Innovation accolade is ‘Open’ to applicants

The city’s own Open University is sponsoring the best business improvement through application of innovation/technology category in the Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards.

Dr Malcolm Cross, who is director of research and enterprise at the OU as well as a director of Milton Keynes Economy and Learning Partnership, said he was delighted to support the awards.

Dr Cross said: “The Open University is committed to supporting the ongoing growth and development of Milton Keynes as a leading centre of commercial and technological excellence and so is delighted to support the aims and endeavours of the chamber of commerce and its annual awards.

“The university has a particular interest in the nurturing of technology-led innovative businesses and values the links it has with a range of small, medium and large companies through the chamber of commerce portal.

“Through its significant research portfolio and its work focused educational programmes, the Open University brings great benefits to businesses and in these testing times is increasingly found to be a valuable resource for businesses.”

Through this award, the OU is seeking to recognise and spotlight companies developing through their investment in and application of innovation and technology.

The OU’s research community, rated in the top 50 in the country, can provide a significant knowledge base to help businesses in the city and beyond.

The Open University is the largest uni in the country with 250,000 active students, 85 per cent of whom are employed.

> For details on the awards visit www.mk-chamber.co.uk. To become a sponsor, call chamber operations director Helen Horwood on 01908 259002.