WSEP LEADS £3M INNOVATION BID
WSEP is heading a bid to set up an Innovation and Growth Team (IGT) for East Surrey and West Sussex.  It's an intensive business support service targeting companies with either high growth potential or strong innovation, or both.

SEEDA have allocated up to £1m pa for three years for each IGT across the region.  Once established the IGT team will work directly with qualifying businesses and be able to direct resources to achieve ambitious growth targets.

Amongst the partners is Brighton University, whose Pro-Vice Chancellor, Colin Monk, said: "This focus on assisting individual companies will allow our universities to select the most appropriate resources which can give the most specific help to these ambitious businesses."

WSEP acting, on behalf of over 20 partners, will submit an expression of interest in developing this service to start in October 2009. If successful, an IGT team will be set up and managed by local partners to ensure that local businesses with high growth ambitions obtain the best possible support.  "Our aim is to set up a partnership that uses all our networks to identify businesses with high-growth potential and then to tailor the support offered to meet their particular needs" said Alistair Smith, WSEP's Chief Executive.  For further information, please contact Sarah at WSEP on 01243 382253 or email sarah.karn@wsep.org.uk.