Fastest-growing innovation show in the South
Azets, the UK’s largest regional accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, with offices in London and across the South East, underlined its commitment to the SME community by sponsoring and presenting several business awards at Venturefest in Southampton on Thursday 21st October, in conjunction with strategic partner Propel Finance. More than a billion pounds of investment opportunity was on offer to the South’s brightest start-ups and businesses at the #VFS21 Festival of Innovation.
This was the fifth showcase event from not-for-profit partnership Venturefest South, which provides early-stage businesses and innovators with zero-cost promotional opportunities, exhibition stands, networking and support services.
Azets Partners presented three awards on the day, and Tim Croft, Azets’ National Head of Research and Development and Regional Managing Partner, was also a judge of the awards.
The winners of the awards were:-
“Innovator of the Year” Winner: Maverick Aviation, selected for its affordable and practicable “jet pack” flight which is very nearly market-ready. The innovative device is compact enough to be loaded into a small vehicle in order to be deployed quickly. This could have significant benefits in enabling medical staff to attend those needing treatment who would otherwise be very difficult to reach. The “Flight” operation is simple and Maverick has ensured continued flight in emergencies. In addition, multi fuel solutions have been engineered into the system.
Web: www.maverickaviation.co.uk
“Early-Stage Innovator of the Year” Winner: Acoustic Black Holes , a BAE-funded Southampton University project which looks at noise cancelling by using passive vibration control, meaning the noise is cancelled at source rather than just the frequency at reception. The applications of this technology are many, including use in a commercial airliner where air and engine sound can be cancelled. This would allow thinner fuselages and so less fuel would be needed.
“Sustainable Innovation Leader of the Year” Winner: Oxto Energy. By using revolutionary flywheel technology to store energy, Oxto has developed a system which then can make the energy available in a specific sustainable solution, all done is a safe and deliverable way. This should have a significant impact on reducing power consumption.
Web: www.oxtoenergy.com
In addition to sponsoring and judging the awards, Azets, along with independent finance house Propel Finance, fielded experts from both companies to provide business advice to event attendees on the day.
Tim Croft said, “Azets is focused on helping SMEs with a broad range of taxation and accountancy requirements, and our sponsorship of this event and presence on the day reflects our deep commitment to this sector. The region is recognised as one of the most vibrant in the UK and we were delighted to play our part in this exciting show, helping to encourage individuals and organisations with new ideas and innovations to develop world-leading businesses and solutions.”
This interactive, one-day conference featured excellent speakers, seminars, workshops, and demonstrations of the latest technology and innovations. New to 2021, there were ‘hybrid’ tickets for those who were unable to make it on the day.
Venturefest South programme and its annual showcase aims to strengthen connectivity between the various players in the region’s innovation ecosystem, including innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, SMEs and government organisation. It provides a platform to showcase and empower innovators across the region which translates into economic growth. This year the focus was on debating, exploring and sharing ideas on some of the biggest themes affecting and driving innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth.
Venturefest South (VFS) was the first region in the Venturefest network to develop a collaboratively funded model which is now considered a shining example of how to run such programmes. VFS partners invest money and time into this rapidly growing network and benefit from the region’s most hotly anticipated and attended innovation events and activities. The money that is paid into VFS by its partners, sponsors and exhibitors goes towards running the showcase and other events.
Venturefest 2021 was co-hosted by Solent LEP and creative communications agency Carswell Gould and was held at the Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, Southampton SO30 3XH.