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I-Construct and BRE Offer Free Launch Mentoring

Launch Rocket
01 February 2022
 

I-Construct, in association with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), is launching a free scheme to help 20 small and medium-sized businesses bring their new products or services to market.

When launching a new product or service it is critical that businesses seek impartial advice on the potential risks and opportunities. I-Construct and BRE's new market-readiness scheme will help just 20 SMEs bring their product or services to market.

The scheme offers a unique opportunity for SMEs to work with experts from BRE. Businesses will be provided confidential and independent, technical advice, which draws on BRE's 100-year track record of driving innovation and improving safety in construction.

 

"We're delighted to be empowering British SMEs in the construction sector and to help them bring exciting innovations and services to the industry through our dedicated support programme that is only available via I-Construct."

 

– Dr Ed Suttie
Strategic Advisory, BRE

 

What Does the Support Entail?

 

Businesses will benefit from nine hours of support that includes:

  • An expert assessment of where the offering sits in the marketplace
  • Creation of a business development roadmap showing what needs to be addressed before launch; introductions to relevant people, networks and organisations to help them progress
  • Support from the I-Construct network to launch the offering

The scheme is suitable for start-ups in their first year of operation, and established SMEs with new-to-market products at pre-launch or recently launched stage, working in the construction and built environment marketplace. Applications will be considered from businesses that are bringing existing products and services to new markets.

 

A Funded Opportunity

 

There are no fees for the market-readiness scheme as I-Construct is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

Dr Ed Suttie, BRE Strategic Advisory said: "Our market readiness support programme offers a one-off business development boost for 20 enterprising businesses with new to market products or services. We're delighted to be empowering British SMEs in the construction sector and to help them bring exciting innovations and services to the industry through our dedicated support programme that is only available via I-Construct."

Anita Thornberry, Executive Director of the Haven Gateway Partnership said: "With so much investment planned in construction, there are major opportunities for SMEs to use innovation and new technologies to compete. I-Construct gives practical support to companies as they develop and implement their innovation plans and through our network, we will help them build links with people who can help them achieve their ambitions."

 

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How Will the Process Work?

 

Once you have expressed an interest, our team will assess your suitability for the programme. Once your application is approved, we will put you in touch with BRE's team of experts and set up your first 1:1 session. They will then guide you through the process. You will be part of one of five cohorts. The whole process should take no more than two months and involves two 1:1 sessions and two peer-to-peer workshops. We will discuss available dates with you when you apply.

There are three main stages to the process:

  1. Independent Review (1.5 hrs)
  2. Business Development Roadmap (4 hrs)
  3. Launch and Market Development (3.5 hrs)

Apply for the Market Readiness Programme with BRE.

Picture: a graphic of a rocket launching from a laptop. Image credit: Pixabay, Mohamed Assan.

Article written by Bailey Sparkes | Published 01 February 2022

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