Since April 2020, ATI2 has worked with over 300 businesses, registered 134 small to medium-sized enterprises onto the programme and has now awarded 23 innovation grants to support projects with a total project value of £585,181.
We’ve helped numerous businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (CIoS) to bring new products, services and processes to market – even during a period of great uncertainty. It truly does demonstrate the steadfast determination of those we are working with in the Cornish business community.
The 17th May milestone (otherwise known as ‘opening day’) has been and gone. We cannot help but celebrate for all our clients, of which there has been a great disparity between those that have really struggled to stay afloat and others who have ridden the COVID-19 wave to new horizons and ventures.
Now that we can enjoy the cosy corners inside our favourite pubs, dine in comfort within Cornwall’s top notch restaurants and once more re-explore our rich heritage, cultural attractions and the arts – we do hope that everyone will join us in welcoming back those businesses that can fully re-open and support them by paying them a visit.
The restrictions at ATI2 are loosening up too and you can expect to see more from us. For starters, we are now able to visit clients in person again, as you can see from the image of ATI2’s Business Innovation Advisor, Chris Hassall, who went to visit our clients at Cornwall Ferries. Chris (on the left) jumped aboard the St. Mawes Ferry with Ryan Watts (on the right), Marketing Manager at Cornwall Ferries, to capture some images for our most recent case studies, all of which you can read here.
Cornwall Ferries are one of those businesses that have been adversely affected by the pandemic, but it hasn’t deterred them from innovating and pursuing the ‘green’ agendas. We wish them every success over the busy summer months, let’s hope the rise of the staycation and current predicted trends for a UK holiday boom will ring true for all in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Speaking of re-openings, our Pop-up Innovation Centre is also set to open this summer. We eagerly await the completion so that we can reveal our new location. Being our first physical pop-up since the start of the pandemic, we are interested to see how the ‘new normal’ will impact the uptake and use of this business support space, which can be used for: meetings, hot desking, workshops and informal drop-in conversations with a Business Innovation Advisor.
All COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at the Pop-up, including: screens, masks will need to be worn at all times, regular hand sanitising and the number of guests will be limited for meetings, workshops and events etc. If you are interested in using the space, please do contact Paul Miles Rogers, ATI2 Pop-Up Coordinator, on 07525 770552 or email paul.rogers-4@plymouth.ac.uk.
ATI2 will be taking a blended approach to in-person and online activities from now on. Zoom meetings and online events are here to stay, they are very useful to maximise our advisors and expert’s time, and reduce our environmental impact. However, wherever there is a benefit, face-to-face meetings, workshops and in-person events will resume (following COVID-19 safety guidelines) – we very much look forward to seeing you all again soon.