The North West’s biggest annual innovation event returns to the region on Thursday 13 September and businesses in Cumbria are being urged to enter the Innovation Showcase Competition.

If you run a company in Cumbria and innovative ideas are at the heart of it, Venturefest North West 2018 is the place for you say Cumbria Business Growth Hub.

The event, which is being held at Manchester Central on Thursday 13 September, provides a unique networking platform for companies across the North West.

Promising inspirational speakers and interactive workshops, the event in its fifth year and is set to be the biggest yet with an expanded regional focus.

One of the centrepieces is the Innovation Showcase Competition, open to start-up and young companies, as well as established businesses. Online entries are open now and close on 31 July.

Ten finalists will have the chance to pitch their business idea to an audience of potential investors and win a package of support provided by sponsors, exhibitors and the professional community. There are four categories to enter – Product Innovation, Service Innovation, Digital Innovation and Innovative Established Business – as well as an Overall Winner, and a Venturefest Audience Winner.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Deputy Chief Executive Suzanne Caldwell said: “This is a great opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded businesses from across the region and raise your profile by entering the Innovation Showcase Competition or exhibiting, to catch the eye of potential investors and discuss your ideas.”

You can register your attendance or enter the Innovation Showcase Competition at www.venturefestnorthwest.com and keep your eyes peeled for further announcements, on speakers, or to find out how to become an exhibitor.

Venturefest North West is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is developed and run by GC Business Growth Hub in Manchester, working in partnership with the Regions Growth Hubs, with the aim of helping ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment.