SMEs and start-ups in any business sector offering innovation that can be applied to Liverpool city region’s £4bn maritime sector can get support from a new £1.9m project. Tony McDonough reports

A new £1.9m project will offer support for innovation that can be applied to Liverpool city region’s £4bn maritime sector.

Port City Innovation Hub (PCiH) is seeking interest from SMEs and start-ups in any business sector. They can access tailored support to grow and scale their business by introducing new products, services, or processes that could be used in the maritime industry.

PCiH seeks to accelerate innovation and growth in the sector over the next 18 months, as a forerunner to the opening of the £23m Maritime Knowledge Hub in Wirral Waters, a project being driven by industry body Mersey Maritime.

Around 100 participants will join one of four distinct programme cohorts receiving innovation strategy and operational advice, innovation sprint masterclasses and mentorship, and access to research consultancy and facilities.

The programme is led by Wirral Council and jointly funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). PCiH delivery partners include The University of Liverpool, Wirral Chamber of Commerce, and international innovation consultancy Rainmaking Innovations.

In addition, a bespoke programme of events run by Mersey Maritime will help participants grow their presence in maritime industries with the opportunity to develop new markets and commercial partnerships.

Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s Economic, Regeneration and Development Committee, said: “Port City Innovation Hub will provide much-needed support for our maritime sector, which is an essential part of this region’s economy.

“By bringing together businesses, industry expertise and world-class resources, it will allow dynamic new ideas, services and products to grow and flourish. This will create a welcome boost for the sector, offering economic growth, job creation and re-affirming Wirral as a place of innovation.”

More information about Port City Innovation Hub and its delivery partners can be found here: www.portcity.uk. Find the project on LinkedIn at Port City Innovation Hub and on Twitter at @Portcity_LCR.