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Enterprise Centre business wins award
Date: 13 July 2006
At a prestigious awards ceremony at Basildon's Towngate Theatre the LightBulb, a business based in the Basildon Enterprise Centre, was chosen as the winner of the Staff Training and Development Award.
The LightBulb, a training company, has truly demonstrated that it practices what it preaches. Kyle and Leslie have shared their vision to develop a company that is in an extremely competitive market. They have obtained IiP status, an award based on a single field visit. Clear progression training programmes have been put in place recognising individual staff needs.
Winnng the award means more to the staff as it recognises Kyle and Leslie's total commitment to the business. The staff know they are valued and winning this award will give them recognition of the true partnership and relationship that they have.
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Essex sets out its stall for innovative businesses
Date: 04 October 2006
Entrepreneurs and growing innovative businesses in Essex now have access to a full range of support thanks to the Essex Innovation Network (EIN).
Essex has a long and proud association with innovative businesses and this unique new programme of support will seek to grow the Marconis of the future. Five elements make up the comprehensive package now available in the county and being delivered by the EIN in partnership with the Greater Essex Prosperity Forum:
1. The New Ideas Programme
2. The Developing Innovative Businesses Programme
3. Provision of modern incubator premises
4. Support for accessing research and development funding
5. Support for companies wishing to do business in China
This package of support will help deliver one of the Greater Essex Prosperity Forum’s five priorities, supporting Essex businesses to innovate and grow. The Forum’s Chairman, Sir Michael Hodgkinson, is delighted that the Essex Innovation Network is now moving into a period of true delivery on behalf of the Forum. “There is now in place an excellent range of support for innovative business development in Essex and I am delighted that the Forum has been able to play a central part in bringing this to fruition alongside our regional and local partners.”
At a launch event at Anglia Ruskin University, inspirational speakers Rohit Talwar (the CEO of Fast Futures Ventures Ltd) and Dr Kevin Byron (Education & Training in Creativity) stressed the importance of companies needing to consider ways of reaching new markets through innovation and creativity. They were joined by Dr Trevor Cross from e2v technologies, one of the region’s leading high technology businesses, who gave an intriguing insight into how his company is developing practical innovative solutions for its clients.
George Kieffer, deputy chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) said, “The development of new ideas and innovation is an essential element in growing the regional economy, therefore EEDA is fully committed to supporting both the Essex Innovation Network and this unique programme of activity. Essex contributes a significant amount to the regional economy and I’m looking forward to this support bearing fruit in the coming months and years.”
Peter Martin, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Culture is equally excited by the initiative. “Essex does have a truly first class pedigree in terms of its high technology and innovative economic base. It is of paramount importance that individuals and growing businesses are given every opportunity to develop in the County and I am delighted that Essex County Council has been able to support this key area of economic development activity in the region.”
Businesses and individuals wanting to know more about the Essex Innovation Network can find out more by clicking here or by contacting Peter Cook, Head of Innovation and International Markets, at the Essex Development & Regeneration Agency on 01245 702423.
Essex Innovation Network launch event 26.9.06 Press Release 
For further information please contact:
Peter Cook
Tel: 01245 702423
Email: peter.cook@exdra.co.uk
Stuart Graham
Tel: 01245 702415
Email: stuart.graham@exdra.co.uk
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