inspire
BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES INNOVATION News and information on innovation in the South West
Brexit doesn’t have to mean disaster for SMEs F
ollowing the result of the recent EU referendum, many businesses have been left unsure about the future of our
trading and research and development (R&D) activities with Europe. International Trade and joint R&D with Europe
has been, and will continue to be, vital for the growth and success of UK businesses. Although over a number of years the UK has been developing strong trading relationships and enjoying economic growth in countries outside the EU, it remains by far our largest trading partner. Some facts: 1. The 27 members of the European Union account for 44% of the UK’s exports in goods and services. Though the proportion of UK exports to non-EU markets is growing in volume terms, our recent growth in exports has been larger to the EU.
2. The UK is one of the largest recipients of research funding from the EU. During the period 2007-2013 and under Framework Programme 7 - R&D funding awarded to UK organisations on a competitive basis , was €6.9 billion out of a total award of €55.4 billion, making the UK the second largest recipient of EU R&D funding after Germany.
3. The South West of England was one of the top ten individual regions for research grant applications. The region received just under €600 million during the Framework Programme 7 period, with a further €44 million awarded to SMEs during the same period.
4. Organisations in Bristol and Swindon are amongst the largest UK recipients of Horizon 2020 research grants Since the Horizon 2020 R&D programmes started in 2014 approximately €120million in grants has been allocated to organisations in the Bristol and Swindon area.
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can help
For those organisations wishing to strengthen or form new international relationships in trade, technology transfer or joint R&D during this time of transition, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can support your goals. Operating in over 60 countries (including
many of the world’s major economies) and with over 600 partner organisations, EEN is the world’s largest support network for SMEs and R&D performing institutions. EEN provides information and support to
businesses in the fields of international business cooperation, innovation, knowledge and technology transfer and cooperation in EU funding programmes. No matter what the negotiations bring regarding
our new arrangements, it is important that we retain and continue to grow our existing collaboration in trade and R&D, both with the EU and the rest of the world. It is simply not an option to stall activity while waiting for the outcome of any negotiation. EEN has a key role to play in helping you
strengthen your existing relationships and also to find new partners in Europe and the rest of the world as we look towards what our future brings.
Opportunities for startups are flying by
If you are a new or emerging business in the Bristol or Bath area, you could be flying to European destinations as part of the BMI regional Seats for Startups initiative. This new scheme has been launched in association with Engine Shed Bristol TechSPARK and the Department for International Trade (DIT) to help businesses in the South West expand and open up new markets in Europe. Every month they’ll be selecting up to three companies to fly to any of BMI's European destinations from Bristol.
16 insight SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Each company will also be given a business advice session courtesy of DIT- for free! Any business based within 50 miles of Bristol with a turnover of less than £500,000 and that has been trading for less than five years is eligible to apply.
How to Enter: All businesses need to do to win the flights is to describe in less than
500 words who they are, where they want to go and what they hope to achieve by going there. Applications are open now. Further terms and conditions apply.
To enter, visit:
www.linkedin.com/company/bmi-regional
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32