inform SOUTH WEST BUSINESS NEWS


Future Space offers funding boost for SMEs


Small and medium sized businesses at Bristol’s tech and science innovation hub Future Space can now apply for vouchers to the value of £10,000, designed to stimulate innovation through research and development projects. The groundbreaking, fully-


funded scheme is intended to fuel innovation, growth and product development. It has been designed to encourage businesses to take advantage of the established close links and collaboration between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Future Space, which is located at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus. Businesses currently based at


Future Space are being encouraged to apply now. The


vouchers will fully or part- fund a variety of projects such as research expertise and analysis from a range of UWE Bristol senior academic specialists, postgraduate students with specialist knowledge and cutting- edge skills from a variety of research areas, plus research equipment and facilities including access to labs, workshops and testing facilities on site. Professor Martin Boddy, pro vice-


chancellor, research and business engagement at UWE Bristol, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to open this opportunity up to firms in our hugely popular Future Space. We realise this support could make all


‘Future


Space provides dedicated and bespoke support across a number of areas’


the difference in taking products and ideas to the


next stage. We’re keen to emulate the success that


other firms which have come through our doors have already achieved. “Future Space provides dedicated and bespoke support across a number of areas to its businesses. The application process has been designed to be simple and straightforward – this is vital where sometimes universities


have been seen as difficult to engage with on R&D projects.” Centre director Elaine McKechnie said: “We have a wealth of talent and ideas within the businesses at Future Space and this collaborative-scheme with UWE is a good example of how our strong links with them can benefit the companies we work to support. “We are invested in seeing the


occupiers of Future Space grow and develop through innovation. Many of the companies are working at the cutting edge of their sectors.”


Bristol saddles up for cycling event Schedule for the day:


8:00am Men’s 3/4 Race


9:00am Women’s Bristol Grand Prix


10:30am HSBC UK | Bristol Grand Prix


1:30 Let’s Ride Bristol


On Sunday 8 July Bristol will be transformed as cyclists take over the city. An incredible 6km of city centre roads will be closed to traffic as Bristol hosts the televised HSBC UK | Bristol Grand Prix in the morning, and a mass participation Let’s Ride event in the afternoon. Now in its fourth year, the Bristol GP race has become part of the HSBC


UK | Grand Prix series, bringing some of the UK and Europe’s best teams like JLT Condor, One Pro Cycling, and Team Wiggins to race. They will battle it out for the win in a 100km race run at speeds of


almost 30mph. Highlights of the high-profile race will be televised across Europe, reaching an audience of millions. Spectators will be able to enjoy the race completely free from anywhere


around the course. And when the racing is finished, they’ll be able to jump on their bikes and ride it too. In the afternoon, the race-track will be opened to everyone on two


wheels as part of the HSBC UK | Let’s Ride event. Race fans and riders will be able to enjoy over two-hours of traffic-free cycling. Registration for the event is completely free. Mayor Marvin Rees and Bristol City Council have been instrumental in


making the event happen. Halfway through his first term, supporting events like the Bristol Grand Prix is part of his plan to get Bristol active. He said: “We have laid out our ambitions for sport in Bristol and are committed to growing participation, bringing major sporting events to the city and developing elite sports.”


Business West members interested in riding the course can find more information on the ride and register for free at: www.bristol.gov.uk/letsride2018


6 insight JULY/AUGUST 2018


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