A NEW programme is to be launched in Worcestershire to promote innovation by county businesses.

It was among a number of new initiatives revealed at the latest Worcestershire Innovation Wednesday event at the University of Worcester Arena which more than 70 firms attended. The new developments included the launch of WINN’s new communication series ‘theCONVERSATION’, a collection of original articles from WINN tackling the topic of innovation.

A new article will be released each Wednesday on the new blog aiming to promote discussion and collaboration amongst its readership. Topics will include advice for new innovators, thought leadership to inspire innovators and interviews with Worcestershire businesses which have innovation at their core. Businesses were taught of the importance of testing new innovative ideas and given a presentation called The Innovation Mindset. The programme is designed to bring together networks of innovation communities and like-minded individuals to form successful collaborations, provide a creative environment to inspire ideas and provide opportunities and assistance to launch new concepts.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It was great to meet with some of the county’s most creative businesses at the latest WINN Wednesday. I was pleased to see the launch of new guidance platforms at the event in response to the feedback given to WINN’s innovation survey. The events are always successful in providing expert knowledge for growing companies to launch new ideas. I would urge local businesses to find out more about the support available to them by visiting the WINN website, www.winn-hub.com

Cllr Dr Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, added: “WINN Wednesdays are fantastic events for showcasing the innovation of our local businesses. It is great to hear of the newly launched ‘theCONVERSATION’ which I am sure will enable companies to discuss and develop ideas, and learn from those who have already grown their innovative projects. Please do save the date for the next event on November 30.”