Last week, Walmer Group had the pleasure of participating in Intellectual Property Day at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, an event designed to bring together innovators, business leaders, and experts to explore the critical role intellectual property plays in business growth and innovation.

 

The event was hosted in collaboration with NatWest, Innovate UK, Birketts LLP, and Inngot, all bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. It was a privilege to share the stage with such respected organisations, all working towards the same goal: empowering businesses with the knowledge they need to protect and leverage their innovation.

 

Our session focused on the intersection of IP strategy and R&D funding, and how early-stage and scaling businesses can better align the two to unlock investment, improve valuation, and de-risk their growth journey. As R&D tax relief and innovation grants continue to play a central role in funding innovation across the UK, we emphasised the importance of building a cohesive strategy that includes IP protection from the outset, not as an afterthought.

 

Topics across the day included:

• Understanding different types of intellectual property and how to protect them
• Aligning IP strategy with funding opportunities, including R&D tax relief and innovation grants
• The evolving IP landscape and how recent policy changes are impacting UK businesses
• The role of intangible assets in business valuation and investor readiness
• Case studies of businesses that have successfully leveraged their IP for commercial gain

 

The audience included start-ups, scale-ups, and established businesses from across the region, all keen to understand how to use intellectual property as a tool for competitive advantage. It was encouraging to see such high levels of engagement, with thoughtful questions and vibrant discussions throughout the day.

 

We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success, and to our fellow speakers and organisers for their insight and collaboration.

 

At Walmer Group, we’re passionate about helping businesses make informed, strategic decisions around R&D and innovation. IP is a crucial part of that puzzle – not just in securing your ideas, but in unlocking funding and building long-term value.