FUNDING TOPSCORE!!!
Interview with Richard Salmon, Project Manager and Business Advisor for SCORE. A GENTLE NUDGE…
For many this short scribe may be manna from heaven, for others it may be a thought prompted, but even if just a few may read this and have an epiphany - then it will be worthwhile!
SCORE funding is available to SMEs across East Anglia. Just to clarify an SME is a company with fewer than 250 employees and net assets of less than €50 million.
DAUNTING PROCESS NORMALLY – NOT NOW!
Many companies are often dissuaded from pursuing such grant opportunities as they are perceived as being somewhat of an administrative headache. SCORE is not the norm where traditional applications are concerned as the scheme is supported by specialists within the industry who work closely with applicants, undertaking much ‘hand-holding’ and guidance, from agreeing a company’s eligibility to grant application submission – without the headache!
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Enter Richard!
I have pleasure introducing my next guest Richard Salmon based at the state-of- the-art Renewables Hub at OrbisEnergy, Lowestoft. A former business advisor for 7 years and now Project Manager for NWES, some may call him a ‘Business Angel’, for his knowledge and expertise may be just what your company could be looking for.
DID YOU KNOW?
SCORE is an exciting opportunity for East Anglian SME’s to access funds to assist and drive innovative products/services and processes to boost the region’s exciting renewable offshore energy sector.
SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION FOR OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY The grant funding programme is known as Supply Chain innovation for Offshore Renewable Energy, or in short, yet another acronym to add to the long line: SCORE.
The funding programme delivers £2.5 million investment through the European Regional Development Fund, with grants ranging from £2,500 up to a maximum of 30% of the project’s eligible costs, or £50,000 (whichever is lower).
Richard and his team of industry specialists are on hand to support companies and start-ups through the process by finding out more about their innovative ideas, evaluating funding viability and then assisting with the development of a funding business case. Twelve hours of business advice is also available to help SMEs with the development of their new product or service, and further enhance the viability of their application.
Once the application has been presented at the monthly panel meeting and funding has been agreed, SCORE’s responsibility does not just end. Going forward, the team will meet on a monthly basis to discuss progress and other important issues to further assist the success of the company and ensure all is proceeding to plan.
FORWARD-THINKING SERVICE For many companies this forward-thinking service provided by SCORE is invaluable, as effectively Richard and his team have the ‘ear of the offshore renewables sector’ and are able to provide insights and first-hand knowledge to SMEs applying for funding. Richard happily confirms many companies within the region are already benefiting from the opportunities SCORE funding offers. Those having successfully secured grants to progress projects include Norcom Technology, 4COffshore, Scour Prevention, Tidal Transit and PWE Recruitment Group Ltd to name but a few.
THE HUB
Since opening its doors in 2008, OrbisEnergy has become the region’s flagship innovation and incubation centre for the offshore renewable energy sector. Situated at Britain’s most easterly point in Lowestoft, OrbisEnergy has supported growth of more than 120 businesses and has created in excess of 500 local jobs. As the region’s main hub for offshore renewables, many of the region’s leading companies are tenants, including, East Anglian Offshore Wind, SSE, 4C Offshore and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier.
Ever-aware of opportunities to further assist the sector, OrbisEnergy hosts numerous prestigious conferences, such as Renewable UK, and works closely with EEEGR, providing networking opportunities, and bringing awareness of the sector and its potential to larger audiences.
IN A NUTSHELL
In a nutshell, SCORE provides a welcome win/win scenario, assisting SMEs fund new business ideas, as well as bringing exciting innovative products and services to the fore, all of which will benefit the offshore renewable supply chain.
SUCCESS
So far 15 SCORE grants have been awarded to companies across East Anglia, with a further 40 still pending.
By the end of our discussions, I had successfully absorbed; by osmosis, his sheer enthusiasm for the projects, his passion for the sector and his thirst for assisting and helping develop SMEs across East Anglia.
If you feel your company would benefit from SCORE funding Richard looks forward to hearing from you….
To contact SCORE’s business advisers, please call 01502 563368 or email
orbisenergy@nwes.org.uk
Interview by Fliss Chaffer Wind Energy Network
Click to view more info
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 9
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