CREST is sponsoring the Environmental Innovation Award which recognises environmentally aware businesses which have introduced or developed innovative environmental practices, processes or technology, either for use within their own business or for the marketplace.

The Awards Ceremony, run by the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, is one of the premier events of the county business calendar. Now in its 18th year, this year’s event will take place on 15 June 2018.

The Awards are open to all businesses in Shropshire – any size, any type of business, start-ups and previous winners. Entrants do not need to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce or any other organisation.

The Awards are free to enter and the deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 20 April 2018. Shortlisted businesses will be announced on Wednesday 2 May 2018.

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) Deputy Provost said:

“CREST has been set up to support environmental science and technology businesses and we want to highlight businesses that are environmentally conscious, from those who have adapted their way of operating to those that are researching and developing new products.”

“We are encouraging businesses to enter and receive the recognition they deserve. We are delighted to sponsor this Award and are excited to see the shortlist in May.”

Entries in the Environmental Innovation category will be assessed on:

• Level of innovation that has been required to implement the product or process
• Success of product or process within business or marketplace
• Impact of product or process on business, environment and local community
• Sustainability of approach and potential for future development

For further information and to enter, go to www.shropshirebusinessawards.co.uk.

CREST is based at Guildhall in Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, UCS’s learning and research base.

The £1.97 million centre has been created at the institution, in partnership with University Centre Reaseheath, after UCS was awarded a European Regional Development Fund grant of almost £1.2 million, via the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, with the University of Chester contributing around another £800,000.

The CREST team is working with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in Shropshire, including the Telford and Wrekin area. Support is provided through research and specialist advice, and helping SMEs to develop innovative ideas and products before bringing them to market. This includes workshops to learn about new technologies and opportunities, and researcher placements.

To find out more about CREST go to www.crestatucs.com, email crest@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 297561.

ENDS

Further information

CREST is receiving up to £1.2 million of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund.

Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

University Centre Reaseheath is one of the leading specialist land-based Higher Education Institutions in the UK and is part of a strategic alliance with the University of Chester. For further information go to www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk.

For more details about the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership see www.marcheslep.org.uk.