The Sustainable Construction iNet (iNet) has added to its dynamic team with the appointment of two innovation advisors, Ian Hope and Dr Abrar Jawaid, to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across the East Midlands.
Ian Hope joins iNet from Connect Midlands, where he was a company relations executive, to take up the role of innovation advisor for Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. Ian will assist SMEs to innovate and develop low-carbon products or services for the construction sector, signposting available funding as required.
Ian commented: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping SMEs achieve growth through the application of novel and creative ideas. If companies have a bright idea, I want to hear about it and help them develop it.”
Dr Abrar Jawaid takes up the post assisting businesses in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, utilising his background in project management and research and development in low carbon innovation technologies. Having previously worked with The Carbon Trust and the East of England Development Agency, Abrar will focus on industrial collaborations with Universities across the region as well as business support to SMEs with a low-carbon concept or project.
Abrar said: “SMEs are in a tough position and at iNet, we believe innovation is the key to their success. They must innovate to stay competitive but many require help to do so. In my role as innovation advisor I want to offer all the support necessary to overcome barriers to market and accelerate progress.”
Charles Meynell, senior business advisor, iNet added: “Both Ian and Abrar are refreshing additions to the iNet team. Their commitment and enthusiasm for innovation and technology fits with iNet’s ethos and as a support organisation, we aim to cover the whole region and reach the farthest corners of the East Midlands and with our expanding team; we are now able to do this.”
iNet, based at the iCon Centre in Daventry, identifies and assists businesses developing innovative techniques and services by offering business support and match-funding up to £10,000 per project.
