CHAMBER NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM SPONSORED BY:
Free support to enable innovation
By Steve Upcraft Enabling Innovation Director, The University of Nottingham
Small businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are now able to access free innovation support through a new programme being run by The University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University and The University of Nottingham. The aim of the programme,
called Enabling Innovation, is to stimulate research and innovation within small and medium-sized businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The programme provides
help for businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, materials engineering, computing and data, aerospace, food and drink, chemistry and satellite navigation – offering unprecedented access to university expertise and graduate talent. The three universities will be
offering a wide range of services for businesses through Enabling Innovation, including:
· In-depth support from academic experts.
· Workshop programmes designed to help businesses to innovate, explore new ideas and unlock their growth potential.
· Leadership and management development, including mentoring.
· Support for businesses to take on graduates via placement opportunities, allowing them to explore the benefits of employing graduates.
The project has been funded via the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), using funds secured by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Businesses interested in finding out about the support offered through Enabling Innovation should visit
www.enablinginnovation.org.uk
Micro-Mesh benefits from international student placements
April’s magazine featured a story detailing the successful collaboration between the International Student Placement Office (ISPO) and Chamber member Xbite. This month, Business Network caught up with
Micro-Mesh Managing Director, James Underwood (pictured), and its international students, Iris and Fabio, to understand the value ISPO has added to the company. Chamber member Micro-
Mesh, a leading UK filter manufacturer, which exports to countries throughout the world including Germany, Belgium and China, prides itself on its people, products and performance. Through its work with ISPO, which works with the region’s business community to match companies’ specific requirements with that of ambitious, dedicated and skilled international students, the Nottingham-based company has been able to enhance all three of these facets. “We selected our first ISPO student in 2008
following some research into the Polish mining and rail markets,” explains James. “We attended an exhibition in Gdansk and found
that, although we had a very positive response and picked up a lot of enquiries, once we were back in the UK it was difficult to keep the relationships going. “It was at this time we heard about ISPO and
decided to invest in an overseas student from Poland.”
‘The students have always been of the highest calibre and bring fresh ideas to the company and enable us to concentrate on driving the business through innovation and new products’
In the eight years that have passed, Micro-Mesh’s
relationship with ISPO has gone from strength-to- strength, enabling it to attract highly motivated, willing and capable international students. “We have used ISPO students for many different
tasks over the years, from researching overseas markets, helping to set up meetings with potential overseas customers and involvement in exhibitions,” says James. “More recently, we have invested in two students
at once, Iris and Fabio, and they have become our ‘marketing department’, and are involved in everything from website and brochure design, email campaigns, social media and advertising. The value ISPO students add to the whole
company is something James is particularly impressed with, as he explains. “The students have always been of the highest
calibre and bring fresh ideas to the company and enable us to concentrate on driving the business through innovation and new products.”
18 business network September 2017
ISPO students Iris and Fabio at Micro-Mesh HQ, Nottingham
The benefit is clearly twofold with Iris and Fabio,
from Germany and Spain respectively, full of praise for the company and the way in which it is enhancing their skillset and professional outlook. Iris said: “We are in charge of overall Micro-Mesh
marketing, increasing its visibility, brand awareness and reach through different channels in order to boost revenues. “On one hand, we are giving Micro-Mesh a voice
online, generating new leads and potential customers with our digital marketing activity, and on the other hand we are also creating printable content. “I think UK business culture is a reflection of the
UK economy and society as it is a very dynamic and professional environment. We have been very fortunate to work for a family business like Micro- Mesh. The treatment we received was second to none, we really felt integrated.” The significant role ISPO has played in ensuring
both Iris and Fabio have received the best possible experience from their international placement is also something the students are keen to point out. Fabio said: “ISPO provided us with everything we
needed very quickly and has looked after us since the very first day. “We would certainly recommend ISPO to any
student thinking of developing themselves professionally and culturally overseas. It provides an excellent service and is certainly something we are extremely grateful for.” “We would be very happy to recommend ISPO to
other companies and have done on many occasions,” concludes James. “My advice to other companies would be to join up
and try a student, but don’t just think it is for exporting companies, ISPO students can be used for many different activities within your company so keep an open mind and use the services that are available.”
To understand more about how ISPO can enhance your business, visit
www.ispo.co.uk
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