The event – ‘Funding Made Easy: Enhancing Your Bid Writing Skills’ – was hosted in the Postgraduate Centre on the Luton campus, and was designed to empower businesses to craft compelling funding bids to help their organisations grow and innovate.

The event was hosted by the University’s Research & Innovation Service (RIS), who provide support to businesses through a range of initiatives including expert consultancy, work placements and targeted training opportunities. Click here to find out more.

Throughout the day, keynote speakers included Debbie Pool-Hunt, Service Manager for Economic Growth & Skills at Luton Council, and colleagues from the University’s Research & Innovation Service.

Nathan March, Senior Business Partnerships Manager within RIS, said: “We are thrilled to see so many forward-thinking business entrepreneurs and leaders at our event. As a University, we remain committed to nurturing the innovative and economic growth of our region's business community, and we look forward to continuing our journey of support through similar events and other tailored initiatives.”

Attracting over 30 attendees from organisations across the region, this workshop is just one of the ways the University is working alongside Luton Council on its Civic Agreement commitment supporting the future of the town and delivering on the shared ambition to make Luton a place to thrive and succeed.

Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager for the UK Network East & South East Midlands British Business Bank, added: “I was really delighted to be asked to outline the various finance options available to smaller businesses in Luton as part of the University of Bedfordshire’s recent event. There was a real buzz at the event and it was great to interact with entrepreneurs and founders looking to take their businesses forward.”

The event also welcomed Steve McAteer from Cambridge-based Deyton Bell, who facilitated the bid writing workshop. He added: “We understand the pivotal role funding bid and tender submissions play in supporting businesses and fostering innovation. Drawing upon our extensive expertise in supporting our local business community in securing grants and winning publicly advertised tenders, we were delighted to share our insights and best practices.”