All RDAs across England are closing by March 2012
(see transition and closure section).
With our resources reducing steadily, this page has not been recently updated and the information below may not be current.
If in doubt, please contact us directly.
iNets offer specialist business support for key sectors
July 2010
Businesses from the region’s creative industries and
microelectronics sectors can now tap into a dedicated range of
support, known as iNets, to help them transform ideas into the new
products and services of tomorrow.
Research shows that innovative businesses are the ones that
succeed and the two iNets are a £5.5 million investment to help
businesses introduce new techniques and products and find new
markets.
The iNets provide sector-specific support, access to specialist
expertise, advice, coaching, information and research and bring
together businesses, universities and others to share knowledge and
experience.
Each sector has its own dedicated iNet and the South West RDA is
planning to establish iNets across a further three key sectors –
environmental, biomedical, and aerospace and advanced
engineering.
Funding for the iNets comes from the RDA with grants from the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Department for
Business Innovation and Skills and a range of other partners from
business, sector organisations and higher education.
In total, the five planned iNets will invest £13 million over
the next three years to help small and medium businesses in the
region develop their ideas into new products and services and so
drive business and economic growth.
Each iNet will be delivered through a consortium of specialist
organisations and Business Link advisers will ensure that
businesses have access to the full range of Solutions for Business
support services provided by Government, as well as access to the
wide range of general support provided by the private sector.
At this stage, iNets are not available in Cornwall and the Isles
of Scilly, which are eligible for funding from the ERDF Convergence
Fund.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Lewis on 01392
229172.