As the Innovation Alliance WM (IAWM), like everybody, adapts to this changing environment, influenced by the spread of Covid-19, we are updating you on the actions that we are taking to ensure that we continue to connect people and organisations to drive change through innovation. In current circumstances, these connections are more important than ever, and indeed innovation will have a key role in our effective responses to the crisis.
What will happen to IAWM activities?
The health and safety of our employees and alliance members are our priority. We are following advice from the UK government and so all IAWM Executive Team members are working from home, but rapidly adopting available technologies to keep connected to each other and to you. We are also moving our networking/ events activity online for the time being. While this requires a different style of networking, we will be utilising a number of new tools and platforms to continue to encourage collaboration – innovating as we go. We look forward to inviting you to join us at some of those meetings in the very near future, hopefully starting with a rescheduled Innovation Policy and Practice Event on 30th April (morning) – watch this space!
Keep on Connecting
More than ever before, the connections and skill-sets of the innovation ecosystem in the WM are important – both to you as an organisation and to our wider society and economy. The recent call from the UK government asking for help in manufacturing and supplying ventilators is one example of where connecting innovators is going to make an impact.
There will be more challenges like this coming in the days and months ahead. We are keen to work with you to ensure that you are able to respond or adapt to these challenges and that we continue to support you in making the connections that will drive positive responses in challenging times.
COVID-19 Business Support & Advice
You can now sign up to email alerts from the government on their response to CORVID-19 here.
There are currently cases in the UK and the government is working to the phased response: Contain > Delay > Research > Mitigate
The UK is currently in the delay phase (as of 13th March 2020). You can review the phased response and see what has been done so far with regards to this here.
If you believe your business will be affected by the current outbreak of COVID-19 (whether it’s a supply chain issue, problems exporting goods or staffing concerns) Growth Hub advisors will discuss with you how their services may be able to help your business throughout this period. Please follow the appropriate link below for the Growth Hub covering your area.
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