Please see below events, updates and support available – Jam packed this week!!
AD:VENTURE Re-registration
If your business originally registered with AD:VENTURE before August 2026, you will need to re-register to continue accessing the benefits and support available through the programme, as we have now moved into a new programme phase.
Please follow the link below and complete the registration form to ensure your business remains eligible for support.
Join | AD:VENTURE · Ad:Venture Business Support
ADVENTURE Workshops and webinars- ready to book onto (need to be reregistered to access)
22nd Sept – Finance for Founders
23rd Sept – Attract, Convert, Retain: Building Your Ideal Client Journey
24th Sept – Storyselling: Using Stories to Make Your Business More Memorable
29th Sept – Grants and Funding for Growth
30th Sept – AI Foundations for Small Businesses
7th Oct – Getting Tender Ready
15th Oct – Marketing your business with no budget
22nd Oct – Planning and Launching a Website You’re Proud Of
ADVENTURE Founder to Founder Offer
VELLURE: Premium Streetwear Brand and Exclusive AD:VENTURE Discount
One of our AD:VENTURE-supported businesses, VELLURE, is an independent Calderdale-based clothing brand specialising in premium streetwear, gymwear and everyday apparel. Built around the message “Vision Over Noise”, the brand offers heavyweight hoodies, tracksuits, T-shirts, caps and activewear with a strong focus on quality, comfort and clean design. The business is continuing to grow its presence locally and nationally, developing new collections and expanding its customer base through ecommerce and social media.
AD:VENTURE clients can receive 10% off all orders by using discount code RICO at checkout. To find out more or browse the latest collection, visit www.vellureuk.com.
Supporting fellow AD:VENTURE businesses is a great way to champion local entrepreneurs whilst discovering high-quality products from across the region.
The Business Growth Gathering – The AD:VENTURE Continues on 6 October 2026 at Leeds Civic Hall marks the launch of the next phase of the AD:VENTURE programme. The event will bring together businesses, partners and stakeholders from across West Yorkshire to hear success stories, learn about new support available through to 2029, explore funding and growth opportunities, and network with fellow business owners and support organisations – LCC Portal – Events – Details · Ad:Venture Business Support
British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme – open for applications from businesses on 1 October
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) has announced that the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) – a new scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for manufacturing businesses operating in Industrial Strategy growth sectors, will open for applications on 1 October. The scheme will benefit over 10,000 businesses and provide an average discount of around 25% off electricity bills. Eligible businesses will also receive an additional payment in 2027 to cover costs approximately equivalent to an extra year’s benefit. DBIST has published guidance to support businesses, and an online eligibility checker has recently been launched. DBIST is hosting a webinar on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme from 10:30 to 11:30am on 24 September to provide further guidance and support to interested businesses ahead of applications opening on 1 October. Details on the scheme and how to apply is available on GOV.UK. Applications to the scheme will close on 30 November
Procurement opportunities are moving to Atamis
From Autumn 2026, Kirklees, Wakefield and Bradford Councils will be publishing procurement opportunities through the Atamis platform.
Suppliers wishing to do business with any of the three councils are encouraged to register via the Atamis Portal: https://ypo2.my.site.com/s/Welcome
You must register with your company’s legal name (as stated on Companies House or equivalent) and not a trading name.
We look forward to continuing to work with suppliers through this new platform and supporting access to public sector opportunities in West Yorkshire.
Central Digital Platform
What is the Central Digital Platform?
The Central Digital Platform is an enhancement of Find a Tender, designed to help suppliers discover upcoming bidding opportunities and access details on contracts that have been awarded, changes to contracts, and other valuable information. Suppliers can also register, input, and share their commonly used information as part of the procurement process.
The Department for Transport and other government departments hosted a webinar to provide guidance and training for all suppliers on how to register and navigate the Central Digital Platform. Please see attached slides
https://supplierregistration.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
University of Huddersfield Business School
Help prepare the workforce of tomorrow!
We’re looking for employers and professionals to support our second-year students at our upcoming Pathways to Employment Event.
There are a number of ways to get involved. You could showcase your organisation and opportunities at our Employability Fair, share your career journey and industry insights, or help students develop their interview skills through mock interviews.
By taking part, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Raise awareness of your organisation and career opportunities.
- Connect with talented students and potential future recruits.
- Share valuable industry insight and inspire the next generation of professionals.
- Strengthen links with the University of Huddersfield and support student employability.
We’re particularly keen to hear from employers offering:
- Volunteering opportunities.
- Internships.
- Part-time roles.
- Placements.
- Graduate opportunities and other work-based experiences.
Every conversation can make a difference. Your support helps students build confidence, develop professional skills, and gain a clearer understanding of career pathways, while giving your organisation valuable visibility among emerging talent.
Interested in taking part? We’d love to hear from you.
🗓️Wednesday 14th October
⏰1:00pm – 4:00pm
📍Oastler Building, University of Huddersfield
If you are interested please email sbel-set@hud.ac.uk
Inspire the next generation of business professionals!
We are currently seeking guest speakers who are passionate about sharing their industry knowledge and experience with our students in the following areas:
– International Finance
– Applied Economics
– Health Economics
– Reward Management
– E-Commerce
– HR: Managing People
This is a fantastic opportunity to give back, showcase your expertise, and help students bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practice. If you have experience in any of these areas, and are interested in giving back, we’d love to hear from you!
If interested please email sbel-set@hud.ac.uk
Student Consultancy Projects
Is your organisation facing challenges with time, expertise or resource?
Our Student Consultancy Projects connect organisations with a group of talented Master’s students who help address real world business challenges.
Each project is tailored to your organisation, giving you access to fresh ideas, insights and recommendations that address your current business challenges or opportunities.
Susanne and Paula from Creative Analysis took part in a Student Consultancy Project last year, and found the experience extremely rewarding. They were impressed with the fresh insights the students brought, and we’re able to implement some of their recommendations into their business immediately.
AI ready Yorkshire
Could AI improve productivity, reduce costs or unlock new opportunities in your business?
Join us at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre for the launch of AI Ready Yorkshire and discover how SMEs based in Yorkshire and the Humber could access free, practical support from the University of Huddersfield!
During the event, you will hear practical insights from AI specialists and businesses already collaborating with the University. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your ideas directly with academics and explore whether they could form the basis of a suitable AI Ready Yorkshire project.
Projects could examine opportunities such as:
- Automating repetitive processes.
- Improving forecasting and decision-making.
- Generating better customer or operational insights.
- Making business knowledge easier to access.
- Using AI to improve productivity, service, or growth.
You do not need technical expertise or a fully developed project idea!
If you have a business challenge, an opportunity you would like to explore or simply want to understand where AI could create value, this event is an ideal starting point.
🗓️Wednesday 23rd September
⏰4:30pm – 6:30pm
📍3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Huddersfield
Research in Conversation: Me, Myself and AI
You’re invited to celebrate the launch of our new research Institute and explore artificial intelligence through a researcher’s journey!
This exciting Research in Conversation event will introduce the University of Huddersfield’s new Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence, highlighting its vision, ambitions, and role in advancing real-world applications of AI across sectors.
Attendees will hear from institute leaders about how the IAAI will bring together researchers, industry, and partners to address challenges and create new opportunities through applied AI.
Professor Jan Herbst Co-Director of the IAAI will also share his personal journey of using AI, inspired by an online debate about AI-generated music. Through real examples, he will show how AI can help us explore complex questions and spark fresh ideas.
What you’ll gain:
- An introduction to the University’s new institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) and its vision for making AI accessible and impactful.
- Practical examples of how AI can be applied to real-world challenges.
- Insights into how researchers are using AI to drive discovery and innovation.
- Ideas that can be transferred to professional, creative, and business settings.
🗓️Tuesday 13th October
⏰11:30am – 12:30pm
📍Oastler Building, University of Huddersfield
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/me-myself-and-ai-tickets-1997565973600
Yorkshire EXPO: Manufacturing and Export 2026, 6 October 2026
Join Chamber International and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce for the Yorkshire Manufacturing & Export EXPO – bringing together manufacturers, exporters, business leaders and the next generation of talent from across the region.
Yorkshire has a proud manufacturing heritage and a strong reputation for producing innovative, high-quality goods and services. This EXPO will celebrate that strength while looking firmly to the future – exploring how businesses can innovate, grow and take advantage of opportunities in international markets.
Whether you already export, are considering international expansion or want to strengthen your position within the manufacturing supply chain, the event offers an opportunity to make valuable connections, exchange ideas and discover new routes to growth.
https://www.chamber-international.com/events/yorkshire-expo-manufacturing-and-export-2026
Locala Health & Wellbeing
Free support to help you get back to work safely and confidently
Flyer attached
West Yorkshire Mayor’s Question Time with Tracy Brabin – Bus, 22nd Oct
Do you have a question about buses in West Yorkshire?
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is taking back control of buses through a process called bus franchising. Starting from Spring 2027, the Combined Authority will set bus routes, timetables, and fares instead of private companies. This is the biggest change to buses in West Yorkshire for decades.
This special West Yorkshire Mayor’s Question Time in Huddersfield will focus on these changes. Hosted by an independent journalist, this event gives residents, students, employers and communities from across West Yorkshire the opportunity to put your questions directly to Mayor Tracy Brabin and discuss the issues that matter most to bus users.
Whether you use the bus every day, occasionally, or would like to use it more in the future, this is your chance to ask questions and share your views on:
- Bus franchising and the Weaver Network
- Fares and ticketing
- Reliability, frequency, and connectivity of services
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Safety on the bus network
- Connections between bus, rail, walking and cycling
- The future of public transport in West Yorkshire
Come along to learn more about the most significant changes to West Yorkshire’s bus network in a generation and get answers to the questions that matter to you.
Find out more here Bus Franchising in West Yorkshire | Starting From 2027
To participate, it is necessary to book a ticket (free).
All ticket holders will be subject to a photo ID check and security search of any bags or carried items. Bags over A4 size are not allowed.
Please be advised that an official photographer/filmmaker will be present at the event and photos/videos may also be shared publicly after the event, make yourself know to a team member if you do not wish to feature.
For more information, please send an email at event@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Doors open at 18:00. You will need to be seated by 18:20 for a prompt start at 18:30.
Booking tickets and submitting a question
Tickets must be booked in advance to help us prepare the venue appropriately and ensure the event runs smoothly for all attendees.
When registering, you will have the opportunity to submit a question for the Mayor. Questions submitted will be reviewed and selected by the independent host who will ensure that the questions cover a broad range of bus-related topics.
We recommend submitting your question as early as possible. This allows the host sufficient time to review all submissions before finalising the questions that will be featured during the event.
Subject to time available on the evening, there may also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions from the floor
You can book a ticket up to 23:30 on the day before the event. You can also book a ticket and ask your question by calling Metroline 0113 245 7676, they will take your details and a member of the Events Team will call you back to book your ticket.
Entry requirements
All visitors wishing to enter the event will be subject to a photo ID check and security search of any bags or carried items. The search aims to ensure that no prohibited items are either deliberately or accidentally brought into the building. Please familiarise yourself with the Admissions Policy prior to the event.
Water4All Launches €34 Million Call for Sustainable Water Management Research
The Water4All Partnership has announced its Fifth Joint Transnational Call, focused on ‘Sustainable Water Management’ (excluding extreme events and circularity), aimed at research and innovation proposals that address the most pressing challenges for sustainable water management in Europe and beyond.
With a provisional global budget of approximately €34 million, the 2026 call will fund international collaborations that contribute to more resilient, sustainable and effective water systems.
Research and innovation proposals submitted under the Water4All 2026 Joint Transnational Call are required to address at least one of the following topics:
- Topic 1: Integrated Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Water Management.
- Topic 2: Nature-Based Approaches for Resilient Water Management at hydrological and hydrogeological system scale.
- Topic 3: Smart, secure and adaptive water infrastructures for sustainable water management.
- Topic 4: Resilient Water Systems Through Systemic Change, Policy Coherence and Inclusive governance.
The call topics are overlapping and non-exclusive. Proposals may integrate multiple topics, where relevant.
Participating countries include Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
Eligible consortia must include at least three funded partners from three different participating countries, including at least two independent legal entities from EU Member States or Horizon
Europe associated countries. A maximum of seven partners is permitted, including one self-funded partner. Applicants from non-participating countries may also take part if they can secure alternative funding.
The 2026 call introduces a dedicated modality for Early Career Researchers, enabling researchers who obtained their PhD within the last 10 years to lead project consortia.
Applications will follow a two-stage procedure, with mandatory pre-proposals due by 10 November 2026 (15:00 CET).
Pre-proposals must pass the general and national/regional eligibility checks.
https://www.water4all-partnership.eu
Launch of Next Generation Grant for Young Entrepreneurs
Enterprise Nation has opened applications for its Next Generation Grant, aimed at helping aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 24 develop a business idea.
The award is designed for individuals who are at an early stage and may not yet have formal structures in place. Applicants do not need to have a registered business, a business plan or any previous trading history to be considered. An idea is sufficient to apply, provided the applicant is seeking to develop it.
The scheme has been launched in response to concerns about the number of young people in the UK who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Estimates suggest around 750,000 working age young people under 24 are in this position. Enterprise Nation encounters young people with business ideas who do not have a clear route to developing them.
The support available will be awarded to one successful applicant. The recipient will receive a £1,500 grant intended to support the start-up of their business, alongside six hours of mentoring with an experienced entrepreneur. The package is intended to help the recipient explore their idea and take steps towards establishing a business.
The deadline for applications is 12 October 2026 https://www.enterprisenation.com/learn-something/next-generation-grant-now-open-to-support-uks-brightest-young-entrepreneurs/
Enterprise Nation Opens Grant and Mentoring Competition for Young Entrepreneurs
Enterprise Nation has opened applications for the Enterprise Nation Fund, a competition offering a grant and mentoring to help one young entrepreneur launch a new business. The competition is delivered by Enterprise Nation in partnership with NatWest.
The fund aims to support the successful applicant to develop their business idea and take steps towards getting it off the ground. The award combines financial support with guidance from an experienced entrepreneur.
One applicant will receive a £1,500 grant to support the start-up of their business. In addition, the winner will take part in monthly mentoring sessions for 12 months and receive access to a network of other small business owners.
Enterprise Nation will introduce the successful applicant to their mentor. The frequency and format of the sessions, including whether meetings take place face to face or remotely, will be agreed between the applicant and the mentor.
The competition is open to individuals aged 18 to 24 who are based in the UK. Applicants must be able to provide evidence that they have started working on a business and must be willing to provide evidence of how the grant has been spent on their business idea.
The deadline for applications is 16 October 2026 https://www.enterprisenation.com/enterprise-nation-fund/
Academic and Industry Partnerships Eligible for Zero Emission Vehicle Funding
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) has opened applications for the UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint, a competitive grant initiative aimed at supporting collaborative research that contributes to the UK’s transition to zero emission vehicles.
The activity is linked to the work of the UK Council for Automotive Academic Research (UKCAAR), which focuses on strengthening connections between academia, industry and government in support of zero emission mobility.
A total of £330,000 is available, with individual feasibility studies able to secure between £30,000 and £90,000. Projects are expected to explore novel, high-impact ideas and demonstrate clear academic and industry collaboration. Supported work must deliver a technical and market feasibility report, alongside a public-facing summary of findings.
To be eligible, proposals must be led by a UK-registered academic institution. Industry partner collaborators can be UK or international enterprises. All work must be carried out in the UK.
Projects must show potential to contribute to UK net zero goals and align with one or more DRIVE35 technology themes. These cover zero emission vehicle technologies, manufacturing competitiveness, future vehicle innovation and connected and automated mobility.
The scope includes areas such as batteries, electric machines, power electronics, hydrogen systems and fuel cells, lightweight materials and non-fossil fuel internal combustion engines, as well as digital transformation, decarbonisation, lean manufacturing and supply chain development.
The deadline for applications is 26 October 2026 https://www.apcuk.co.uk/funding/ukcaar-feasibility-sprint/
Launch of N-CODE Innovation Challenge for Neurological Healthcare Concepts
The N-CODE Innovation Challenge offers awards for early-stage concepts aimed at changing how neurological care is delivered in the NHS, with an emphasis on community and home-based approaches.
The Challenge seeks concepts that could help shift care from hospital-based services towards monitoring and management closer to home.
Two routes are available. The industry-led route offers up to £12,000 for each of three to five winners and is open to UK-registered businesses. The academic-led route offers up to £30,000 for each of three winners and is open to applicants eligible for UK Research and Innovation funding. Projects supported through either route must run for a maximum of eight weeks.
The Challenge is interested in approaches that use wearable technologies, digital biomarkers, artificial intelligence and mathematical modelling. It is also seeking ideas that increase the use of digital technology and data in identifying, monitoring and managing neurological conditions, support earlier identification of risk and enable more proactive prevention of deterioration.
Applications are welcomed from industry and technology developers, researchers and academics, healthcare professionals and others with relevant expertise. Proposals are expected to bring together the capabilities needed to develop the innovation and should set out the problem being addressed, the proposed approach and the potential difference it could make.
Support can be used to explore concepts that do not yet have a finished solution. Eligible activities include developing new technologies, adapting existing tools, feasibility studies, co-design projects and developing new approaches to delivering neurological care.
The deadline for applications is 18 November 2026 https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/n-code-innovation-challenge-the-future-of-neurological-healthcare/
Innovate UK Opens Battery Innovation Round 3 Competition Calls
Innovate UK has opened Round 3 of the Battery Innovation Concept Development and Feasibility Studies Competitions.
The call supports collaborative research and development and feasibility studies intended to strengthen the UK battery supply chain and progress battery technologies towards commercial application.
It is split into two strands: Battery Innovation – Concept Development and Battery Innovation – Feasibility Studies.
The Concept Development strand backs projects that address capability gaps across the UK battery value chain, including battery cell and module and pack manufacturing, high-performance cell technologies, automated manufacturing, non-destructive testing and AI-supported design and simulation. Proposals should show how the work contributes to supply chain resilience, localisation or increased domestic economic value. Applicants are expected to set out how innovations could improve large-scale cell manufacturing, advance module technologies, deliver high-performance battery packs or battery management systems, reduce reliance on overseas manufacturers, support AI-enabled development or enable scale-up from laboratory research to pilot or pre-commercial manufacturing in the UK.
The Feasibility Studies strand supports work to develop and commercialise battery technologies and demonstrate their application across different sectors. Projects must address at least one intended outcome, such as reduced costs or total cost of ownership, improved performance, improved safety, increased predictability or reliability, reduced environmental impact or alignment with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
Up to £25 million has been allocated. Concept Development projects can request between £500,000 and £4 million in total eligible grant support, while Feasibility Studies projects can request between £70,000 and £500,000.
The competition is open to collaborative projects led by a UK registered business of any size, with at least one UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise claiming grant support.
Academic institutions cannot lead but may collaborate, alongside charities, not for profit organisations, public sector organisations and research and technology organisations, provided they are UK registered.
The deadline for applications is 2 December 2026 https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2571/overview/f45e5f00-e663-4c9e-a2e7-562a696561d7
The Kirkwood
From 6 to 12 October, it is Hospice Care Week, a time to recognise the incredible work hospices do and the challenges they face. Recent news coverage has highlighted the ongoing funding pressures on hospices and their reliance on fundraising to continue providing essential care and support.
That’s why The Kirkwood is encouraging local businesses to get involved by hosting a Cuppa for Kirkwood event. Gather your team, invite clients, or connect with customers over a coffee and cake, all while supporting your local hospice.
It is a great opportunity to bring people together, strengthen relationships, and raise valuable funds for a cause that touches so many lives.
Request your free Cuppa for Kirkwood fundraising pack via https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/how-you-can-help/campaigns/cuppa