Green build NEWS

Built environment SMEs looking for funding could be eligible for government innovation vouchers. The scheme, due to launch next Monday, 24th September, is to be managed by public innovation agency the Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

SMEs, start-ups and micro businesses could access up to £5,000 worth of advice and expertise from universities, research organisations and private sector information providers such as technical consultancies; catapult centres; design advisers and intellectual property advisers.

Deborah Pullen, chief executive of the Modern Built Environment Knowledge Transfer Network, a consortium which is funded by the TSB, said: “The construction industry and its supply chain have a very high proportion of SMEs, many operating with low margins. The big challenge for the sector is to deliver low carbon, sustainable products to its clients. 

"Small businesses in the sector often need help to validate the effectiveness of their products and benchmark them against the quality and standards needed in this new world of sustainability. Are their current products good enough to meet current standards? Could they be improved to give them competitive advantage?

 

"Answering these questions can also help a business to make a case to investors for future funding who can see the opportunity that the business has created.”

Currently, only companies from the built environment and agricultural and food sectors are eligible. The scheme’s progress will be monitored and may be extended to other sectors in future.

To apply, visit the Technology Strategy Board’s competitions website.