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Above: Professor Ray Jones


Name: Carol Belamarich Company: Dorcas Media Limited Job Title: Business Development Manager


Innovative project is key to healthy ageing


A new project is underway to generate innovation and growth to support healthy ageing in Devon. The ‘Innovation in Healthy Ageing’ project


will support SMEs and social enterprises in the life sciences and healthcare sector to fund development of new products or services, which could transform the lives of people with ageing related conditions. The project responds to challenges and opportunities around the impact of ageing populations, changing lifestyle choices and the rise in chronic conditions, which are placing increasing pressure on healthcare budgets but are also driving a transformation in how healthcare services are delivered. Devon County Council leads the project in partnership with the South West Academic Health Science Network, Business Information Point and the University of Plymouth. The project has received


for development funding as part of the project’s Challenge Fund of £450,000. They will also have the opportunity to work alongside students and experts from Plymouth University and specialist business advisors from the Businesses Information Point. The Challenge Fund will be open for


‘This to


the benefit of older people in Devon, and the students themselves’


£650,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural Investment Fund growth programme from 2014 – 2020. The three-year project worth £1 million will work with academics, patients, students, healthcare commissioners and businesses to identify and research the priority challenges facing the health of older people across Devon. The project will be holding two events in


March 2018 (the 1st and 23rd) to bring together stakeholders interested in the project. Collaborative groups, led by SMEs and social enterprises will be invited to work up ideas for new technological solutions, and innovative operational models for care provision. Those with the most potential will be invited to bid


expression of interest from April 2018. Shortlisted applications will then be offered three types of support to continue developing their ideas: student placements with Plymouth University to help develop idea; a chance of bidding for part of the £450,000 pot, which could fund up to 60% of expenditure; specialist business development support to develop, protect and commercialise their intellectual property. Business Information Point


MD, Stewart Horne, said: “BIP advisors are looking forward to supporting


businesses as they develop new products and services for this developing sector.”


Professor Ray Jones, of Plymouth University, said: “There is great scope for


students from many disciplines such as nursing, medicine, engineering, computing, robotics and design to become involved in the innovation and development of new products and services for healthy ageing. “This to the benefit of older people in Devon, and the students themselves.”


For SMEs or social enterprises working in the life science or healthcare, sector or those who are thinking of entering it, and would like to find out how to take part in the project contact: innovationhealthyageing@devon.gov.uk or visit: www.devonnewscentre.info


January/February 2018 Chamber Profile 27


For more information or to book a free consultation, visit www.dorcasmedia.com email carol@dorcasmedia.com or call 07377 991960.


Tell us about yourself I first started work when I was 11-years-old as a papergirl for a local newsagents on the Barbican. Then progressed onto selling strawberries and peaches during the summer outside of the old fish market. I was married at the age of 17 and had a son, but soon returned to work, as I missed having my own income and adult social interaction. When my son started school I entered full time work as sales account manager for tableware company. I then worked for an iIndustrial roofing contractor in telesales, but then progressed into a contract role, supporting project managers in the operational management of sites, contractors, material procurement and health and safety. I gained so much experience and skills in the role - and gave me so much confidence in non-sector specific operational management roles.


How can Dorcas benefit businesses? Dorcas Media is an independent media agency and was formed in 2013. I’m very passionate about helping others and making things happen, but making the most of every opportunity. We are looking to create a new suite of services that will complement the services we already provide. Dorcas Media delivers copywriting for marketing collateral, targeted media outreach, supports businesses in the winning of awards, web and digital design, photography and video services and crisis management. New services being offered by Dorcas


Media include reviewing and developing sales and marketing strategies, the design and implementation of CRM systems, customer acquisition, relationship marketing and event management.


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