Regional businesses set to benefit from Glaswegian intellectual property firm investment

Regional businesses could benefit from extra cash and support through a competition held by Murgitroyd, a global firm of patent and trade mark attorneys.

Murgitroyd, which has an office in Newcastle, is inviting pre-profit and non-profit enterprises to enter its Innovator Launchpad competition.

Now being run for the third time, the competition offers a cash prize to the winner of £6,500 plus a PR and advice package.

The firm is encouraging all up-and-coming North East businesses to present their innovative solution to a business or social problem.

The competiton closes on November 7. The top 10 entrants - based on the criteria of innovation, impact, sustainability and presentation - will then be asked to produce a 90-second video, which will be voted on by the public.

The top three entrants will then be interviewed by a cross-industry panel to decide on 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, with the winner being announced on January 22, 2019.

Murgitroyd, which has years of experience in supporting innovators in the North East and further afield, developed the competition to address the two main areas in which entrepreneurs need support - finance and professional advice.

Keith Jones, director of patents at Murgitroyd, commented: “We recognise the challenges innovators face and want to support them throughout their journeys.

“We’re excited at the prospect of once again working with some of the UK’s top entrepreneurial talent, and hopefully giving them a boost to their businesses.”

Previous winners include Brian Miller and Monika Tomecka of UFraction8, who invented a unique water treatment solution, and Michael Harkins of Turtle Pack, who created an innovative swim aid for children.

UFraction8 was recently awarded a €50k grant from the EU Horizon2020 fund and Turtle Pack’s product was endorsed by Sir Richard Branson.