Cornwall’s businesses can now join a new community of like-minded innovators. Launching on 3 December, Innovation Club is a series of informal gatherings where businesses will come together to share ideas on fostering innovation.
Created and run by GAIN with Plymouth University, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and Cornwall Innovation, the free events aim to inspire businesses - large or small - to innovate more and better, by turning good ideas into reality.
At the inaugural Innovation Club event at Pool Innovation Centre on 3 December, three of Cornwall’s most successful business leaders will explain what innovation means to them. Mark Duddridge, chair-elect of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, Chairman of Samworth Brothers and former Managing Director of Ginsters, will talk about productivity and innovation relating to staff skills and wellbeing. Chairman and owner of the Classic Cottages Group, Simon Tregoning, will discuss the importance of innovation in the service sector. Craig Girvan, Director of Headforwards Solutions Ltd will explain how Headforwards is attracting international clients through the firm’s innovative approach to software outsourcing.
Adrian Dawson, Head of GAIN Projects and Partnerships said:
“Innovation – doing things differently – is the answer to the productivity challenge that is facing the whole of the UK, but particularly the South West. GAIN with Plymouth University has a key role in supporting the region’s businesses to innovate, by providing access to finance, facilities, knowledge, skilled people and a culture that fosters innovation.
“Through Innovation Club, we aim to connect businesses so they can share ideas and experiences and find ways to collaborate, as well as providing a forum where innovation is celebrated.”
Innovation Clubs are being hosted at the three Cornwall Innovation Centres, award-winning business acceleration centres in Cornwall operated by Plymouth University on behalf of Cornwall Council, and clubs will be held at the centres in Pool, Penryn and Truro in rotation.
The first Innovation Club event is at Pool Innovation Centre from 8.30am to 10am on Thursday 3 December 2015.