Businesses can grow by developing new products and processes.  Small businesses in the UK have a good record for innovation, often being able to introduce change more quickly than larger organisations.  Many startups are based on a new product or service, or a novel approach to doing business.  When introducing something new, make sure you know how to protect your ideas. 

The government is encouraging businesses to undertake more research and development with corporation tax breaks, research funding and knowledge transfer schemes.  

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) place high calibre graduates into companies to tackle technical problems, working on projects which contribute to their bottom line.  These involve an academic partner with specialist expertise, who gains from the direct industrial experience while contributing their skills and knowledge.  UWE has run a number of successful schemes (previously known as TCS). 

The Link Collaborative Research programme funds pre-commercial research involving academic and business partners.  A series of case studies highlighting good practice and lessons learnt have been published.

CASE studentships fund research which can have applications in industry.  These two EPSRC schemes spread the risk of investing in research, keep current research relevant to the needs of business and provide worthwhile experience and training to new graduates. 

Bristol University has a well-deserved reputation for research excellence, and its Research & Enterprise Development Unit supports innovation and a culture of enterprise among students and researchers.

Business West provides further information and practical help to access DTI grants for innovation, research and development.  The South West RDA hosts the regional Innovation Relay Centre which promotes technology partnerships and transfers at a strategic level.  

The Patent Office has launched a new campaign to ensure that businesses are aware of the ways they can protect their commercial ideas, called What is the Key.

 
With the DTI, they have also developed a tool called the Innovation Logbook which businesses, students and researchers can use to record the progress of their inventions and subsequently prove ownership.