Networking
"Ian has proven to be an excellent contact who has always been very responsive to opportunities to collaborate on a wide variety of projects."
Joe Cavalla
Sector Manager, University of Portsmouth
When setting out on a new venture, it is unlikely that you know everyone that you need to. You may be looking for an investor, you may be looking for a reliable local firm to quote for tooling or to create a website for you, it may be that you are looking from government support or it may be that you need specialist help from a Univeristy or an academic.
Networking is not "a nice to have" but is an essential part of growing your business. Unfortunately, it is neither quick nor easy to build up a strong network. It takes time and effort. We have built up the trust of a wide range of professionals and can use our reputation and long relationships to lever support for your business.
"Ian and I have worked together with a number of clients, Ian's vast skills, enthusiasm and determination to help have been key to the success of those we have worked with."
Gary Barr
Manufacturing Advisory Service
We are extrememly well networked and can introduce you to:
- Funders. We know business angels and also the contacts at the major local angel networks. We can also introduce you to bank managers at most of the main high street banks.
- Universities. We have strong links with a lot of local Universities as well as other national centres of excellence such as the National Physical Laboratory
- Government Support Agencies. We have worked closely with staff in the local innovation and growth team, the manufacturing advisory service, business link, 1066 Enterprise, EDEAL and UKTI
- Manufacturers. We have linked with CNC, sheet metal and plastic fabricators. We also have very close ties to product developers (CAD designers and prototypers)
We also act as an introducer for microFunding, a system set up to help inventors who want to commercialise their own ideas but who lack the network (and also maybe the management skills) to take the project forward. The inventor submits their idea to the microFunding site and it is viewed by thousands of managers and investors - if a manager wants to take on your idea you agree terms and it is up to the Manager to push the project forwards and to raise the funds required. Click here for more information.
For more information please contact us.