A record number of entries have been received for the prestigious Innovator 09 awards, which aim to celebrate innovative companies and individuals across the region!
The Yorkshire Forward funded awards will celebrate companies and individuals in Yorkshire and Humber who have embraced innovation and developed, alone or in partnership, new ideas, products, technologies or ways of working in order to improve their business.
University departments and facilities that are involved with industrial collaborations were also invited to enter as they too work to overcome the challenges of today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.
In today’s difficult economic climate it is important for both businesses large and small to remain competitive by embracing innovation and new ideas and creating knowledge based partnerships for the development of their products and services.
This year, 6 new categories are designed to showcase the very best of the region’s innovators, giving entrants the opportunity to raise their profile with clients and potential new customers, and demonstrate their commitment to being a leader in their field:
- Innovation Catalyst Award
- International Innovation Award
- Knowledge Exploitation Award
- Open Innovation Award
- Product, Process, Service Innovation Award
- Innovative Young Company Award
Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business for Yorkshire Forward comments: “Yorkshire and Humber has developed a diverse mixed economy which gives us resilience in difficult times. But to remain competitive in the current economic climate companies need to stay ahead of the game and innovation is key to this. It’s more important than ever therefore that we reward companies and individuals for their dedication to innovation in their work – whether this is alone or in partnership.
“Research and development and the pursuit of innovative practice in business can fall by the wayside when, like now, businesses and investors are tightening their belts. These awards demonstrate the benefits of developing new ideas, technologies and ways of working in the region through real and successful examples.”
Launched in 2008 the awards have gone from strength to strength and this year already have the backing of supporting bodies IoD, CBI, Technology Strategy Board, Research Councils UK, UKTI and Business Link Yorkshire.
*To find out more about the awards and how to enter please visit www.yorkshire-forward.com/innovator09/
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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Leona Thompson, Press Manager on 0113 394 9589 or email Leona.thompson@yorkshire-forward.com
Yorkshire Forward
Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
Over the past year, Yorkshire Forward has created and safeguarded more than 22,254 jobs, assisted 60,005 people in skills, created 1,067 businesses and attracted £467m in investment.
Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding from the Objectives One and Two programmes and the 2007-2013 Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programmes.
