Training pilot voted success

Success of the pilot Game Changers Fellowship programme is set to secure its return.

The wrap-around training was introduced last year to offer further support to successful organisations and individuals who have achieved Sellafield backing through Game Changers. The programme was designed to help applicants to attract further funding, to develop their prototype projects and to strengthen their commercialisation and business models.

A review of feedback from the delegates who took part in the pilot and from Entrepreneur Business School (EBS), who delivered the training, resulted in the decision to continue the programme annually.

The series of half-day, on-line workshops covered Intellectual Property and Assets, equity investment, successful business and financial planning, pitch training and presentation skills. The programme also featured a session on securing grant funding delivered by FIS360, and an introduction to the nuclear industry and its supply chain facilitated by John Berry, Senior Supply Chain Manager, and Elizabeth Bowe of SEB Management Services.

Fellowship programme delegate Ben Crutchley, from i3D Robotics, was impressed by the experience of the Fellowship coaches. “The programme really pushed home that a great idea alone is not enough and that a well-managed company is the real key to success.”

James Hill, from Eadon Consulting, also offered the chance to take part in the programme, said: “It’s been an amazing opportunity to learn from people who have been there and done it when it comes to commercialising technology.”

Dr David Stothard, of Fraunhofer UK Research, said the training provided access to expertise acquired through decades of collective experience. “It also gave access to crucial commercial, purchasing and certification knowledge specific to the nuclear sector.” He added that the value of the scheme would endure for many years.

Lynne Stark, of Sensor Driven, said she had learned a lot about targeting the nuclear sector. “You simply couldn’t get this level of quality, relevant information from a text book or generic business course.”

Dr Sarah Bugby, of Loughborough University, found the training offered real insight into the demands of running a business. “I’m sure this will allow me to work more effectively with industry partners – both during the Game Changers programme and beyond.”

Gillian Brown, EBS Director, described the Fellowship delegates as an exceptional group of people who have developed innovative solutions to challenging problems. “We have every confidence in their future commercial success.”

Further Fellowship Training courses will build on this year’s success and be adapted based on a formal review of the pilot programme.