Thanks to ERDF funding the University of Cumbria have delivered two programmes in partnership with Lancaster University.
Cumbria Innovations Platform aimed to help boost economic growth in Cumbria by providing micro, small and medium enterprises with a competitive edge. This platform was unique and diverse in its offerings as it combined the capabilities of various departments from the universities of Lancaster and Cumbria to provide bespoke business support.
CUSP has helped businesses across Cumbria access technical and management expertise from Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria to accelerate innovation in new products and services.
The benefits of the Cumbria Innovations Platform were:
- Access to a unique combination of expertise and skills
- Reducing the risk of research and development
- Speed up innovation
- Support the development and commercialisation of new products
- Accelerate growth in innovative Cumbrian businesses
So what did CUSP I & II deliver?
380 Cumbrian SMEs engaged
252 Cumbrian SMEs attending events
41 research placements
12,573 number of research hours generated
14,904 combined research and event attendance hours to date
Feedback from events:
“My expectations were exceeded! I thought the format of igniters and discussions were brilliant.”
“ I didn’t realise it would be so interactive. The number of attendees was great and the variation in types of businesses wonderful.”
“A great event with many innovation challenges identified and some good ideas and solutions to tackle them.”
“New connections and an insight to Cumbria. There’s a lot of really exciting stuff going on and passionate people with a range of skills.”
As you’d expect Project Manager Sarah Allison was extremely proud of the support delivered by CUSP II, below are a handful of comments from businesses who received support.
“We are very grateful to CUSP II for funding Delia’s research that could potentially be ground-breaking in how we approach visitor segmentation in this digital age.” Sue Clarke, marketing manager, Cumbria Tourism
“It’s amazing! We couldn’t have done this ourselves. It’s going to strengthen our understanding, improve our marketing strategy and give us a lot more focus going forward to innovate in the best possible way.” Kate Stalker, OUBUS Natural Knitwear
“It would have taken me at least 10 years to get close to what CUSP II has done and, even then, there would have been no certainty that the project could have gone forward.” Rebecca Lyall, Eco.Lure
“Intern Laurie Eastburn has given us the impetus to go into new areas with more vigour and urgency, helping us to develop for the benefit of our clients.” Gary Martin, David Allen IT Solutions “
“I am very grateful for the opportunities CUSP II and our intern Julia have brought. It’s really made me think about the circular economy and the benefits of trying to join two businesses together.” Sharon Hodgson, Barn in the Fells
“Eating fruit and veg should be simple and learning about them ought to be included in the school curriculum, along with recycling and carbon reduction. Too many people just don’t care. Thanks to CUSP’s innovation, we hope to make a difference” Nicola Myers, Fruit & Veg Box Co
“Our local business community is exceptional and has given us a deeper understanding of challenges and aspirations. As a result, we are better equipped to provide future support programmes for Cumbria.
Delivering CUSP II has been a pleasure and privilege.” Sarah Allison, Project Manager CUSP II, University of Cumbria
If you’d like to read more click here.