Business ideas for sharing - 20 October 2024

Welcome to the latest round-up of business ideas, curated by Business Writers Ltd. If you like this newsletter, please share it with your network because it might inspire others.

Each week we bring you stories relevant to our region, such as developments in digital creativity, technology, renewable energy, urban sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

You'll also get news of networking events and funding competitions that can help the enterprise ecosystem in Norfolk and Suffolk thrive.

Plus Jobs: when we see them, we'll share them. Scroll down to see the latest local opportunities.

1) Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund now open

When operational, the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone will provide clean, sustainable electricity to millions of UK homes each year. The developers, RWE, will also deliver ï¿¡15million of funding over the Zone's 25-year lifespan to communities across rural Norfolk. The Norfolk Community Foundation will deliver the first phase of funding - worth around ï¿¡100,000 - and this is now open for applications. Find out more here: Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund.

2) What 7 things can the Norwich start-up community do to help itself?

Back in the summer, Sync Norwich and Akcela Ventures hosted a barbeque and brainstorming evening. Around 150 people took part and generated loads of great ideas about what the start-up community needed, what its strengths are - and most importantly what it should do to help itself. Here is the third and final blog detailing the 7 things we can all do to ensure the community thrives: Start-ups in Norwich: how do we help ourselves?

3) Charity Art Fair in Norwich - 29-30 October

Big C Cancer Charity is putting on the art fair at The Forum in Norwich to raise vital funds for the charity. This two day event will include an online art auction, art sale and exhibition. There will also be a special business networking event on the first day. Find out more and book your free ticket here: Charity Business Networking Event, Tuesday 29 October, 2024 at 3:00PM.

4) Norfolk Cyber Security Conference for SMEs - 28 November

Does your business need practical, jargon-free advice on how to strengthen its cyber security? Are you worried or just confused by reports of phishing and quishing? Do you wonder if your data is really secure or how to prevent it being hacked? Then this in-person event might be for you: The Norfolk Cyber Conference 2024, Thursday 28 November 2024 at 8:00 AM.

5) Accelerating investment into UK university spinouts

Innovate UK has launched a ground-breaking initiative to accelerate investment into the UK’s growing ecosystem of university spinouts. They will host a webinar on 12 November for investors interested in these early-stage investment opportunities. Find out more: ICURe to Investor Partnership Pathway - Innovate UK Business Connect.

6) Scientists in Norfolk are working to protect our pollinators

"Pollinators are key to food production. Despite their value, they are often understudied and overlooked. As a result, we have underestimated...the consequences of human activity on them." Find out how Earlham Institute researchers are working to improve our understanding of these amazing creatures: Joined-up genetics essential to save UK pollinators.

7) Business events in Suffolk and Norfolk - 20 October to 6 November

The New Anglia Growth Hub runs numerous events to help local businesses grow and thrive. They cover topics such as marketing, business administration and adopting new technologies. Check out what's on over the next two weeks here: Events from October 20 - November 6 - New Anglia Growth Hub.

8) HURRY! Tickets for Sync The City 2024 are going fast

Thinking of taking part in the 10th Start-up Hackathon organised by Sync Norwich? You'd better get a shift on, as more than half the tickets have already been snapped up. Don't miss this opportunity to see if you can design, build and launch a start-up - for fun or profit - in just 54-hours. Find out more and buy your tickets here: Sync the City.

9) Remember to book early for Nor(Dev):Con 2025

Here's a reminder of the biggest conference for developers in the East of England - 27-28 February 2025. Get the latest insights from local, national and international experts, take part it stimulating workshops, and enjoy networking with the region's thriving tech community. More here: nor(DEV): con 2025.

10) Funding competition to help people be more nature-conscious

Do you have an idea for using existing data to help people make better, more informed nature-conscious decisions? If so, check out this funding competition from the Digital Catapult and partners. You could win up to ï¿¡50k to develop your solution alongside a trial proposal. Design to deliver - Applications open | Digital Catapult (digicatapult.org.uk).

PLUS Jobs

Our occasional round-up of interesting roles in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge:

• Business Development Manager - Quadram Institute, Norwich Research Park
• Science and tech careers - Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) in Lowestoft
• Marketing Manager (12-month maternity cover) - Norwich BID
• [Your offer of a great career opportunity could go here.]

"Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." - Mary Oliver

Bonus content

To find innovation hubs and clusters across Norfolk and Suffolk, follow Connected Innovation.

For inward investment and business relocation advice, contact Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited.

Thank you for reading. We hope you find these updates interesting and useful.

If so, please share with your network and post your thoughts below.

Huw

Chief Engagement Officer

Connect with me on LinkedIn or at Business Writers Ltd Ltd.

PS: Looking for a new energy provider for your home or business?

Would you like a cash credit to help cover some of your winter heating bills? If so, use the following special invitation link to join Octopus Energy https://share.octopus.energy/plum-lake-506. They'll split ï¿¡100 between us when you complete your switch - or ï¿¡200 (ï¿¡100 each) if you are a business - now isn't that a warming Win/Win?