Turning ideas into profit

If a bit long winded, "Succeeding through innovation" is a useful guide for innovators. However, we advise caution relating to the value of University input to design & innovation. Not all universities are the same; their departments vary widely in terms of quality and expertise.

Protecting ideas & designs

The UK intellectual property office website has clear explanations of the different kinds of protection available and the benefits of aquiring it.

Discovering if ideas are already protected

The European Patent Office website has search facilities that can help discover if ideas are already protected. Espacenet is not a substitute for a professional search, but is a useful first step in establishing whether your product can be patented.

How does it work?

Howstuffworks.com explains how the world works. From machines to services, systems and business there are explanations of virtually everything.

Grant Finance for Innovation in England

The Government Grant for Research and Development provides finance to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in England to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

Grant Finance for Innovation in Scotland

Smart:Scotland provides financial assistance to SMEs to help support projects which represent a significant technological advance. For the UK sector or industry concerned, see:

Grant Finance for Innovation in Wales

SMARTCymru provides grant funding to help you through the key steps of the innovation journey.

Grant Finance for Innovation in Northern Ireland

Small Firms Merit Award for Research and Technology (SMART) programme helps individuals and small businesses that want to research the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative products and processes.