The University of Hull will celebrate local businesses with the new ‘Innovate North Awards’ next month.
The awards, which will take place on Tuesday 9 May 2023, follow on from four EU-funded innovation programmes, that have enabled small businesses to develop and thrive.
Over the last six years, the University has provided innovation support to 675 businesses across the Humber, North Yorkshire and beyond. This has resulted in:
- 170 new products
- 400 tonnes of carbon emissions reduced
- 195 jobs created
- £85m SME increased sales
Small businesses have benefited from European Union-funded innovation support through University programmes such as Aura Innovation Centre, SparkFund, Flood Innovation Centre and the Humber Internships Programme.
Across the programmes, SMEs have been able to access a breadth of funding and support, providing opportunities for innovation and growth. The funding has allowed SMEs to access academic research, specialist facilities, and business support to connect them with the right partners to deliver their ambitions.
To celebrate their success over the years, the Innovate North Awards will highlight businesses that have excelled in areas including Innovation, Growth, Talent and Net Zero.
An external judging panel will decide on the winners for each category and is made up of Paula Gouldthorpe (Development Manager Hull & Humber at the Federation of Small Businesses), Antonio Tombanane (Founder of Tech Week Humber and the Edge Hub), Alan Raw (BBC Presenter of Ecotime and Sustainability Practitioner) and Maggie McGowan (Deputy Director in the Government Office for Technology Transfer).
The winner for the special category, ‘The People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution’ will be decided by guests at the exclusive Innovate North Awards ceremony on May 9 2023.
Inspirational speaker and businesswoman Nicky Pattinson will host the night of celebration.
Speaking on how impactful the last few years have been, Sarah Clark, Aura Operations Manager, said: “It’s been amazing to see the phenomenal achievements of local SMEs over the last six years and it’s been a real team effort from all those involved.
“The region’s businesses have received much-needed support throughout the years, which was especially helpful when a boost was required during the pandemic.
“From brand new products being launched onto the market, improved supply chains, lowered C02 emissions and utilising academic research, it’s been inspiring to see the power of collaboration between the University (and its partners), with local businesses.”
The nominees
For Innovation: Testcard Ltd, Salt Architects, Smartflow Couplings Ltd, Qudos Energy, York Probe Sources Ltd, Synergi Finance, Blue Marble Communications Ltd, iMist, Brandfixx, Floodjack International Ltd, Pulse EV.
For Growth: Specialist Marine Consultants, Mad About Horror, Vuba Chemical Innovations Ltd, Testcard Ltd, M.B. Roche.
For Talent: Floodjack International Ltd, 2B Landscape Consultancy, Skills Forge, Copernus, UK STEM, Chopsticks, Spectrum, Tick9.
For Net Zero: Brandfixx, Floodjack International Ltd, Sustainable Pipelines Ltd, Lindum Packaging Ltd, Cooper King Distillery Ltd, Rainbow Professional, Patrington Haven Leisure Park, Premier Plants, Ryedale Organics, The Three Trees Care Home, Walker Grains.
People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution: iParcelBox, Fitmums & Friends, HFR Solutions
