Business Writers: Reading round-up 5 May 2024
1) New £1m offshore wind supply chain competition
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) has launched a new innovation grant funding competition. Between £25k to £200k is available for projects focused on “future cables, electrical systems, next-generation installation and O&M technologies. Details here: £1m funding for UK supply chain projects to tackle offshore wind supply chain priorities – Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (owgp.org.uk)
2) Innovation Hothouse Competition 2024 now open for entries
University of East Anglia (UEA) launches second Innovation Hothouse Competition for people and businesses working on the Norwich Research Park. It aims to celebrate the best of innovation in science and technology across the campus. Entry deadline 15 June 2024. More details here: Innovation Hothouse Competition 2024 Announcement (norwichresearchpark.com).
3) New £450m energy network innovation funding open for applications
The Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has opened its “Round 4 Call for Ideas” to UK individuals and organisations of any size. It is looking to invest up to £450 million in network innovation over the next five years. Find out more and how submit your ideas – deadline 5 June 2024: Competition overview – Ofgem Round 4: Call for Ideas – Innovation Funding Service (apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk)
4) Install battery storage alongside renewable energy generation
A RenewableUK study proves that building energy storage projects alongside onshore wind and solar farms reduces electricity system costs and increases grid resilience. It calls for reform of the planning system and financial support to encourage the colocation of battery storage and green hydrogen projects at sites close to sources of clean electricity generation in the UK. Building energy storage projects next to windfarms cuts electricity costs and boosts energy security – RenewableUK.
5) UK battery storage pipeline expands by over 2/3rds in last year
New data from RenewableUK finds that the UK now has 95.6GW of battery storage projects either operational, under construction, consented, or in the planning stages. More details here: UK battery storage pipeline expands to over 95GW | BusinessGreen News.
6) How can SMEs use AI in marketing?
Find out at this workshop in Cromer on Tuesday 7 May 2024 – open to businesses in Norfolk (exceptions apply). Organised by New Anglia Growth Hub. Details here: Digital Marketing : AI in Marketing – Cromer Tickets, Tue 7 May 2024 at 09:00 | Eventbrite.
7) Find out how Innovate UK helps SMEs like yours to scale-up
Since 2017, Innovate UK has committed £206m across 255 loans to growth-oriented and innovative ventures. This portfolio now supports more than 4,000 jobs and generated £346 million in revenue in 2023. Find out more from the organisation’s Chief Investment Officer in this annual review: Reflecting on a year of investment in innovation and growth – UKRI.
PLUS Jobs
Our occasional round-up of interesting roles in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge:
- The Cambridge Network Jobs & Careers Fair will be at the Post Doc Centre, Eddington, Cambridge, on Friday 10 May 2024 from 12 – 4pm. Book your place now: Jobs & Careers fair | Cambridge Network
- Research Engagement Manager with Cambridge Zero. Application deadline 14 May 2024. Research Engagement Manager – Job Opportunities – University of Cambridge
We hope you find these weekly round-ups interesting and useful. Please share your thoughts below.
“Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” – Mary Oliver
Thank you for reading
Huw Sayer
Chief Engagement Officer
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