Run by the University of Nottingham and in partnership with Nuffield Health, the Ingenuity Programme provides start-up skills and training, networking, mentoring, and routes to funding for early-stage impact-driven businesses to make social, health and environmental change. The most impactful ideas are awarded a top prize and receive a share of £75,000 funding to help them in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journeys. The programme supports participants to turn ideas for change into exciting new ventures and adopts an agile and flexible approach to ensure diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. The Ingenuity Programme is designed to demystify entrepreneurship and support those not currently served by existing services available in Nottingham and in the UK’s start-up landscape. This includes engaging with and supporting underserved and underrepresented groups both from within the university and its local communities. This year, the overall winner was Max Bateson from HYGGE who won the Ingenuity Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award, supported by Nuffield Health. HYGGE aims to provide innovative solutions for the challenges of the UK’s aging population, integrating modern technology, adaptable living spaces, and a supportive environment to support caregivers and improve the lives of the elderly. This also aims to reduce the burden on informal carers and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional care homes, promoting independence and social interaction for the elderly. Max Bateson, Health Champion and Impact Entrepreneur of the Year, said: “Really happy to have gotten this far and to be able to present HYGGE. For me, the best part of this has been meeting so many people along the way who have been so great in offering expertise to help HYGGE. “Working with Ingenuity has been great as every time I join a networking call in particular I always get a new boost of motivation to push harder as I see so many people doing amazing things to offer a product or service to help others!” Other successful business ventures of the event included Jade Morgan from BaseGap who won the Communities Champion, and Saskia Manson from re-new who was the Climate Champion. BaseGap, founded by Jade Morgan, tackles the double disadvantage of young people facing poorly designed homes and public spaces. This social enterprise believes young people aged 14-25 from underprivileged communities deserve inspiring surroundings. BaseGap works with them, educators, and councils to co-create comfortable and supportive spaces. Re-new provides a library of reuse methodologies and real-world case studies to enable integration of material reuse into major redevelopment projects from the outset. Jade Morgan said: “The Ingenuity Programme propelled BaseGap from a passionate idea to a viable social enterprise, equipping me with the skills and confidence to turn my vision into a reality. I’m truly grateful to the team for their continuous support!” Ben Davies, Organisational Development Director at Nuffield Health, said: “At Nuffield Health, we are passionate about partnerships that tackle the UK’s major health, social, and environmental challenges, so we’re proud to once again be working alongside Ingenuity Impact, which provides vital support to emerging entrepreneurs who are making tangible and positive differences in their communities. “This year, I’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the winners. A huge well done to everyone who took part.” Claire Mulholland, Director of the Ingenuity Programme, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the 2024 Ingenuity National Competition and the positive, meaningful impact of the programme this year. “The Ingenuity Programme team are so incredibly proud of our 2024 Changemakers and their commitment to developing businesses focused on improving health, tackling climate change and building stronger communities. “Thank you to our participants, alumni, corporate, community and university partners, mentors, judges, contributors and other valued members of our Ingenuity Programme network.”

Small firms say the “supply chain could crumble” unless the next Government prioritises international trade. Figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show that one in five (22%) small firms are worried about the costs of exports and imports over the next five years. The research also shows how one in four (27%) would like to see a reduction in the cost and time it takes to import and export. Elsewhere, three in ten (28%) say that one of the measures in FSB’s manifesto proposal for a Small Business Act should focus on making it easier for the UK to trade internationally. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “International trade fuels progress and fresh ideas, and without it, our supply chain crumbles. Small firms who reach global markets also tend to grow faster and be stronger during tough economic times. “However, our research presents some troubling figures, so the next Government will therefore need to keep trade at the top of their agenda. “Strengthening trade links with major markets like the EU and USA is key to the UK’s future as a global trading force. This would also incentivise small firms to start and continue trading. “Our election manifesto outlines ways to achieve this, including creating a simple online trade portal that collects all the information small firms need to provide just once – a “once and done” approach. The hefty paperwork and confusing fees associated with international trade are also a concern, and those administrative burdens need to be reduced. “Investing in training for Border Force staff is a quick way to keep goods moving smoothly across the borders, as will on-the-ground resources to improve customs training. “There also needs to be plans for a next-generation export development grant or tax relief scheme, taking inspiration from successful international examples, such as the ones used in Australia for decades. “In the 2026 review of the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the Government should negotiate to remove the need for an intermediary for the EU VAT system. They should also aim for mutual recognition of product standards and professional qualifications in key sectors. “We were pleased to be invited to work with the Labour Party on an exports taskforce, which will create a better approach to industrial trade and policy, and be published shortly. “Simplifying international trade for small businesses will allow us to drive significant economic growth and increase resilience. We must not let this opportunity pass us by.”