23 June 2026
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
How to Fund Your Product Idea: A Practical UK Guide for Inventors We are keeping you up to date on how to fund your idea, particularly with two new schemes for inventors: Alibaba Co-Create (a platform designed to simplify sourcing and prototyping for new product development) and Innovate UK’s Innovation Loans (a government-backed initiative aimed [...]
22 June 2026
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LucyPenfold | Comments are off for this post
Design Innovation in Plastics: final six students present their concepts to the judges After a tense but fascinating morning in London on May 8, the Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) judging panel had high praise for the standards set by this year’s finalists. All six finalists brought prototypes of their products to the final [...]
23 March 2026
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Crowdfunding - 6 things you need to know in 2026 Have you thought about using crowdfunding to kick off your new project idea? Whether you are testing an early concept or ready to ship thousands of units, crowdfunding helps you build a community while you build your product. The year 2025 showcased several successful innovators [...]
18 June 2025
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Why Licensing May Be the Best Move You Can Make With Your Invention Got a great invention? One of the first big choices you'll face is whether to license it to an established company or bring it to market yourself. Both routes have their pros and cons. Licensing can offer speed and scalability, while manufacturing [...]
28 May 2025
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Should You License Or Self-manufacure Your Invention? Each option has its advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your resources, expertise, and vision for your idea’s future. Let's look at both strategies: Licensing Your Invention: A Path to Passive Income? If you’re more interested in focusing on new ideas than running a business, [...]
21 May 2025
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Beyond Innovate UK: Tapping into Regional Funding Opportunities for Your Invention When UK-based inventors and early-stage startups look for funding, Innovate UK often feels like the first—and only—destination. While Innovate UK offers powerful options like Innovation Loans and sector-specific competitions, it’s not the only route to success. In fact, regional funding opportunities across the UK [...]
30 April 2025
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
The UK: Europe's Innovation Powerhouse The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its position as Europe's leading innovation hub, outpacing traditional rivals like France and Germany. In the first quarter of 2025, UK startups secured £4.1 billion in venture capital funding across 507 deals, marking a robust start to the year. Notably, London-based AI drug discovery firm [...]
12 February 2025
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Sara Davies: From Aspiring Inventor to Global Business Icon Every great invention begins with a spark of creativity and a determination to solve a problem. Sara Davies exemplifies this perfectly. Known as the dynamic founder of Crafter’s Companion and a familiar face on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, her journey is a compelling blend of ingenuity and [...]
30 January 2025
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Lessons from Dragons’ Den: Why a Big Budget Isn’t Everything Every episode of Dragons’ Den inspires budding entrepreneurs, and this season is no different. Two standout stories highlight the resilience and creativity required to launch and grow a business—whether you have a multimillion-pound investment or just a laptop and a dream. The Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs [...]
28 November 2024
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Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post
Innovation Industry Insights -BUILD 2024 One of our Innovation Coaches, Sam, has attended BUILD 2024 to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the construction industry. From heat pumps to smart technologies, there are exciting prospects for inventors and entrepreneurs. November saw the culmination of BUILD 2024, the UK's largest construction show, where industry leaders, [...]
