a regular blog and downloadable white papers.


Green continued: “We are proud to have so many customers who have come to us initially for a single project, and have stayed with us for years. This is a testament to the high-quality, client- focused staff.”


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