Edge Hill awards innovators

Edge Hill’s Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC) has hosted its first awards evening, recognising the Lancashire SMEs which have succeeded through its programmes.

Pro vice-chancellor Professor George Talbot welcomed 96 guests to Stanley House in Mellor to celebrate the significant progress and improvements businesses had made since completing the university’s Innovation Sprint Programme; designed to help businesses develop strategies for profitable growth.

The winners were:

Technology Innovation Award
LC Automation

Product or Service Innovation Award
Wolfenden Concrete

Business Model Innovation Award
Blue Wren

Growth Business Award
VIVA PR

Professor Simon Bolton, creator of the Innovation Sprint Programme, said: “Our inaugural business awards are a testament to Lancashire’s most ambitious SMEs.

“Following completion of our 2018-19 programme, the businesses have implemented significant change within their organisations, which has resulted in profitable growth. We are delighted to share in their success.”

During the evening guests took part in a silent auction to win a range of prizes to raise funds for Derian House Children’s Hospice, a charity that Professor Simon Bolton has fundraised for by taking part in five 5K runs over five weeks. To date, PIC has raised more than £1,400 for the charity.

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