18 June 2025 by 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 [...]
21 May 2025 by 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 by 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 by 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 by 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 by 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, [...]
6 November 2024 by 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, [...]
12 September 2024 by James Mcinerny | Comments are off for this post Why The World Needs Your Idea In a world saturated with innovations, it’s easy to think that your idea may not make a difference. However, even the smallest concepts can spark change, transform industries, and improve lives. Whether you've had an idea for a new product, app, t-shirt or snack, the world may need your [...]
20 August 2024 by James Mcinerny | Comments are off for this post The Signs It's Time To Take Your Idea Seriously Taking an idea more seriously is about moving from casual consideration to meaningful action. Here are some signs that an idea could be worth more of your attention. You keep coming back to it Persistent thoughts about an idea over weeks, months or even years could [...]
14 August 2024 by Barbara Bouffard | Comments are off for this post The Road to Breaking Records: MATE X's Crowdfunding Success In the bustling streets of Copenhagen, where 62% of the population bikes to work daily, siblings Julie and Christian found inspiration for a game-changing idea. While the city’s cycling infrastructure is top-notch, they recognised that not every town is as bike-friendly. To make cycling more accessible [...]
