HOVIP - Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme

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Testimonials

"Superb – far above expectations. Really enjoyable and informal. To have other people helping you to develop your business was excellent. It has given me direction and focus. I can't recommend it enough."

PJ Cavalli, Owner, PJ Cavalli Training

Latest News

1. 30 April 2010: HOVIP wins prestigious UK Enterprise Support Award

   The Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme (HOVIP) has won a prestigious UK Enterprise Support Award. The Award recognises the ground-breaking and innovative business support provided by HOVIP and the exceptional results the programme has achieved for businesses in the South Wales Valleys. Download the Awards Press Release here.

2. 8 December 2009: Turning Heads Club event

   Members of the Turning Heads Club were treated to a Choc & Cheese event at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and sampled products from The Blaenavon Cheddar Cheese Company and Chocs Away. As well as plenty of opportunity to network and do business, Sam Macalister explained how members’ businesses can benefit from Finance Wales and Cardiff University provided feedback on their recent survey which has resulted in two marketing courses in the New Year specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses in the area.
   For more information see Turning Heads Club

3. 18 November 2009: Equinox - HOVIP Challenge, Orbit Business Centre, Merthyr

   Equinox PR and HOVIP have joined forces to deliver an innovative initiative as part of Global Enterprise Week and Merthyr Tydfil Enterprise Group’s series of related events. The Equinox – HOVIP Challenge is an exciting initiative involving teams of Merthyr Tydfil College students developing imaginative means of marketing Parc Taf Bargoed Lakeside Activity Centre, the Welsh International Climbing Centre and related facilities. The initiaitive is loosely based on the Dragons’ Den concept. Download the Equinox-HOVIP Challenge press release.

4. 11 November 2009: HOVIP's security cluster wins first order

   Five firms from the Heads of the Valleys and beyond are securing their future by working together to help boost business and increase awareness of the expertise available in the region (see www.securewales.co.uk). Download Living Wales HOVIP nov09

5. June 2009: HOVIP helps Dischromatics Ltd

   With the support of the Welsh Assembly Government (Steve Jones), HOVIP helped Dischromatics Ltd obtain £15k grant for a new CD printing machine just before the deadline fo the former Technology Exploitation Grant. It is estimated that this will help the business increase turnover by at least 10% in one year. For more information, download this press release.

6. 25 June 2009: Dowlais Engine House hosts winners of the 2009 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards

   The winners of the 2009 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards were recently announced in front of a capacity audience in the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Dowlais Engine House.

   For more information please access http://www.hovip.org.uk/innovation-awards.php or the attached press release.

7. 26 May 2009: Creation of HOVIP Security Cluster and first successful application for the new National Enterprise Networks Fund to develop the cluster.

   A cluster of five firms in the Heads of the Valleys, including one social enterprise, is one of the spin-offs of the HOVIP Turning Heads Club. The five firms have come together to pursue a joint marketing campaign and potential opportunities for combined tenders including for the Ryder Cup 2010. The cluster is also the first successful application to the new National Enterprise Networks Fund from the Welsh Assembly Government. They will be using the funding to further develop the cluster and take advantage of additional opportunities.

8. May 2009: HOVIP supports Merthyr Tydfil Business Awards

   Merthyr Tydfil celebrated the success of its local businesses and social enterprises in style at a gala evening hosted by BBC Wales Presenter Jason Mohammed at the conference centre of the brand new Orbit Business Centre. HOVIP worked closely with the organisers, Merthyr Tydfil Enterprise Group, providing support and resources for the awards process, as well as introducing a new Innovation award category.

   For more information see Merthyr Tydfil Business Awards press release

9. 26 March 2009: HOVIP helps Torfaen Business Voice regain momentum

   A great example of the power of partnership is the link between HOVIP and Torfaen Business Voice. Torfaen Business Voice provides a valuable forum for local businesses to come together to discuss business related issues. The club had gained momentum in the last 12 months and seen an increase in membership. However, in the current challenging economic climate, membership had now levelled out. To help regain the momentum, HOVIP sponsored the first meeting of 2009, which helped secure a high profile keynote speaker, Professor Brian Morgan, Director of the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre at the Cardiff School of Management.

   Speaking on 'Change Management and Business Survival in a Recession', Professor Morgan attracted a record audience (30% higher than previous attendance) and stimulated extensive discussion.

   "We were delighted to support Torfaen Business Voice and to help them boost awareness and interest," says Phil Burkhard. "This is an excellent example of how working together produces results for everyone."

10. 7 April 2009: Third Turning Heads Club and Launch of 2009 HoV Innovation Awards

    The third Turning Heads Club event was held at Llancaiach Fawr in Nelson and included the launch of the 2009 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards. Taste of Wales provided an arts and crafts showcase alongside a presentation from Leanne Turner on The Works Project in Ebbw Vale, a multi-million pound project to boost tourism in the Heads of the Valleys. Turning Heads Club members were urged to enter the 2009 HoV Innovation Awards launched by Richie Turner from The University of Wales Global Innovation Academy.

    For more information see 2009 HoV Innovation Awards launch press release

11. 27 February 2009: HOVIP Manager is finalist in Leading Wales Awards

12. 26 February 2009: University of Wales Global Academy Prince of Wales Initiative sponsors 2009 HoV Innovation Awards

13. 29 January 2009: Second Turning Heads Club event

    The second Turning Heads Club event was held in the Cwmaman Miners Institute run by local Trustees and the Cwmaman Public Hall & Institute Ltd. This building was formerly a Reading Room for Miners but has been amazingly transformed into an Aladdin's cave of community facilities and resources. Turning Heads Club members were treated to succulent cuts of lamb and beef from the Welsh Mountain Meat Company and Award-winning samples of Rhymney Brewery's finest ales. John Edney (Caerphilly County Borough Council) spoke about the new Local Investment Fund and Lucy O'Donnell (Strategic Programme Manager for HoV Tourism) gave a personal insight to the HoV plans and opportunities for tourism.

    For more information see Turning Heads Club