Staffordshire is a county known for innovation. We make just about everything here, not just our world-famous ceramics (with tableware to hi-tech applications), but automotive components, sheet metal products, textiles, glassware, plastics, food and drink and so much more. When you add in the vibrant service, education, retail, tourism, hospitality and agriculture sectors, there is very little we don’t do and do well here.
It was therefore extremely sad news to hear of the closure of The Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre, or the BIC as it is better known, earlier this week. It has been an integral part of the business landscape for almost three decades, providing expert advice, guidance and funding for countless innovative projects since 1995. Over the years it has supported more than 5,000 companies, worked on dozens of projects and awarded millions of pounds in funding.
The BIC’s work has always been complimentary to the work of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, and we have worked together since they were formed, signposting and recommending each other’s services so that every business had a complete package of support to enable them to grow by bringing innovative products and services to market.
The concern now is that this could be the first of many organisations which support business growth and communities, and which have used European funding to provide great services, that may disappear. And not just those supporting businesses but voluntary organisations which support some of our most vulnerable people.
The Chambers is determined to do what we can to fill the immense hole left by the BIC’s closure and we will assist companies in finding new sources of financial help and expertise to support their creativity and innovation. We will communicate news on new funding opportunities as they appear.
I would like to offer thanks to Geoff Riley and the BIC team on behalf of the entire business community of Staffordshire for their hard work and dedication to keeping Staffordshire at the forefront of innovation and for leaving a legacy which we will do our best to continue – and live up to.
And companies that are innovative, creative, raising the bar on sustainability, using digital brilliantly and are generally doing well in Staffordshire are encouraged to enter the Staffordshire Chambers Awards Awards 2023 – Staffordshire Chambers.
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If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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