WINN, the innovation programme for Worcestershire has launched with over 100 businesses attending.

WINN is the recently launched Worcestershire Innovation programme, designed to bring together networks of innovation communities and like- minded individuals to form successful collaborations, provide a vibrant and creative environment to inspire ideas and provide opportunities and assistance to launch new concepts.

WINN Wednesday is the networking platform for the programme and last month over 100 businesses attended the event called ‘8 minutes 20 seconds to launch’, this reflects the time it takes for the sun’s light to reach the earth as attendee’s were asked to shine their light and help to shape the future of innovation in the County.

Attendees were able to hear from high-profile innovative speakers before being asked to ensure they take the online WINN questionnaire to provide their feedback on the business environment, support currently available in the County and how they want to change innovation moving forward.  Businesses that were unable to attend the event are also being given the opportunity to complete the questionnaire which is on the WINN website, to add their voice to the feedback.

To help to shape the County’s support for innovation, visit the WINN Wednesday website and COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE.Whilst feedback will be ongoing, the first set of feedback is starting to be reviewed so join in and shine your light!

SAVE THE DATE.  The next two WINN Wednesdays will take place on 28 September and 30 November at the University of Worcester Arena between 5:00pm and 8:30pm and the focus for these sessions will be determined by the feedback received.

WINN Wednesdays are part of the Worcestershire Innovation Programme formed by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, QinetiQ, University of Worcester, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Science City, Central Technology Belt, Malvern Hills Science Park and Malvern Instruments.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “It was great to see so many businesses in attendance for the latest WINN Wednesday event. These free-to- attend events play a vital role in shaping the support for innovation in the County and boosting business productivity. I would urge local businesses to complete the questionnaire at the earliest opportunity and have their say on the future of innovation in Worcestershire.”

Cllr Dr Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure at Worcestershire Council, said: “Many local businesses are attending WINN Wednesday as they find the highly-knowledgeable and creative business environment a stimulus to their own plans for innovation. I would encourage more local businesses to involve themselves in these showcases to hear from others and to share their own views. Save the dates for the upcoming events on 28 September and 30 November.”

Businesses can join the conversation on Twitter using #WINN