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** Collaboration is key for agri-tech
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South West AgriTech Showcase 2024
: Thursday 21 Mar 2024: 8:30am - 4:15pm. Westpoint Arena, Clyst Saint Mary, EX5 1DJ
Collaboration is critical between businesses, experts and farmers if agri-tech is to be successfully adopted, which will be a key topic at the South West AgriTech Showcase.
The agricultural sector is currently being asked to help with climate change by adopting re-wilding, organic or regenerative farming techniques while producing high-quality, low-cost food to help with the cost-of-living crisis. And the AgriTech Showcase – which is just over a week away - aims to help farmers navigate these issues, as well as assist with forward planning.
“Agriculture is also under pressure from cheap imports and a confusing export market,” says Russell Frith, inward investment manager at Wiltshire Council, which is partnering with the event. “At the same time, innovations for the agricultural sector are being brought to market so rapidly it is hard to keep up, with some describing it as ‘the fourth agricultural revolution’.”
Read more
** Free Environmental Sustainability Workshops for Employees in Dorset
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Skills & Learning Adult Community Education are providing a fully funded online Environmental Sustainability Workshop for all educationalists and employees in the Dorset area. Through funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund, the workshop aims to ignite an interest in environmental protection and encourage attendees to become more environmentally sustainable in the workplace and at home.
These online workshops will be held every Thursday through March, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. There are still spaces left, and can be booked below. Please contact Wendy Maggs
with any questions or for more information.
Book now
** Virtual Event - The Customer Connection Lab: Crafting your Irresistible Offer
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April 16th, 18th, and 23rd: (9:30am - 1:30pm)
Do you feel like you’re struggling to connect with your ideal customers? It’s time to bridge the gap! This engaging virtual workshop is designed to empower you to transform your customer relationships, without the hassle of commuting or juggling other responsibilities.
* Identify key customer segments
* Pinpoint customer needs and desires
* Tailor your offerings to match customer expectations
* Communicate your unique value effectively
Gain a competitive edge by meeting six or more customer needs. Inspired by global consultancy insights, explore 40 essential customer value points to guide your business strategy.
Who Should Attend:
Entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, and marketers in Dorset’s digital, creative, or tech industries who want to amplify their USP, enhance customer engagement, and elevate their brand’s impact.
Reserve a spot
** Dynamic future for Dorset
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More than 80 innovative companies have applied to be part of Dorset's dynamic future.
Last month Dorset Council launched a new Digital Innovation Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to identify companies it may work with on future projects.
The DPS is still open for others wishing to join the developing Dorset innovation ecosystem. If you work in digital or innovation and would like to find out more, click the button below.
Digital Innovation Dynamic Purchasing System
** Strategic Innovation Fund announces new round four challenges
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Ofgem and Innovate UK launch the fourth round of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) with the announcement of priority challenges.
The round four challenges provide a focus for participating innovators and networks to develop new products, processes or services that will:
* save consumers money
* benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions
* improve access to renewable energy for all.
Find out more
** Global Business Innovation Programme: Advanced Manufacturing South Korea
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Innovate UK is inviting ambitious companies to participate in the Global Business Innovation Programme. This GBIP aims to help UK businesses to grow and scale on a global stage through building R&D and innovation collaborations and partnerships.
The programme consists of a preparation phase followed by a visit to South Korea, to include a 5-day tailored programme to connect with key stakeholders and leading South Korean advanced manufacturing companies. The programme will provide a unique opportunity to find partners and identify opportunities for technology collaboration.
Find out more
** Free event: Will you accept the cyber security challenge?
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Did you know 500,000 new cyber threats are discovered daily in the UK and 81% of the businesses who are victims are small to medium-sized?
We want to make sure our local businesses are fully armed in this most modern of wars.
The Dorset Digital Skills Partnership has invited cyber security experts to hold a special cyber escape room event - facilitated by the South West Regional Cyber Crime Unit for businesses.
It will take place on 24 April at County Hall in Dorchester from 9am to 12.30pm. Participants will have to go through a range of cyber security tasks, learning valuable tips along the way, before they can escape.
This FREE event will not only help protect businesses from potential cyber attacks but also promises to be a lot of fun as well. (Image by Freepik)
Get your free tickets
** Expressions of Interest for an Animal & Livestock Inbound Mission to the UK from the LATAC Region: 17 - 21 June
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This is targeted at UK companies with a Livestock sustainability story for example nutrition, animal health, veterinary products, and traceability, who want to understand the LATAC market and meet key market facilitators in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Uruguay ( full list TBC).
There will be opportunities to meet and discuss opportunities with DBT Trade Officers and a wide range of facilitators for example Associations, Distributors, Agri Chambers, Innovation Agencies, Cooperatives, Meat Board ( full delegate list is being worked on).
The itinerary is being finalised, but is likely to include (Note: provisional dates):
* 17th June - The Southwest Livestock Centre, Shepton Mallet
* 20th June - DBT Birmingham Central
* 21st / 22nd June - Highland Show
Please contact Nick.Walsh@businessandtrade.gov.uk
for further details.
** Dorset innovators - make this park your new home
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Six new business units are currently under construction at Dorset's only industrial park with Enterprise Zone status.
Dorset Council recently appointed local firm, Spetisbury Construction, to build the £4.4m units at the Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith.
The park is developing as an advanced engineering cluster of excellence for the south west, building on its strengths in marine, defence, energy, and cyber-security.
These new units, which are due to be completed in December, will enable more innovators to join the park and grow the county's developing digital innovation ecosystem.
The park is already home to a range of innovative businesses, including Qinetiq, Atlas, and Norco, plus the Ministry of Defence at the Defence Battlelab situated on site.
Any businesses interested in finding out more about the new units can contact Jayne Sharman at Sibbett Gregory - email jayne@sibbettgregory.com
or call 01202 661177.
** Other news...
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* Special Interest Group: Entering International Markets (Spain/Morocco)
* Southern Africa : Nampo Show
Horizon Scanning Service
Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, horizon scanning service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects to identify government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation. The funding landscape is vast and can be difficult to navigate. Dorset LEP’s horizon scanning service will assist business owners and senior leaders in identifying suitable funding competitions for their businesses to bid into. Your business can also take advantage of the fully funded bid writing support service once a suitable funding competition has been identified.
Bid Writing Support
Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, specialist bid writing support service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects access government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation.
Apply for Horizon Scanning Service or Bid Writing Support
Dorset Growth Hub - Latest events
Innovate UK KTN - Latest Funding opportunities
Latest Innovate UK KTN Events
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