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Notts businesses get more technology funding
10/12/2007
The successful skills and grants programme designed to boost the use of advanced technology for small and medium sized (SME) firms operating across the region has won more funding.
Demand for NTI support has risen to record levels this year and in order to respond to the growing number of applications from businesses it was essential to apply for more funding, says NTI’s executive director Hilary Whaley.
She added: “This new allocation of funding by emda is brilliant news. It is also a strong endorsement of NTI’s position in the region as the SME’s advocate in terms of powering the development of technology and skills training.
“This year, NTI has awarded match funded grants of £625,000 for investment in new technology. We’re absolutely delighted with the response from businesses that clearly see that investment in technology is the route to achieving a competitive edge and a successful future. This additional funding will mean we can help even more firms to realise their potential.”
East Midlands NTI was set up four years ago to meet the rising demand for top-level technical skills and the expansion of technology in industry. Since its launch, NTI has awarded £2.25million worth of grants.
NTI is unique in that it offers the combined resources of the region’s universities and colleges - together with training and funding – to develop the capability of small and medium sized firms. The organisation works with businesses operating in the high growth sectors of Creative Industries, Food and Drink, Construction and High Performance Engineering. Specialist networks run by the region’s universities and colleges provide each sector with expert knowledge, funding, training and higher education.
John O’Reilly, emda’s Business Support Director commented: “The East Midlands NTI is playing an important role in supporting and encouraging innovation within businesses in the region.
“The NTI works closely with emda to support skills development and knowledge transfer from the region's universities and colleges. It is an invaluable resource for the East Midlands and I would encourage businesses in the relevant sectors to contact NTI in order to find out how they can potentially benefit from the expertise, training and funding that is available.”
Funding by NTI has made it possible for many local firms to prosper, including Nottingham based designer Debbie Bryan: “NTI has been really helpful giving me the support and funding to get my work out there. They were brilliant in helping me to focus and evaluate my business needs. Business is booming now and my turnover has doubled. The grant enabled me to invest in upgraded IT and website development - I can showcase my whole collection, flag up forthcoming events and update the content myself. I’m in complete control.
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