30 November 2012
Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation
Annabel Cooper, Comms Officer
As the hub for the knowledge, innovation and skills required to create a low carbon economy, everyone at ECCI is really looking forward to seeing all the innovative solutions and behaviours that will be showcased at the VIBES awards ceremony on Thursday.
2012 is the first year that the ECCI has sponsored the VIBES awards and in keeping with the Centre’s focus on business innovation among Scottish SMEs, we are sponsoring the ‘Best Management’ award in the small and medium enterprise category. The ECCI HQ was a hub of activity back in May when 40 prospective VIBES winners descended on our building for the launch of the VIBES Awards 2012 in Edinburgh, so we know how tough it will be to select the winners from such a strong pool.
As well as sponsoring the SME Management award, the Edinburgh Centre is also offering up to three days of free support to successful applicants in each of the award categories, as well as to previous winners and entrants. The successful candidates will receive expert advice from one of ECCI’s three Business Managers who focus on a specific cluster area: Carbon Accounting; Green Web; Ecosystem Services; Built Environment & Renewables; Sustainable Transport & Carbon Finance.
ECCI’s business innovation support includes: gaining access to funding and investment; matching up businesses with potential investors & partners; advice and support accessing new markets; feasibility testing and technical evaluation, and skills training & advice.
You can find out more about ECCI’s experts and services at the link below and/or by contacting our Business Development manager Charlotte Waugh (charlotte.waugh@ed.ac.uk - 0131 650 5326). Or if you are going to the award ceremony on Thursday look out for Business Managers Dave Gunn and Susan Davies there. ECCI Innovation Projects
As ECCI has already worked with some of the finalists in the VIBES awards categories we will also be looking out for how they fare on Thursday. You can find out more about the VIBES entrants ECCI has helped below and get in touch if you think we can be of help to you and your business.
Case Study 1: Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association
ECCI has assisted CREHA in accessing feasibility funding from the Technology Strategy Board for testing out innovative technologies in the refurbishment of a former school building now in their hands.
More information: ECCI helps TSB launch £10m innovation competition: ECCI and TSB Seminar
Case Study 2: Ewgeco
Ewgeco is the creator of innovative and engaging display systems allowing the monitoring of energy sources in homes and businesses. ECCI has assisted with evaluating the benefits of usage in commercial buildings, and has supported the company at its low carbon showcase events in 2012.
Read the full case study: Ewgeco case study