KIB Newsletter September 2019

Innovative Sector Exchange (ISE) Project Update

The ISE project has a busy programme of events and activities coming up in the Autumn to connect Kent companies to businesses in mainland Europe:

Digital & Creative Sector Event, 23-25 October, Breda:

Kent companies can express an interest in this 2 day programme of activities in Breda for companies involved (or wishing to get involved) in the ISE digital & creative cross-border cluster.

The visit will include a problem-solving session with companies from the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, an ‘Imagineers by Night’ tour of several innovative company premises in Breda and an inspiring presentation on day 2.

‘Industry, from Needs to Solutions’ Event, 29-31 October, Barcelona:

Kent manufacturing companies can express an interest in participating in the ISE visit to this leading exhibition and industry event. Join companies from France, Belgium & the Netherlands to find out more about machines and tooling, robotics and automation, new materials, connectivity and data. The visit is free of charge and is open to Kent-based manufacturing SMEs interested in joining the ISE food & drink cluster.

ISE Visit to Anuga, 7-9 October, Cologne:

ISE is organising a visit to Anuga 2019, one of the world’s largest food & drink sector trade shows. All spaces have currently been allocated but we are planning to organise further activities for the food & drink sector in the coming months.

Lille Design Capital 2020 Launch Event, 5-6 December:

To coincide with the launch of the Lille Design Capital 2020, ISE is organising a 2 day programme for digital & creative sector companies to focus on potential opportunities that may emerge for the sector during 2020. Further details will follow in future newsletters.

Book a 121 Diagnostic:

Kent businesses still have time to can request a 121 innovation & internationalisation assessment with an international trade expert from Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce which will give you some practical recommendations to help your business grow.

For more information about the ISE Project please contact: natasha.white@kent.gov.uk or visit the project website: www.iseproject.eu

Diary Dates:

International Trade Events in Kent:

• 18 September: DIT, Blossom in Japan: Embrace new global opportunities, Gatwick More information & Register
• 24 September, DIT, Get Ready for Brexit workshop, Tonbridge More information & Register
• 03 October: KICC, Understanding Rules Of Origin, Free Trade Agreements And Export Preference, Medway More information & Register
• 18 October: KICC, BiSEA Roadshow – FastTrack Your Export Growth In South East Asia, Ashford More information & Register

Brexit Advice:

Whilst there is still a lot of confusion about what may or may not happen at the end of October, a number of updates and briefings have been published to help businesses prepare as best they can:

• Click here to read the EORI Myth Buster from the government
• The FSB Small Business Brexit Pack is available to view here
• Brexit Advice for Business on the Kent.gov website can be viewed here

GLOBAL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROGRAMME TO BOSTON, USA, December

FOCUS ON GRAPHENE APPLICATIONS IN ELECTRONICS, COMPOSITES AND ENERGY

Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), delivered by Enterprise Europe Network, is looking for innovative UK SMEs in the graphene sector. This visit to Boston will help companies better understand the significant US market for emerging advanced materials.

During the visit delegates will attend leading research centres and universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Innovation Institute, iMatSci Innovation Showcase, and The Fall Materials Research  Society (MRS) Conference. The programme also includes visits to local and global organisations interested in innovative graphene-enabled devices and technologies, with the aim of creating and promoting opportunities for partnering and collaboration.

Find out more about the event by clicking here

EEN Matchmaking at ‘BioXpo VitaSana’, Brussels, 14 October – the trade fair for the organic sector

Enterprise Europe Network’s AgroFood Sector Group is organising an international matchmaking event during the BioXpo Vitasana fair in Brussels which focus on bio, eco, natural and sustainable products.

The event is a quick and easy way to meet potential cooperation partners.

The matchmaking event is free of charge for participants.

Find out more and register by clicking here