Every successful business is based on a good idea, and ideas are crucial to innovation.

The Business Gateway Ideas Taskforce has been created to ensure that great business ideas can see the light of day, and receive the support they need to become reality. Sue Tilley, Head of Business & Innovation, launched the Ideas Taskforce during the Recovery Through Innovation webinar. 

The Ideas Taskforce has been established in response to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (REAP). MIT is one of the world’s leading universities, and the LLEP was one of only six Local Enterprise Partnerships selected by the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to take part in the programme. 

MIT REAP is designed to help regions accelerate economic growth and job creation through innovation-driven entrepreneurship. The Ideas Taskforce is the conduit for MIT REAP activities, bringing together five key stakeholder groups (government, universities, large corporates, entrepreneurs and risk capital). It will define how businesses can be helped to innovate, survive and thrive post-Covid19, and develop a long-term vision of future regional economic growth as part of the LLEP Economic Recovery Group. 

Members of the Ideas Taskforce include representatives from Natwest, the British Business Bank, PPL PRS Ltd,  RSM, Loughborough, Leicester and De Montfort Universities, Innovate UK and local SME’s, DPI Ltd and Aristec Ltd. 

Businesses will be regularly updated about the Taskforce’s initiatives and support activities through the Business Gateway Growth Hub. 

Download the MIT REAP Strategy overview and framework below