Links to Organisations that can help

Although it is possible to take action to progress your idea at least in part yourself, it is often a much better scenario to enlist the help of an organisation which can give advice, guide you through the early stages of commercialisation, make use of existing links they have, and possibly invest so that you and they can mutually benefit from the arrangement.

The following are companies which can assist in part or all of the process of commercialisation.

UMIC
UMIC (University of Manchester Incubator Company) is the facilities and business support management company, acting on behalf of the University. As part of its regional role, across all market sectors, UMIC is keen to hear from entrepreneurs looking to commercialise their business ideas. UMIC can be accessed via the UMIC Innovation Portal, where UMIC ask you to register and complete a questionnaire. Confidentiality agreement requests are also available on the website .

Further information can also be obtained directly from UMIC, who can be contacted via email or through Sarah Acton, PA for further details regarding the services available through UMIC.

Regional Development Agencies
Most regional development agencies (RDAs) have business advisors who can provide, along with advice, links to other support agencies and funding initiatives. Contact details for agencies can be found on their websites, shown on this web site.

Business Link
Business Link is closely linked to the Regional Development Agencies initiative, and operates through local Business Link Services, giving support and a great deal of excellent information to new and growing ventures.

The Business Link No Nonsense Business Guide is a very useful source of information covering most aspects of starting a new business.

Caparo Innovation Centre
The Caparo Innovation Centre is based in Wolverhampton and provides services to inventors and businesses to progress new ideas. Contact them via their website.

Trevor Baylis Brands
Trevor Baylis, inventor of the Clockwork Radio, has set up a web based service to help inventors assess the commercial value of their ideas. Services can be accessed via the website (including Intellectual Property Guidebooks) and in most cases a fee is payable.