Page 35

From left to right:The TSC can provide SMEs with flexible workspaces (top) and advice from industry experts (bottom), and help people build their business networks (below)Enabling InnovationFunding and OpportunitiesExpertiseNetworkingWorkspaceFor businesses developing a new concept, a team of TSC experts is available to help progress that innovation from idea to commercialisation in the following areas:• Improving Customer Experience• Transport Data Analysis and Exploitation• Automation and Autonomy in Transport Systems• Smart Infrastructure and Connectivity• Disruptive Business ModelsThe TSC is mindful that additional infrastructure and resources are often needed as a company or product scales, and provides technical support for innovations with high growth potential, as well as access to a suite of cutting-edge assets at its Innovation Centre in Milton Keynes (see page 32 for more).Raising funding is one of the biggest hurdles faced by entrepreneurs. To assist with this, the TSC can guide SMEs and start-ups through the myriad financing options, from grants and loans to equity investment, and advise on the best way to raise finance and fund development. Consultants include an expert network of seed-venture and growth-capital investors, who the TSC can introduce participants to once their business is ready to progress.For established businesses, the TSC also regularly publishes tenders and open calls for partners and contractors for specific programmes. There are also opportunities to take part in industry-funded partnership initiatives and to contribute to the development of the TSC’s own programmes and enabling capabilities.Thanks to the TSC’s internal expertise, as well as its extensive industry connections, businesses seeking to grow can also benefit from practical help from a network of experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts and other business support providers. Examples of specific areas the TSC can help with include:• Solution, capability and asset mapping• Partnership agreements• Market analysis• Intellectual property rights• Financial planning and funding guidance• Business modellingContacts can be vital for businesses taking their first steps. To facilitate this, the TSC holds a variety of networking events in the transport innovation sector, which can help SMEs make the right connections to advance their business and showcase their innovations. These include workshops and industry-wide conferences, as well as specialist networking events. Individuals and businesses looking for a way to get started in the transport industry can also check out the TSC’s regular Hackathon events at www.IMCreate.co.ukFlexible workspace packages in its Innovation Centre in Milton Keynes are also available. This enables businesses to benefit from direct access to Catapult services and expertise, while also being situated with other businesses going through the same development curve.Find out more about the support the TSC can provide, and register your interest at ts.catapult.org.uk/WorkWithUs or email BusinessSupport@ts.catapult.org.ukIMAGINE35SME BUSINESS SUPPORT