Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, chair of the LLEP Innovation Board, has called on businesses and organisations across Leicestershire to maintain the focus on innovation created by the recent Leicestershire Innovation Festival which ended on 25 February.
Leicestershire Innovation Festival was the largest celebration of innovation in the county so far with over 25 events organised. This looks set to grow year on year as the need to adapt to changing market conditions – because of COVID, changes in international relations and the climate crisis – appears to be a permanent feature of business life from now on.
Dr Kotecha said: “The energy and enthusiasm we saw during the Innovation Festival was so encouraging, we have to keep that going. The range of brilliant ideas that were shared, particularly at the Innovation Awards and by so many young entrepreneurs, fills me with confidence that we can be known as one of the UK’s most innovative counties; if we simply continue to shine a light on what’s going on right here.”
To maintain the focus, the Innovation Board has approved the launch of a new brand called ‘Innovative Leicestershire’ which they are making available through the Business Gateway. The logo, designed by local designer Vicky Stanaway, can be used on all future events and activities that have an innovation theme.
Rachel York, manager of the Business Gateway, explained: “Throughout the year we know that there will be innovation-orientated events put on by the universities, Innovate UK, the Federation for Small Businesses, the Chamber and other organisations; we want to badge these consistently so that our local businesses and our external audiences in government can see how much we are doing here. That way we have a better chance of attracting funding to support our future innovators.
“Any organisation that would like to use the Innovative Leicestershire logo should simply email peter.allen@bizgateway.org.uk and the Business Gateway will list the event on its website and help to promote the event across its network. We would encourage everyone who can get involved to do so.”
