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The Business Magazine July 2024
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Venturefest South is back for eighth year with host of new partners

The Business Magazine article image for: Venturefest South is back for eighth year with host of new partners
30 May 2024

Venturefest South (VFS), the fast-growing innovation and business growth programme for the South, has returned for the eighth year with some influential new partners aboard.

New this year will be a series of ‘Rumble Events’, focusing on topics including funding, investment and IP protection, to be held at partner venues in the run-up to the grand showcase event on 14 November at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. 

The 2024 programme also welcomes Arts University Bournemouth, Blake Morgan, Barclays Eagle Labs, Openshaw & Co., National Biofilms Innovation Centre and National Oceanography Centre as partners.

Mark Hamson, innovation centre manager at the National Oceanography Centre, said:“Innovation is key to what we do, and we’re looking forward to working with Venturefest South to reach more businesses and individuals that can help turn great science and technology into advice and applications.”

They join a lineup of existing partners which includes DSTL, South Hampshire College Group, Carswell Gould, British Business Bank, Solent Partners and the universities of Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth.

Dan Cox of Arts University Bournemouth said: “Bringing so many voices from different sectors this year is powerful, and it’s so great to be partnering with people who want to do something and make a difference.

“We’re excited to bring something new to the partnership by hosting Rumble Events that focus on the key themes driving innovation in the South, and also by bringing our students and business partners to the showcase event in November.” 

VFS is a collaboration between government, education, and business to foster growth and innovation.

This year’s programme kicked off with a partnership meeting hosted by Barclays Eagle Labs in Southampton, where the new leadership team discussed regional issues and opportunities. 

Since its inception, VFS has supported more than 8,000 entrepreneurs with funded or free resources and a platform to showcase their innovative businesses.

The not-for-profit programme celebrates and promotes the South’s powerful innovation ecosystem.

Applications are now open, with entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups across the South invited to be part of this year’s programme.

Jeremy Webb at the National Biofilms Innovation Centre said:“We’re extremely pleased to be part of VFS, as new partners we are excited to see growth in collaboration across the region.

“There’s significant strength and potential in our regional innovation ecosystem, which is demonstrated by the success of VFS to date.

“I’m immensely proud to be part of such a great group.” 

Tim Beere of Openshaw & Co. added: “As new partners, we’re very excited to be able to share our extensive Intellectual Property expertise with such a prestigious organisation as VFS and we look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth.

“IP is central to successful innovation and commercialisation – this partnership represents a fantastic opportunity to support and engage with the vibrant and diverse innovation community in the South.” 

And from Blake Morgan’s Rebecca Whitehead: “Blake Morgan is thrilled to be playing a bigger part in the Venturefest South programme this year.

“As one of the largest full-service law firms in the Central South, we work with many businesses on their journey from startup through to merger, acquisition and sale, supporting them in achieving their goals.

“We see the many challenges faced by young high-growth businesses and we’re keen to add value to the Venturefest community and help give those business the best possible start and advice.” 

To find out more, visit venturefestsouth.co.uk


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Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL.

Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.

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