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Iawards will promote innovation in British business

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson and entrepreneur James Caan today called on the UK's best innovators to put themselves forward for the iawards - the first ever Government backed awards to celebrate achievements in science, innovation and technology - to get the recognition they deserve. Their call to action comes as a new survey shows that businesses believe British innovators are unsung heroes whose contribution to making Britain a better place to work often goes unnoticed.

The survey, commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, reveals that more then nine in ten business leaders agreed that giving employees recognition will drive entrepreneurship in the workplace.

The survey also found that nearly half (43 per cent) of senior executives surveyed across the UK believe that UK organisations are good at supporting innovative business areas and ideas. While this shows a strong foundation from which innovation can thrive, more must be done to promote the skills and spirit which are essential for shaping Britain's future in the global economy.

Views on the best way to achieve this vary; the research reveals 63 per cent of business leaders polled feel that open communication to discuss new ideas will encourage greater innovation from their employees. Less than half (43 per cent) would consider implementing innovation sessions, whilst a third (36 per cent) would offer cash or stock option incentives.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:

“Businesses are doing a great job in developing the innovations that will drive the country out of recession. I't's time to recognise and honour our best innovators - those who are creating the successful companies of tomorrow. The iawards will do just that - not just in these extraordinary times we find ourselves in, but for years to come. Make sure to get your entries in by 16 September 2009 to take part in this inaugural year”

Leading entrepreneur and businessman James Caan said:

“The economic downturn presents an opportunity to transform UK business and create a positive climate for the creation of new innovations. Some of the world's most successful companies, including Microsoft, were conceived during a recession. The UK has some of the greatest minds in the world and thanks to the existing efforts of our entrepreneurs SMEs still make up more than 55 per cent of UK GDP. They must be encouraged and recognised for their work. I firmly believe that businesses who focus their energy on nurturing the talent available to them can lead the UK out of the recession. This is why I support the iawards, a long awaited opportunity to fully celebrate and recognise the strength of science, technology and innovation in the UK”

The iawards includes 13 categories which are open to all organisations, but all antrants must specify the British involvement in any innovation - demonstrating that innovative thinking and development came from a British organisation or team.

The awards categories reflect the greatest challenges we face as a country where science and innovation offer the best chance of developing viable solutions. Each entry must demonstrate how its innovative qualities relate to at least one of the following challenges:

• Addressing the healthcare needs of an ageing society
• Increasing international security from tackling global poverty to minimising the threat of terrorism
• Preserving finite natural resources in the face of population growth and climate change; and
• Delivering public services which make best use of new technologies

They must also demonstrate that the innovation has an impact on one of the Government's grand challenges for science.

The iawards in association with QinetiQ are run by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. Siemens sponsor the Next Big Thing category and Microsoft sponsor the Best Technology Start Up category.

UK Trade & Investment, the government organisation which helps British companies win business in new markets, will work with the winning companies to help them find new potential business opportunities and partnerships. In addition to this, the winners will be invited to attend key industry events such as the giant Medica trade fair in Germany and TechnologyWorld in Coventry this autumn.

Science and technology has been a driving force behind Britain's export success. Exports for life sciences, for example, rose 19% in 2008. Innovation is also important in keeping the UK as the number one destination for inward investment in Europe. UKTI statistics show that the number of investment projects in creative industries increased by 65% in 2008/9 and in software and computer servises by 36%.

For more information, and to enter, visit

iawards website

The closing date for entries is 16 September. The iawards gala dinner will take place at the Science Museum, November 16, 2009

24 Aug 2009