Innovation was top of the agenda for local businesses at an information session hosted by South Eastern Regional College (SERC), on Tuesday 21 April at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch. Bright Ideas Start Here was one of six events being hosted by Colleges of Further Education across Northern Ireland during April to coincide with World Creative and Innovation Day.
Representatives of 20 local businesses came together for a networking breakfast followed by a showcase of successful innovation projects organised through SERC. The event was supported by Connected, funded by the Department for Economy, and is part of a wider programme which enables the transfer of knowledge on key industry developments.
Pam Kelly, Business Development Manager at SERC said, “Our Bright Ideas Start Here session aimed to bring together local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with little or no experience of innovation. We wanted to highlight the range of support, both to unlock funding and accelerate innovation, available to SMEs through SERC such as InnovateUs, Connected and one-to-one innovation advisory sessions alongside Innovation Vouchers from Invest NI, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships from Innovate UK.”
She continued, “Participants heard from two local business owners, Matt Gillespie from Urban Excel and Amy Kelly from Amy Kelly Gardening, both of whom have accessed bespoke support from SERC to help with the development of their organisations.
“Matt spoke about how his passion for BMX bikes would lead him to building Ireland’s largest skatepark and, eventually running a global business; whilst Amy shared how her passion for growing fruits and vegetables led to a profitable digital presence, a role as a radio presenter, and a vibrant brand that will see the launch of a book and gardening clothing range, all with sustainability at the core.”
Pam concluded, “Hearing about their experience could be the trigger that helps boost another SME to the next level, and SERC are here to offer support that will drive innovation, sustainability and the creation of job opportunities.”
For further information on support for local businesses at SERC contact Andrea Kennedy, Innovation Manager by email: andreakennedy@serc.ac.uk or call 0788443015.
