Innovate UK is to invest up to £15 million in innovative research and development projects that will turn innovation excellence into economic impact for the UK.

The aim of this competition is to help businesses develop new products, processes and services with commercial potential. Proposals should demonstrate disruptive and/or cutting-edge innovations. Businesses should demonstrate evidence-based ambition and potential for return on investment, growth and scale-up, preferably with access to global markets.

To be in scope, total costs for the project must be between £25,000 to £1 million. Projects should last between 6 months to 36 months.

The competition is open to businesses of any size. You can work individually or collaboratively.

Find out more or register and apply here.

You are invited to exhibit at The Local Food Show. This event will give you an opportunity as a food and drink producer in Cumbria, Northumbria and South West Scotland to exhibit your produce to an audience of tourism, catering and hospitality professionals. Locally produced food is of such a high quality in our area it is important that local businesses and organisations are aware of the quality of produce on our doorstep. We have something proud to shout about.

The event will be held on 23rd March 2017 at H & H Exhibition Hall, Rosehill, Carlisle from 12noon to 5pm. The exhibition will be followed by a dinner. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your products to (local private and public sector buyers: from hotels, restaurants, cafes and retailers, to institutions and tourist establishments), network and celebrate our Local Food offer. A range of masterclasses will be offered on the day. Further details of these and booking arrangements will be disclosed nearer the event.

Please click here for more information or if you have questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact The Local Food Show on 07576 229773.

The impact of untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy and post childbirth can be devastating. Psychological wellbeing is important for everyone during pregnancy, irrespective of the outcome of the pregnancy. We must all come together to ensure that the mothers (fathers and their families) with perinatal mental health conditions are appropriately supported with dignity and respect. No one should suffer in silence due to the fear of stigma and shame in this modern era of scientific advancement and human knowledge. Join Dr Raja Gangopadhyay - Consultant Obstetrician, Dr Diane Speier - Birth, Growth and Healing, Mr Ajith Wijesirivardana -Consultant and Clinical Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology NCUH NHS Cumbria, Dr Veena Rao - Community Gynaecological Services, Sussane Remic www.ghostwritermummy.co.uk, Gemma Cairns - Happy Mums Foundation, Gareth Presch, Founder World Health Innovation Summit, and Dr Suresh Rao - Chair MSC NCUH for a relaxed afternoon with tea and sandwiches provided, from 1-4pm.

Find out more and register here.

Are you a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer? Small Business Saturday is supporting you! Small Business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that highlights small business success and encourages customers to support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year and the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2016 Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday 3rd December.

You can get involved by hanging the poster and window sticker in a prominent place to show your support for Small Business Saturday and attract customers through your door. Posters are available from Carlisle City Council to collect or can be sent out to you. Please email [email protected]

Alternatively you can download a digital version of the poster to use on your website and social media. Find out more information here.