Page 35 - Gi March 2019 - Flipbook

igem news – events

BRIDGING THE FESTIVE FUN AND FUNDRAISING

FUNDING GAP

By Roy Peary, North West
Section Treasurer

THE NORTH WEST Section held a
technical event with the help of the
Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) at
Cadent’s Hollinwood Training
Centre in November.
Alec Breen, an engineer and
innovation leader at the EIC, gave
a presentation which explored
innovation in the utility sector. He
explained how small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key LUNCH IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
part in the innovation community,
which ultimately benefits UK
businesses as a whole.
Alec also gave a personal view
on the possible outcomes of RIIO-2
and how this may affect innovation
funding for the future.
He examined several innovation
case studies, demonstrating how the
EIC bridges the gap between SMEs
and funding by working closely with
all parties to build consensus and
produce win-win outcomes. By Roy Peary, North West charity raffle, held in memory of former
Tommy Knott, North West Section Section Treasurer IGEM North West Section Chair Bill
Chair, said: “We had a presentation Maclean. This year, the event raised
on innovation a few years ago, just THE NORTH WEST Section’s Christmas over £2,000, with the beneficiaries
when the EIC was being created; it Lunch, held on 12 December, was being two local charities, the Pendleside
was really interesting to see how the definitely one of the Section’s best ever Hospice and Blessings in Disguise.
innovation process has matured and social events. Katie Holt, from children’s charity
evolved since then.” Over 180 members and guests enjoyed Blessings in Disguise, said: “A huge cash
Attendee Matt Goode added: the annual charity lunch held at the gift like this will make a massive difference
“I never fully realised how the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel to a small charity like ours. I am so
innovation funding process really and Spa, a beautiful 700-year-old country grateful for all the generous donations.”
worked, I certainly learnt something manor, set in the Lancashire countryside. Tommy Knott, North West Section
this evening.” After the usual networking, the Chair, said: “I can’t remember such a
The Section would like to thank attendees were treated to a three course high attendance rate – a great result for
Alec, the EIC and Cadent for the use meal and then sat back to listen to the Section. I’m really pleased with it
of their facilities at Hollinwood. the witty after dinner speaker Dennis and thought it was a great success with
Taylor. Dennis is a BBC commentator, a some very positive feedback from the
retired snooker professional and world sponsors too.”
champion and recent resident of reality The Section would like to thank all
TV show The Real Marigold Hotel. its sponsors, whose support helped
The guests included IGEM’s CEO Neil to make the event so special: AVK,
Atkinson, who outlined the importance Buckhurst Plant, Cadent, Fastflow,
of the gas industry supply chain coming Future Energy Group, Lloyds Register,
together so vibrantly to network. He Long O’Donnell Associates Limited,
added that “close collaboration will be MCA Fusion Hire & Repair, Morgan
essential as the industry moves forward Sindall, National Grid, Peak Pipe
to embrace new technology, something Systems, PSS Hire, Radius Systems,
that IGEM is facilitating strongly Simkiss, Utilise TDS Limited.
through its work on gas quality and Additional raffle prize donations were
ALEC BREEN ON THE LEFT BEING THANKED standards, and the development of gas gratefully received from ALH Systems,
BY SECTION CHAIR TOMMY KNOTT engineering competency.” Pipeline Integrity Engineers and Steve
The event hosted the Section’s annual Vick International.

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