MORE than 60 business leaders were given a free Hertfordshire masterclass in innovation and intellectual property.
The Innovation Matters workshop was held at the University of Hertfordshire and involved advice on making a patent application and securing market exposure.
Enterprise Europe Networks innovation and technology expert John Christopher said: “Growth, particularly in our small and medium businesses, is important for the country’s economy, our services are designed to promote your innovative products and technology to prospective partners or expertise to complement your business need.”
He added the network’s free service can help businesses link up with contacts to help with licensing, joint ventures, technical collaboration, manufacturing, or other types of technology based partnerships.
Manufacturers, engineers, commercial managers, architects, bankers, academics and chief executives took part in the July 4 afternoon of networking, briefings and questions at the College Lane campus, in Hatfield.
Dave Hopkins from the Intellectual Property Office offered guidance to local firms about how to write an outstanding patent application and secure market exposure.
Delegates heard how they can tap into support to innovate, learn about the free Enterprise Europe Network service and engage with funded European programmes.
The seminar was also an opportunity to hear about how local companies can exploit their technology internationally, with the help of the governments department for trade and investment.
Martin Keepfer, from UK Trade and Investment said the government’s network of foreign embassies can aid businesses with “on the ground” support and advice from advisors “in – market”.
For more information, call Enterprise Europe Network in the East of England on 0845 641 9955 or visit www.enterpriseeuropeeast.org.uk