Advice and Support

Business Link logo

Visit Business Link Northwest to access independent advice and guidance on the best support for your business.

Alternatively call
0845 0066 888
to speak to an advisor

Related Documents

FAQs

How does the Innovation Voucher scheme work?

The scheme is a two year pilot project in which SMEs in the Northwest can apply for up to two innovation vouchers, which can be used to purchase knowledge from one of the registered knowledge providers. The application form must be submitted on-line. If you are awarded an innovation voucher you can use it to purchase leading edge expertise to meet your innovation requirements. The aim is to improve your company's innovation capability.

How do ensure a successful application?

Priority will be given to companies who have not previously received an innovation voucher. The selection of successful eligible applications is undertaken on a random basis. To ensure eligibility provide a clear and concise description of the type of help required and the task that you will be asking the knowledge provider to complete.

How many vouchers will be awarded?

1150 vouchers will be awarded to SMEs in the Northwest throughout the lifetime of the project. If you are not successful in one round you can apply again in a subsequent round.

What do we do if we are successful?

The NWDA's Innovation Team will contact you 5 working days after the closing date for applications to let you know if you have been successful.

Your knowledge question will then be put anonymously to the Knowledge Providers for them to express an interest in helping you with your requirements. The following table provides the timescales from the day a voucher is awarded:

Activity

Timescale (working days)

Responsibility

Knowledge Question sent to Knowledge Providers

10

NWDA

Knowledge providers produce expressions of Interest

20

Knowledge Providers

Expressions of Interest sent to Company

20

NWDA

Company chooses relevant Knowledge Provider from expressions of interests

10

Company

Voucher agreements signed completed by both company and Knowledge Provider

48.

Company/Knowledge Provider


What happens if I do not get any expressions of interest?

If you do not get any expressions of interest, the NWDA's Innovation Team will contact you to clarify your needs and also ask the knowledge providers to review your needs again.

What if I know the Knowledge Provider I want to work with?

The vouchers are available for new collaborations. Therefore if you have worked with a specific provider in the past you must check to ensure this is a new collaboration. If so, then please mention the name of the knowledge provider that you would like to work with on your application.

Who oversees the Innovation Voucher project?

The project is overseen by as Steering Group comprising of NWDA, BLNW, NWUA & CBI.

Can I use the voucher with a company I know and that is not part of the knowledge provider panel?

No, the vouchers cannot be used for this purpose

Can the Innovation Vouchers be used to pay for previous work undertaken for my company by one of the approved knowledge providers?

No, the vouchers cannot be used for this purpose.

Can I be a knowledge provider?

No, the 26 knowledge providers on the panel have been procured through an OJEU tendering process and this panel is closed to any other applications.

Who are the knowledge providers involved in the scheme?

The knowledge providers involved are listed here

What is the level of assistance that I can expect for £3,000?

£3,000 will enable you to access roughly 6-10 days of expertise from a knowledge provider. However, the actual level of assistance varies depending on the knowledge question and knowledge provider in question.

Who can I contact about the scheme?

You can contact the Knowledge Broker Team at the NWDA - (innovationvouchers@nwda.co.uk) who will provide advice and support to SME applicants and link the knowledge base with the SMEs.

We are a registered Charity, can we apply?

No, unfortunately Charities are not eligible for this scheme.

How can I apply?

Applications can be made through this site, or by contacting the NWDA Innovation Team at innovationvouchers@nwda.co.uk; if you cannot complete the application form online due to a disability, please contact us and we will make alternative arrangements.

When is the closing date?

Each round will be open for applications for a 4 week period. Dates for the next round of applications for are posted on the website.

Can I apply again if I am unsuccessful the first time?

Yes. Businesses can apply in each round until they have been awarded up to two vouchers - this includes the £7K vouchers.

Can I have two vouchers running at the same time?

If you are (or have been) awarded a voucher then you can have only one 'live' voucher at any point. However, if you are awarded a £3,000 and £7,000 voucher from the December round onwards and the focus of each knowledge question is completely different then you will be allowed to have both vouchers 'live' at the same time.

Can a subsidiary company based in the Northwest with its head office based outside of the region apply for a voucher?

Yes, as long as the subsidiary company meets the criteria set out on this website.

I am a Sole Trader/Partnership and therefore do not have a Company Registration Number. What do I use?

Everyone who is self employed or is part of a partnership must register with the HM Revenue & Customs and receive a Unique Tax Reference Number (UTR). Please use this number in your application, failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

Once I have submitted my application, how quickly will I find out if I am successful?

All calls for applications are open for a period of 4 weeks, it makes no difference to your application if you apply on the first or last day. Once the call has closed, you will be informed by email (from the email address financeforbusiness@nwda.co.uk) within 5 working days if you are successful. This email will give details of your Innovation Voucher Number which should be stated in all correspondence and a time-line of what happens next.

If you have been unsuccessful, you will be informed by email (from the email address financeforbusiness@nwda.co.uk) within 5 working days. This email will give details as to why you were unsuccessful.

Please ensure that the above email address is in your 'safe' list, as it is often picked up as junk mail.