Supporting AgriFood SMEs: SPG Innovation’s journey to innovative plant-based protein
Discover how SPG Innovation has taken advantage of multiple funding and networking mechanisms to develop healthy, sustainable plant protein with Innovate UK Business Connect support.
Leveraging networks to access expertise and resources
Sarah Gaunt, Managing Director at SPG Innovation, is pioneering nutritious, less refined plant-based proteins and ingredients that are healthier, tastier, and more sustainable.
SPG innovation have been successful in accessing a wide range of Innovate UK opportunities including funding through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK, mentorship from the Investment Readiness Programme and one-to-one support from the Innovate UK Business Connect AgriFood team. Receiving tailored support and advice has empowered SPG Innovation to hone their business case and confidently pitch their offer to investors and industry experts. Innovate UK funding has also helped validate their products across their value chain to customers.
Sarah emphasises the value of this support in developing her personal communication skills as well as expanding the horizons of her growing business. Access to expertise and resources, typically out of reach for smaller businesses, has been a game changer and unique opportunities such as the support to access private funding have contributed towards her success.
Sarah and SPG Innovation are a good example of how SMEs can take advantage of the support we provide with networking, grants, and investment to accelerate their innovation journey. This has enabled the company to access expertise and resources that would be otherwise unavailable to them as an SME. Sarah has utilised the full range of support mechanisms available to progress her innovations and grow her business.
– David Telford, Head of AgriFood at Innovate UK Business Connect
Advice for creating new partnerships and customers
Joanna Gosling, Knowledge Transfer Manager – AgriFood at Innovate UK Business Connect encourages businesses to form strategic partnerships that enable access to new markets and technical capabilities. Get in touch with Joanna to find out about the partnering support and networking opportunities on offer from Innovate UK Business Connect that helped Sarah to redefine her business proposition and successfully win multiple Innovate UK grants.
Watch the below video for more advice on how we support the innovation journeys of small businesses:
Are you interested in receiving support from Innovate UK Business Connect?
If you would like project support for your business, we highly recommend that you:
- Read the Innovate UK good application guide for those interested in applying for an upcoming funding opportunity.
- Subscribe to our Innovate UK AgriFood newsletter for updates on the latest news, funding opportunities and networking events.
