Regional advice and support from networks

UK and Ireland map

We have several networks for different organisation types and different areas of expertise.

Businesses and not-for-profit organisations

Biotechnology and biosciences

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) business engagement team provides guidance to businesses on a range of regional matters. It gives advice on:

  • infrastructure
  • academic expertise in certain localities
  • other key considerations

Find out more about biotechnology and biosciences innovation.

Innovation

If you are an innovator, you may be eligible for support from Innovate UK-funded organisations in your region.

Innovate UK Business Growth can help businesses access finance and funding, and build innovation partnerships, both in the UK and abroad.

At Catapult centres, businesses can use cutting-edge research and development infrastructure.

Knowledge transfer partnerships enable businesses and not-for-profit organisations to get project support from a university, college, research and technology organisation, or catapult.

Businesses can attend an Innovate Local event to network with businesses and stakeholders, such as local enterprise partnerships. To hear about events, sign up to receive emails from Innovate UK Business Connect.

Early stage technology

Early stage technology businesses can get regional support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). STFC offers expertise, networks and facilities to help you scale up and grow.

Find out more about STFC support for early stage businesses.

Three business incubation centres in Oxfordshire, Edinburgh and Liverpool City Region offer physical space and networks of entrepreneurs, advisers and partners.

Find out about STFC business incubation centres.

Higher education providers

England

Higher education providers in England can seek support from Research England’s institutional engagement managers.

Find out more in the Research England institutions engagement strategy.

Engineering and physical sciences

Universities can get local support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s regional engagement team.

Learn about EPSRC’s approach to interaction with UK regions.

Local leadership bodies

To better connect national and local businesses, Innovate UK’s team of 10 regional managers work in strategic partnership across the UK nations and regions.

The team can help local leadership bodies that provide business support, such as enterprise agencies, local enterprise partnerships and growth hubs.

Last updated: 28 February 2024

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