Innovation is popping up all over the place

THIS month I’m talking about innovation, and more specifically the exciting and innovative companies that are popping up all over Stockport.

This trend of new innovative businesses setting up locally was noticed by Stockport Business Awards judges, with the Most Promising Young Business category being the most hotly contested this year!

Since 2014 Stockport Business and Innovation Centre (SBIC) have run SPARK, a dragons denstyle competition where the winner receives a fantastic package of support to help them launch their company. Clarke Nicklin have been on the judging panel each year and we’ve witnessed some fantastic new businesses being born.

This year SBIC have re-launched the initiative as Pioneer 10, it is now an intensive programme of free tools and support where you’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops led by business experts, get selected to receive one-to-one coaching and then ultimately be one of two ‘Pioneers’ to win the extensive, long term business support package worth £15k. It truly is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed and I urge all aspiring entrepreneurs with a bright idea to get involved.

Popping my accountancy hat back on for a moment, if you own a business which is innovating by developing new products, processes or services then you can be eligible for R&D Tax Credits (a cash payment or tax deduction from HMRC) – ask your accountant about it, you’ll be surprised how many businesses are unaware that they qualify.