The Lord Stafford Awards Impact Study is now available to download in the Marketing Material section of the website.

The Lord Stafford Awards 2010 which showcase the West Midlands most innovative companies is officially launched today.

Established in 1997, the awards are now recognised as being able to identify top innovators in the West Midlands have become established as the top innovation competition in the West Midlands and have now spread to the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Scotland.

For 2010, leading supplier of venture capital, the Mercia Technology Seed Fund, has been announced as the sponsor of the innovation in development award.

Prizes of £5,000 are available in three categories: innovation in development, innovation achieved – sponsored by MAS-WM – and the open collaboration award.

Lord Stafford, Patron of the Awards, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Mercia Technology Seed Fund as sponsors of the awards.

“Having them and MAS-WM as category sponsors means we have two organisations with a track record for driving innovation in the region.
“Every year, the quality of entries for the Lord Stafford Awards gets better and better and we hope this will again be the case for 2010.

“Innovation is a key economic driver for the West Midlands economy and is going to become even more vital in the future.

“This is why it is essential that more businesses collaborate with universities to bring their ideas to life, creating jobs and wealth.”
Dr Mark Payton, Fund Principal at the Mercia Technology Seed Fund, said: “Many of the companies we have supported down the years have been shortlisted and won Lord Stafford Awards.

“The Innovation in development award aligns closely with our own ethos and investment focus and we are delighted to be involved in such a prestigious award.”
The Awards final takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on November 18th and the keynote speaker will be Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic, Virgin’s attempt at commercial space travel.
Innovative companies which have worked with universities to develop groundbreaking products, processes or services have until June 25 to submit entries.
 

 

The key dates for the 2010 Lord Stafford Awards West Midlands region have been announced today, dates are as follows:

Open for applications - 1st April 2010

Closing date for entries - 25th June 2010, 12pm

1st judging round - 12th July 2010

Main judging round - 3rd August 2010

Company Visits - 14th and 15th September 2010

Dinner and Awards Ceremony - 18th November 2010

2010 will see the launch of 3 new categories in the West Midlands. The new categories are currently being developed and will be publicised in early Spring. Application roadshows will then be held to inform everyone about the new categories, further details will be announced soon, or contact Beckie Lewis for further information.