Innovate UK

In the final episode of the Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we explore how batteries are transforming the off-highway sector from agriculture and mining to construction. Our expert guests discuss the unique demands of these applications, the challenges of durability and thermal management, and the innovations and investment needed to drive solutions forward. We hope you enjoy the series! Please fe...

Episode 5: Batteries in AI In Episode 5 of the Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we delve into the use of battery technology in the rail sector, exploring its potential to decarbonise rail transport, improve efficiency, and support the transition to electrified mobility. Our expert guests discuss current applications, technological challenges, policy drivers, and the at-scale trials shaping the futu...

Buying a home can be stressful—especially when it comes to legal enquiries. Hear how AI and machine learning are helping conveyancers manage chaos and speed up transactions. Wondering how AI supports legal pros? This episode is a must-listen!   Participants of this podcast:  - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect    - Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead, Director of Operations, Coll...

How can AI help pensions match personal values? Discover how conversational AI and sustainability data are helping savers align their investments with what matters most. Interested in values-driven investing? Tune in!  In this episode, we hear from these participants:  - Andrew Tucker, Co-Founder and CEO, Mettle Capital     - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect     - Be...

Crypto taxation can be complex and confusing. Dan Howitt of Recap explains how his startup is making crypto tax calculations secure and manageable for accountants and investors alike. If you want to understand crypto tax better, this episode is for you.  Participants of this podcast:  - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect    - Daniel Howitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Recap...

When insurance meets the gig economy, flexibility and tech matter. Janthana Kaenprakhamroy of Tapoly shares how AI is reshaping insurance for freelancers and small businesses. Curious about inclusive, tech-driven insurance? Listen now!  Participants of this podcast:  - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect    - Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, CEO and Founder, Tapoly   Innovate U...

What does innovation look like in small accounting firms? Learn how hands-on training and simple tech tools help firms modernise without being tech experts. Ready to update your practice? Don’t miss this episode!  In this episode, we hear from these participants:  - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead at Innovate UK Business Connect   - Dr. Tzameret Rubin, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Managemen...

How do firms overcome the barriers to innovation? Hear from academic leaders on how training and peer support help financial and professional firms embrace new technology. Facing challenges in innovation? This episode is for you. In this episode, we hear from these participants:   - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead at Innovate UK Business Connect   - Dr. Tzameret Rubin, Senior Lecturer in Innovat...

What does real financial inclusion look like? Tynah Matembe shares how lived experiences inspired her mission to make financial education accessible and practical for all. If you want to understand what inclusion means in practice, tune in!   Participants of this podcast:  - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect    - Tynah Matembe, Founder and CEO, MoneyMatix   Innovate U...

How clear is the fine print you sign? Minesh Patel of Amplified Global shares his journey from dyslexia diagnosis to creating tech that makes legal and financial info easier to understand. If you have ever skipped the small print, this episode is for you.  Participants of this podcast:  - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect    - Kevin Still, Director, Debt Managers Stan...

In this final episode of the IETF podcast series, Jenni McDonnell MBE, speaks with Kerry Whiteside from Samworth Brothers and Emma Piercy from the Food and Drink Federation, the trade association supporting the food industry. Together, they explore the challenges facing the food industry in decarbonising and how the IETF support has helped food manufacturers to transform their processes, cut emiss...

In Episode 4 of the Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), their applications in battery manufacturing, characterisation and recycling, as well as the opportunities and limitations for adoption of AI technology for batteries. We’re joined by three experts who share their knowledge and industry insights. We hope you enjoy the s...

Visit the series page Download the transcript (PDF) In Episode 3 of the Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we explore the role of batteries in grid and stationary storage applications, covering key insights on the UK's ambitious targets for renewable energy and the role of battery energy storage systems. The episode discusses their importance in supporting a stable electricity grid, the battery techn...

In this episode of the IETF podcast series, we focus on the UK paper industry and how businesses are benefiting from IETF support. Richard Lewis from WEPA and Richard Burnett from James Cropper Ltd share with Jenni McDonnell MBE how IETF funding has helped them cut carbon emissions and make their paper manufacturing processes more sustainable. https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/news/industrial-en...

Episode 2: Batteries for Maritime In Episode 2 of Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we explore the role of batteries in maritime, covering key areas such as the current landscape for decarbonisation, integration of batteries, and the future of zero-emission vessels. We’re joined by three experts who share their knowledge and industry insight. We hope you enjoy the series! Please feel free to share i...

In episode 7 of the IETF podcast, Jenni McDonnell MBE talks to Dean Butler and Sharon Todd from Ardagh Glass Packaging and Mark Pudner from the British Glass trade association.

Episode 1: Batteries in Aerospace In Episode 1 of Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we explore the role of batteries in aerospace , covering key areas such as technical innovation, commercial opportunities, and industry collaborations within the aerospace sector. We’re joined by three experts who share their knowledge and experience. We hope you enjoy the series! Please feel free to share it with yo...

In this episode we are joined by Jonathan Mitchell and Dr Richard Clewley from the  Insititute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education  (IfATE) to discuss their role in aligning skills development with labour market needs. Created in 2017, IfATE works with employers to shape apprenticeships, T Levels and higher technical qualifications in order to prepare the workforce for the future. We discus...

Karen Burgess and Simon Hawdon from  CPI  join us for episode 6 of the Workforce Foresighting Hub Podcast, following the recent publication of a  workforce foresighting report addressing the skills challenge in RNA therapeutics manufacturing. With this sector expected to grow rapidly in the future, the UK has the opportunity to lead the way, but only with a skilled workforce to support this growth...

In episode 5, we welcome Kathie Bowden from the Satellite Applications Catapult , and Bethan McAulay of Astroscale , to discuss their experience of workforce foresighting. After recently completing a workforce foresighting report for the UK space sector , the knowledgeable pair go into detail on the challenges facing the sector and the actions needed to prepare the workforce to adapt to future ski...

The Workforce Foresighting Hub coaches are at the heart of the WF Hub programme. They work closely with all participants to ensure everything runs smoothly and offer advice and guidance throughout the workshops. So, who better to get on the podcast to discuss the WF Hub process with? For this episode, WF Hub coaches Satchin Semage, Jack Lockhart and Samantha Yair discuss their background in skills...

Our third episode sees us speak to Andrew Esson, Future Skills Lead at Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. ORE Catapult were part of one of the first Workforce Foresighting Hub cycles, where they looked into preparing the workforce for future challenges in the offshore floating wind sector. In this episode, we hear about ORE Catapult’s experience in the programme, how they benefitted from it...

Explore the transformative power of design as you listen to the Silent Designers’ podcast finale, recorded live. Our panel of Catapult’s Design network experts will share firsthand insights on leveraging multidisciplinary design for innovation in your business. Engage directly with industry leaders and gain practical strategies to integrate design thinking into your projects. Why watch? Learn acti...

The second episode looks at how the  Workforce Foresighting Hub programme  and the wider Skills Value Chain approach can address the UK skills challenge. We’re joined by WF Hub coaches Steve Picker and John Lanham who explain what the programme consists of and how it works, as well as how we can use insights and data to inform how we prepare for the future. Download the episode transcript .

In the first episode of the series, we are joined by Workforce Foresighting Hub Lead Consultants John Lanham and Paul Shakspeare to delve into the UK skills challenge. John has worked in the higher education and skills sector for over 30 years and has been part of the work to develop the Workforce Foresighting Hub for the last five years. Paul is an engineer who spent most of his career working on...