Brewing Innovation: Roadshow Aims to Drive Business Success in Lincolnshire 

In a bid to support innovation throughout Lincolnshire, businesses across the region can find out how to secure a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), funded by Innovate UK, during a three-day roadshow serving up free barista-style coffee and business advice. 

The roadshow is a collaboration between the University of Lincoln, UK, and Bishop Grosseteste University and will see ‘The Very Cool Coffee Bus’ visit several locations across Lincolnshire this March. Visitors will be able to chat with professional teams from both universities, find out more about the benefits of a KTP and how to apply for one.  

KTPs aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base. They offer an opportunity to collaborate with an expert academic team from either university which will support the delivery of a particular business initiative. Contributions are determined by the size of the business and the sector it belongs to. 

Jessica Boot-Marshall, Industrial Partnerships Manager at the University of Lincoln said: “The University of Lincoln has supported a wide variety of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, ranging from agriculture and textiles to project management and architecture and have seen the incredible benefits they provide to businesses of all sizes and sectors.  

“We’re very excited to travel across the county with The Very Cool Coffee Bus, providing hot drinks and opportunities to talk with organisations about collaborative funding opportunities that are available through partnering with us.” 

Bishop Grosseteste University’s KTP lead Linette Wallace said: “Innovation is the lifeblood of any organisation. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships offer robust support and can help to embed the expertise needed to make this happen. 

“We’d love to hear from any business if they have an idea to grow or make transformational changes within their business but don’t have all the in-house expertise needed to develop it, as a KTP may be the perfect solution.” 

Military clothing manufacturer Arktis Endurance Textiles Ltd partnered with the University of Lincoln through the KTP programme and Business Development Director, Stuart Cook said: “I would definitely recommend taking part in a KTP. From our initial discussions with the University of Lincoln, outlining our specific requirements for load bearing vests, we recognised very quickly that we would be working with the right partner for us.  

“The breadth of knowledge and experience of the partner, combined with state-of-the-art equipment has made the KTP an exciting and rewarding experience, enabling us to bring rigorous scientific underpinning to our existing design process.  

“Arktis have benefited from new perspectives and the KTP has allowed our associate to develop both their scientific and industry skillsets with exposure to real projects with support from the partner and us.” 

The roadshow will take place over the following days: 

Tuesday 7 March 

Lincoln Science and Innovation Park 9.30am – 11.30am 

Sparkhouse, Lincoln 11.45am – 12.45pm 

Bishop Grosseteste University 1pm – 2pm 

Freedom Fire Security and Maintenance Ltd car park, Great Northern Terrace 2.30pm – 3.30pm 

Wednesday 8 March 

Aura Skegness Business Centre 9.30am – 11.30am  

Boston Enterprise Centre 1.30pm – 3.30pm 

Thursday 8 March 

Europarc Innovation Centre, Grimsby 9.30am – 10.30am. 

Visitors will also be given the chance to win a ‘One4All’ voucher by entering a raffle.