Yorkshire Forward projects showcased at Doncaster iFestival

19/03/2010

Two of Yorkshire Forward’s pioneering projects will feature on the agenda for the 2010 Doncaster iFestival which starts next week.

Plans to develop the region’s low carbon economy and a scheme that will provide a high-speed broadband connection to more than 1.3m internet users will both be hot topics for discussion during the six-week iFestival, which aims to promote the innovation that takes place within the borough.and develop a culture of innovation.

Events for the Yorkshire Forward projects get under way on Monday, March 22, with Digital Region – A Major Business Opportunity, which will provide the region’s businesses with more information about how they can benefit from the project, which allows users to download from the internet at speeds of 24Mbps – nearly five times the national average.

Digital Region is the first major regional deployment of Superfast Broadband in the UK, not only bringing improved access to a whole range of entertainment, business and public sector services, but importantly attracting new investment and new jobs – for young and old – into the region.

Then on Tuesday, March 23, the Yorkshire Science and Technology Network (YSTN) host Copenhagen, Innovation and Race to Tackle Climate Change, which looks at the steps being taken by Yorkshire Forward to drive the region towards a low carbon future.

For example, so far more than £160m of European Commission funding has been secured for a Carbon Capture and Storage facility at Hatfield, the Humber coast has been identified as a wind energy hotspot, and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC), which will lead the research, development and manufacture of parts for the nuclear power industry, will be located in the region.

Later in the event, on Friday, April 9, entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts as part of the Digital Region Dragons’ Den event. Application forms for anyone looking to take part are available at www.successdoncaster.co.uk/innovation

Finally, on Tuesday, April 13, the Yorkshire Forward-funded Centre of Excellence for Food and Drink Automation and Robotics (CenFRA)  will host an open day at their Crompton Road, Doncaster, headquarters to promote their services, the support available,  and promote business-to-business networking.

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “Innovation is the lifeblood of business and it’s vital that we continue to promote events such as the Doncaster iFestival, which give our region’s innovative businesses a platform on which to demonstrate their successes.

“I’m delighted that Yorkshire Forward will play a part in the event because it’s important that we not only play a key part in promoting innovation, but are seen to innovate ourselves. Digital Region and our plans for low carbon energy production and technologies demonstrate perfectly our commitment to innovation and a green future.”

Councillor Jonathan Wood, Doncaster Council Cabinet Member for Business and New Enterprise, said: “Doncaster’s iFesitval will provide local companies with the support and advice they need to become more innovative in how they do business and this should help them achieve further business success.”

More information about the Doncaster iFestival, including a full list of events, can be found at www.successdoncaster.co.uk/innovation, and you can follow all iFestival related updates on Twitter by searching for 2010iFestival.

More information

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Murphy, Press Manager on 0113 3949904 or email Daniel.murphy@yorkshire-forward.com

Yorkshire Forward

  • Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.