New Enterprise Europe Network program launch

Enterprise Europe Network North West will formally launch the 2020 Innovate2Succeed (I2S) programme in Salford Quays, Manchester on 21 January with a taster workshop for local SMEs keen to innovate to grow internationally this New Year.

The Innovate2Succeed (I2S) programme is designed to help innovative SMEs in the North West overcome barriers to growth, develop an innovation culture, implement relevant processes to transform ideas into innovative solutions and successfully take them to the international market. Now in its 4th year, I2S has already helped a number of North West firms to realise their growth ambitions.

January’s breakfast taster session, which will be hosted by an industry expert, will provide business leaders with International growth ambitions with a comprehensive introduction to I2S using their own projects for context. The free to attend event allows participants to fully assess the suitability of the programme and gain an insight into its potential impact on their business.

Rodolphe Soulard, Team Leader at EEN North West said, “Over 50% of new, innovative products and services launched to market fail. I2S supports selected companies to avoid becoming part of that statistic with access to a dedicated innovation specialist and expert assistance across connected areas, such as intellectual property, finance, branding, marketing or sales.

The North West has an incredibly vibrant and industrious business community – I2S is purposefully designed to help those innovative businesses access the expertise and resources they need to reduce costs, become more competitive and bring new solutions to new markets and sectors on an international scale.”

I2S will officially kick off in February with three practical workshops covering a range of innovation for International growth areas, including the development of a compelling value proposition, creating customer-centric innovation and International commercialisation strategies and devising and implementing action plans to develop new solutions, exploit potential intellectual property opportunities and defining audience, sales and marketing plans.

Greater Manchester-based GJD Manufacturing worked with I2S to fuel its international expansion. Managing Director, Mark Tibbenham said, “This process has enabled us to grow and expand in a structured manner while protecting our innovations. Two new jobs have been created and at least four jobs protected as a direct result of the success we have achieved in growing our international business. We have bolstered our sales and marketing initiatives and rolled out R&D programmes with confidence, thanks to our new IP management plan. We have successfully completed global launches of new and innovative products, all protected with the relevant trademarks, patents and registered design designations.”

The taster session will take place Tuesday, 21 January, 08:00 – 10.30 at Copthorne Hotel, Clippers Quay, Salford, Quays, M50 3SN.

To find out more and to register for the breakfast workshop, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/innovate-to-succeed-internationally-taster-workshop-registration-86530193137