The University of Northampton’s Fuelling Innovation campaign is empowering businesses across the region – connecting industries, sparking ideas, and accelerating growth in a range of sectors including those key to Northamptonshire such as advanced engineering, logistics, food and drink, and construction. Backed by expert-led events and strong regional partnerships, the campaign runs through July and resumes in September.
In partnership with local, regional and national organisations – including Innovate UK, NNBN, Silverstone Technology Cluster, South Midlands Growth Hub, West and North Northamptonshire Councils, as well as the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, the University is delivering a focused programme of events, workshops and knowledge exchange opportunities.
Hot on the heels of the University-led Northamptonshire innovation ecosystem report (NIER) and the Silverstone 2035 Vision initiative, both launched in June, the campaign is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) – one of the UK’s most successful business–university collaboration models. It is both a celebration and a call to action.
Delivering innovation
The NIER referred to above, prepared by Whitecap Consulting for the university, identified Silverstone as a major innovation asset. The Silverstone 2035 Vision, co-created by nearly 50 organisations across the private, public and academic sectors, is now evolving into the Silverstone 2035 delivery platform, facilitated by the University, to build on Silverstone as a regional, indeed national, hub and engine of innovation, development and growth.
Silverstone is a crown jewel in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, supported by the UK government as part of its Invest 2035 industrial strategy. Northamptonshire has a role to play – and the university is acting as a catalyst in addressing the opportunities arising from national policy.
The Fuelling Innovation campaign kicks off with a Grant Strategy Workshop on July 3, hosted at Vulcan Works. It is led by Richard Allin, Senior Innovation Growth Specialist at Innovate UK Business Growth. Richard has deep expertise and long experience in assisting SMEs to secure funding.
On July 7, the university hosts TC Group for a two-part session on innovation tax relief and commercial property. These sessions are led by TC Group experts Felix Medd and Tom Dymond and will explore issues around financial growth and compliance.
Still to come
Later in the summer and through into the autumn, the Fuelling Innovation campaign brings more events in collaboration with South Midlands Growth Hub and Innovate UK, with a curated calendar of conferences, hands-on workshops, expert panels and networking events.
In September, the university launches its Innovation Coffee tour, with an opportunity to join the university’s business support team and a selection of academic experts at various locations around the county for a free coffee and chat about innovating in your business.
On September 4, Simon Cox of NNBN will deliver a panel session around My Innovation Journey, and the campus will host the British Business Bank on October 7 as part of Business Finance Week.
The common theme is to help businesses prepare for the future, boost productivity, embrace innovation and drive growth and prosperity.
“This campaign is about more than just promoting innovation – it’s about embedding it into the everyday life of businesses across the region,” said Helen Miller, Head of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the university.
“By combining academic expertise, public funding, and industry ambition, Fuelling Innovation will showcase what’s possible when we work together and deliver real impact for the regional economy.”
Fuelling Innovation is a gateway to growth, funding, new ideas and effective partnerships. Whether you’re a start-up, a scaling business, or an established enterprise, this is the moment connect, collaborate and lead the future of innovation.
To explore the full event calendar or to book your place, visit the University of Northampton website.
Anyone interested in attending, speaking or partnering should email business@northampton.ac.uk
