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New programme launched to drive innovation in County Durham
Companies are being invited to find
out more about a new programme that has been launched to support innovation in the construction , health and electech sectors across County Durham .
Set up by Business Durham , the economic development arm of Durham County Council , the Durham Future Innovation Building ( DFIB ) programme is open to SMEs looking to invest in research and development to help bring their innovative product , process or service for the future to market .
The programme is targeted at the key growth sectors of construction , health and " electech " ( electronics , electrical and embedded software ) and will create opportunities for companies to collaborate and learn from industry and subject matter experts .
On the programme companies will be supported to work up their ideas and connect to individuals and other businesses that can help in developing new innovations .
It will enable them to adapt , discover new markets , become trendsetters , continuously assess their products and adjust quickly to market conditions .
The DFIB programme will be delivered through a series of events , masterclasses , workshops and practical sessions designed to help businesses unlock their innovation potential and develop their knowledge and skills – even outside their initial area of expertise .
In addition to the masterclasses and workshops , companies will be able to apply for funding to increase their expertise either by taking on their own experts or bringing in external consultants and specialists .
Sarah Slaven , Business Durham ’ s interim managing director , said : “ Business Durham has a proven track record of helping innovative companies grow and thrive , and bringing innovation to market .
Business Durham interim managing director Sarah Slaven and Councillor Carl Marshall , Durham County Council ’ s cabinet member for economic recovery .
“ Innovators can sometimes have great ideas , but they are not always able to research and develop products for a variety of reasons .
“ We recognise the importance in helping businesses overcome these challenges to develop their products , so we ’ re thrilled to be launching the Durham Future Innovation Building programme .
“ We are looking forward to developing a ' mini innovation ecosystem ' in County Durham for each of the three sectors , so we can not only inspire businesses about the potential for innovation in these areas but also provide companies with easy access to the advice , contacts and funding they need to bring forward new product ideas .”
Councillor Carl Marshall , Durham County Council ’ s cabinet member for economic recovery , said : “ I am delighted we are launching the Durham Future Innovation Building programme at a time when business support is needed more than ever .
“ The DFIB programme is just one of the ways we are supporting companies during this rapidly-changing time .
“ By taking part , businesses will be able to remain competitive , develop new products , grow supply chains and improve productivity , employment and wider economic prospects , which will enable them to thrive while creating and safeguarding more and better jobs .”
The Durham Future Innovation Building programme is a two-and-a-half-year programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund for SMEs running up until July 2023 .
For more details and to book a place on the online introduction visit businessdurham . co . uk / dfib , where you will also find more details about the programme and details of eligibility criteria .
PREPARE FOR IR35
From April 6 this year , all public sector clients and medium or large-sized private sector clients will be responsible for deciding a worker ’ s employment status .
This is an important change to tax law that HMRC has been planning for a long time and flagging up in recent months .
But for all that , the evidence that many businesses have yet to take this into consideration is worrying .
In fact , with just over a month to go until the new rules come into effect , a snap poll by Azets during a recent IR35 readiness webinar – with 535 businesses participating – revealed 88 per cent of SMEs are still unprepared for the changes .
Our view has been that businesses generally have a good awareness of the changes to be implemented but the appropriate planning and preparation isn ’ t in place .
There are very few companies telling us they are ready for April 6 2021 and that they need no further support in ensuring compliance going forward .
This view is reinforced by the results of the poll , though it is alarming that so many respondents are still not ready .
Non-compliance with IR35 is likely to cause significant problems and we urge all businesses in the region to use the coming weeks wisely by seeking the appropriate guidance and ensuring they are ready for the changes .
Businesses must act now by carrying out employment status assessments of their contractor workforce and establishing suitable administration systems and protocols .
Azets can support a business through the entire process and are specialists in complex IR35 and employment status reviews .
For further information please visit azets . co . uk . Joanne Regan Regional managing partner , Azets
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