Friends of Genecom

Genecom Limited Doherty Innovation Centre Pentland Science Park Bush Loan PENICUIK, EH26 OPZ

T: +44 (0) 131 445 6100
E: info@genecombio.com

Links

Institute for Animal Health

The Institute for Animal Health (IAH) is a world-leading centre of excellence for research into exotic and endemic infectious diseases of farm animals.
http://www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk

Moredun Research Institute

The Moredun Research Institute (MRI) is internationally recognised for its work on infectious diseases of sheep and other ruminants.
http://www.mri.sari.ac.uk

Scottish Crop Research Institute

SCRI is Scotland's leading institute for research on plants and their interactions with the environment, particularly in managed ecosystems.
http://www.scri.ac.uk

Mylnefield Research Services Ltd

Mylnefield Research Services (MRS) Ltd is the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Scottish Crop Research Institute and is responsible for commercialising the intellectual property of the Institute.

Mylnefield Lipid Analysis is a division of Mylnefield Research Services Ltd and offers a well equipped state of the art laboratory providing a dedicated lipid analysis service. (www.lipid.co.uk)

Mylnefield Isotope Signatures (MIS)is a division of Mylnefield Research Services Ltd. Lead by Dr. Wolfram Meier-Augenstein, a world authority on stable isotope analysis, MIS provides a cutting edge service to the forensic science, food and drink and environmental sciences sectors (www.isotopesignatures.com)
http://www.mrsltd.com

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council - Business Unit

BBSRC works with industry, government and others to harness business opportunities and deliver economic impact from our research as quickly as possible.

This link provides an overview of opportunities for translational science funding available from BBSRC.

Collaborative R&D

BBSRC invests a total of around £15M a year in collaborative research and research training with industrial partners. This includes support for collaborative projects instigated jointly by researchers in academic and industrial laboratories, as well joint funding from BBSRC and industrial consortia to support research projects in the science base.

To find out more and how BBSRC Collaborative Research Funding can be used alongside the Genecom partners [click here]

Commercialisation

Genecom works closely with BBSRC to promote the commercialisation not just of the science base at IAH but, through our enterprise training programme, to promote business start-up and to promote an entrepreneurial culture across the UK University sector. To find out more about BBSRC support for commercialisation [click here]

People and Information Flows

BBSRC offers a number of programmes enabling academic and industrial researchers to exchange ideas and experience by moving between the two environments and cultures; and to enable access to specialist facilities and equipment.

To find out more [click here]

Collaborative Training

BBSRC supports tailored training for graduates working in – and with – industry to help provide the highly skilled workforce for the UK's knowledge economy. It also supports training for postgraduate research students and postdoctoral scientists in rapidly advancing areas such as proteomics, stem cell technologies and e-science, where these technical skills are needed in both industry and the academic science base.

To find out more [click here]

Impact Incentive Schemes

These schemes recognise the commitment by BBSRC-supported scientists to ensuring economic and/or social impact is captured from their research, and the efforts of university departments in supporting and encouraging this process. To find out more [click here]


http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/index.html

BBSRC Biotechnology YES

The Biotechnology YES (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) is an innovative competition developed to raise awareness of the commercialisation of bioscience ideas among postgraduate students/postdoctoral scientists.

The competition is funded by sponsorship and aims to encourage an entrepreneurial culture in the UK bioscience postgraduate and postdoctoral base for the benefit of the UK economy.

The competition is run over three days (Wednesday - Friday). In the morning, of the first two days participants, grouped into teams of four to five members, attend presentations from leading figures in the biotechnology industry on all aspects of technology transfer and the commercialisation of bioscience ideas.

Topics covered include:

The Requirements of a Business Plan

Intellectual Property and Patenting Strategy

Raising and Managing Finance

Commercial and Marketing Strategies

Case Histories

This knowledge is then utilised by participants to prepare an oral business plan presentation for an "imaginary" biotech start-up company. The plan is prepared by the team, in the afternoon of the first two days, with each member assuming a different role within the company (e.g. Managing, Finance, Research and Development, Marketing or Operations Director).

On the final day the participants make a formal oral presentation of their business plan before a panel comprised of business, financial and academic representatives taking the role of venture capitalists. Two teams from each workshop are selected to progress through to the Final.

Winners of the competition receive £1000, with other prizes also available.



http://www.biotechnologyyes.co.uk/

Decision Support Systems (UK) Ltd

Decision Support Systems (UK) are independent business support analysts offering "independent analysis of your business so that you can be comfortable in that you have more of the ongoing knowledge on which to base your decisions for the future".

The Company is:

Sandy Neish who claims a lifetime experience in Banking and was involved as Adviser, Non Executive Director and Chairman of a successful SME for six years.

and

John Hughes MBA who is a Business Consultant who has 20 years experience in industry where he held senior positions in private companies. He has advised companies since 1995 both privately and through Scottish Enterprise, dealing with all aspects of company plans and financials and assisting companies and individuals to successfully access both public sector grants and equity, and private sector loans and investment.

To contact the Company [click here]

http://www.decisionsupportuk.co.uk

Future Positive Consulting

Future Positive Consulting aims to "help build successful sustainable businesses which people love to work for, buy from, and invest in". It provides award-winning training and consultancy that helps leaders, managers, teams and individuals create a positive vision of what they can achieve, and gives them the ideas, information, tools and inspiration to succeed.

Future Positive Consulting Ltd is based in Scotland and operate throughout the UK
http://www.futurepositiveconsulting.com/

Genomia Seed Fund

Genomia is an investment fund that provides a programme of investment options aimed at technology and business development and tailored to address the different stages along the research to commercial realisation continuum.

The programme targets a consortium of Public Sector Research Establishments engaged in animal health and life sciences

Investment Strands

Genomia’s Investment Programme has three strands addressing

technology and business opportunity assessment,

development of the technology and business model

implementation of commercialisation strategy

Each is intended to target discrete stages in the processes of moving propositions through from the early point where a concept has still to be proven to having some validity to the stage where enough credibility has been generated to encourage third parties to invest, or to license the technology.


http://www.genomia.org.uk/fund.html

Blueberry Training Consultancy Skills

Blueberry Training Limited helps organistations to capitalise on great ideas by training and coaching their key staff to become excellent creative leaders.

The Company runs a number of courses including:

Building Your Consultancy Portfolio (Consultancy Skills for Professionals series)

Negotiating Consultancy Contracts (Consultancy Skills for Professionals series)

Consultancy Problem Solving and Decision Making (Consultancy Skills for Professionals series)

Developing and Delivering a Consultancy Proposal (Consultancy Skills for Professionals series)

The High Value Consultant

http://www.blueberrytraining.com/

HeadSurfing.com

Headsurfing™ is a powerful new creativity programme of habits and behaviours, tools and techniques to get you thinking more effectively.

Kenny Harris has studied the habits of writers, designers, inventors and artists, and has created HEADSURFING™ to help individuals, teams and organisations improve their creativity. Headsurfing is based on the secret habits of highly creative people, and can be learned and used by anyone.

“Humour is the exact model for creativity.” Edward de Bono

YOU can truly think “outside the box”. YOU can run more productive meetings and brainstorms. YOU and your colleagues will think and communicate more effectively than ever before.
http://www.headsurfing.com/

Marks and Clerk

Marks & Clerk is a leading group of patent and trade mark attorneys with an associated firm of intellectual property lawyers, Marks & Clerk Solicitors.

With an expanding network of offices, it provides a full range of integrated intellectual property services covering patents, trade marks, designs, copyright and domain names. Marks and Clerk is consistently ranked as market-leaders with award-winning services tailored to the needs and budgets of our clients, whatever their size, sector and location.


www.marks-clerk.com/

Graduate Recruitment - Talent Scotland

A Scotland-wide, online service launched by university Careers Services is making it easier for businesses to track down the graduates they are looking for.

The Shared Graduate Vacancy Service (SVS) introduced by Higher Education Careers Services across Scotland is helping address this issue by providing and easy and efficient means of promoting opportunities to students and recent graduates of Scottish universities.

The Service links prospective employers with graduates more efficiently, by enabling businesses to advertise vacancies across Scotland free of charge. Employers advertise on SVS through their choice of host university and then may choose to post it automatically to the other partner universities.

More than 5,000 vacancies have already been posted by around 3,450 recruiters.

Universities currently signed up to SVS are:


University of Abertay
University of Aberdeen
University of Dundee
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
Heriot-Watt University
Glasgow Caledonian
Napier University
University of St Andrews
University of Stirling
University of Strathclyde
University of the West of Scotland



http://www.talentscotland.com/view_item.aspx?item_id=67087

Bonaccord

Bonaccord was established by Patricia Barclay to meet the interests of business in two areas: Mediation and Facilitation, and Life Sciences

Bonaccord's mediation service is specifically directed to disputes between and within businesses. The website suggests that the company has a particular interest in intellectual property and international cooperations and believes that disputes in those areas are especially suited to resolution by mediation by reducing the time to settlement, allowing the parties to reach a solution for all countries in a single process, avoiding unfamiliar and costly court proceedings in different jurisdictions and perhaps most importantly, avoiding the risk of an unexpected court ruling as the parties craft the solution themselves and do not have to go ahead unless each is satisfied with the proposal.

http://www.bonaccord.eu/

Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce

The 'Chamber' claims to be Midlothians leading independent business support and networking organisation, and aims to to help its members save time and money, gain business knowledge and expertise and introduce them to potential customers and suppliers.

The Chamber Manager is Laura Socha. To contact Laura [click here]

Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce runs a wide variety of different Networking Events throughout the year. To see the diary, [click here]

For new businesses, the Chamber can provide access to managed office space. For more information, [click here]
http://www.melcc.org.uk/

Pentlands Science Park

Pentlands Science Park is home to 23 organisations including The Moredun Foundation and its subsidiary companies as well as a number of diagnostic and biotechnology companies.

The largest tenant within the International Research Centre is the Moredun Research Institute, respected internationally for its work on small ruminant dieases.

Site tenants take advantage of facilities and services available including security, IT support, engineering, stores, refectory, library, meeting rooms and conference facilities.

Property currently available is a 7,250 sq ft office laboratory unit in the Doherty multi-occupancy building.

A 710 sq ft office in the same building will become available in early summer 2008.

Property development at this site has been supported by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian and the European Regional Development Fund.

Support and Funding

Organisations wishing to relocate to the Pentlands Science Park may be eligible for support under the Genecom Orphans Project initiative. For details [contact Genecom] or [Pentlands Science Park Ltd]

http://www.pentlands.co.uk/psp.asp

Partnerships UK

PUK has an established Commercialisation Team to provide a single point of focus and support for commercialisation issues across the public sector. We work with the full range of public sector bodies including central government departments, NDPBs, agencies and public sector research establishments.

PUK has a strong focus on science and technology, working closely with the PSRE (Public Sector Research Establishments) community across the UK, helping them to identify and commercialise opportunities.

Its work includes advice and transactional support, for example:

Asset audit (tangible or intangible).
Identification of protectable intellectual property.
Assessment of the commercial viability of projects.
Identifying optimal routes to market.
Helping to find/apply for development funds (e.g. proof of concept).
Obtaining Government approvals for projects.
Critical analysis of business plans and outline business cases.
Workshops and training sessions.
Best Practice & SOPs (Standard Operating Practices).

http://www.partnershipsuk.org.uk/PUK-Comemercial.aspx

Roslin BioCentre

Whilst able to meet the needs and demands of the largest occupiers, Roslin BioCentre is also focused on providing practical property solutions for energetic and vibrant new businesses that may experience rapid growth.

A range of flexible property opportunities and favourable lease terms – including short- term 12 months leases and units from 150sq ft (14sqm) – ensure that companies can enjoy the ability to increase their floor space in line with their growing business demands.

As well as office accommodation, Roslin BioCentre is able to offer ready set up laboratory space, fully equipped with access to shared facilities ensuring minimal capital cost for our new tenants.

Support and Funding

Scottish SME's aiming to relocate at the Roslin BioCentre may be eligible for support under the Genecom Orphan's Project initiative. For details contact Genecom or contact the BioCentre

For details of additional support, [click here]

See also Genecom Orphans Project

http://www.roslin-biocentre.com/pages/home.html

Rainbow Seed Fund

The £10m Rainbow Seed Fund is an evergreen venture capital dedicated to investing in technologies from its publicly funded research base but independently managed.

The Fund was established in 2001 with funding from the Office of Science and Innovation to commercialise scientific research in a leading group of the UK publicly funded institutions, our partners.

The Fund made its first investment in 2002 and has increased its partner base twice, in 2004 with the addition of BBSRC and in 2006 when 6 other leading research institutes joined the Fund
http://www.rainbowseedfund.com/

What do we mean by Intellectual Property Rights

What do we mean by intellectual property rights?

Linked to a presentation by Mark Pearce, Partner and Head of Intellectual Property,Dickinson Dees LLP [contact Mark]Tel: 0191 279 9541

This presentation published at Building Commercial Success - 19th June 2008 - Partnerships UK Ltd [click here for further Partnerships UK Commercialisation Advice]


http://www.partnershipsuk.org.uk/uploads/documents/Mark%20Pearce%20presentation.pdf

Creating Effective Power-Point Presentations

Presentations with Point but no Power

"PowerPoint and similar programs have become increasingly popular with in-house trainers. The ability to prepare material directly on a computer to project onto a suitable screen has freed us from the acetate nightmare of poor quality overhead projectors, upside down slides, and scruffy flipcharts. So why then do we cringe when faced with yet another PowerPoint presentation? This article will begin to unravel the reasons, whilst helping suggest remedies to that hackneyed but true phrase of ‘death by PowerPoint.’"



http://www.businesstrainingdirect.co.uk/articles_powerpoint.php

Targeting Innovation

Scottish Enterprise has recently awrded a contract to Targeting Innovation for the delivery of a comprehensive,
central support service to grow the life sciences community across Scotland

TI ainms to support organisations and identify opportunities for growth, company development and
collaboration in the sector.

TI will deliver the service under the Life Sciences Scotland banner on behalf of Scottish Enterprise,
and work with all areas of the industry including the medtech, biotech, pharmaceutical and specialist service
sub-sectors.

The service will act as a single point of access for support for the sector and provide SE and the community with sector specific data necessary to inform
and drive growth, connecting companies with a range of expert contacts including specialist product designers,
prototype manufacturers and regulatory advisors.

Targeting Innovation has also won a contract to support knowledge transfer between public and private
organisations in the south of Scotland. TI will help to identify and stimulate demand for research and development
and knowledge exchange amongst businesses, broker links between the private and public sectors, stimulate
and increase the ability of businesses to undertake in-house R&D through sharing expertise, and host a series of
events to promote the benefits of R&D and showcase best practice, amongst other activities.

To contact Targeting Innovation, contact George Boag; tel:
0141 572 1600.

www.targetinginnovation.com

Optimising the Commercial Proposition

What is the idea really worth?

Link to a presentation by Rowan Gardner, BioLauncher Ltd

Posted by Partnerships UK and presented at 'Building Commercial Success - London, 19th June 2008
http://www.partnershipsuk.org.uk/uploads/documents/Rowan%20Gardner%20-%20Optimising%20the%20Commercial%20Proposition.pdf

UK Bioscience Consultants Ltd

Dr. Vivienne Cox is the founder and director of UK Bioscience Consultants Ltd. She has over 25-years industry experience at Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham and in 1997, co-founded Adprotech Ltd a spin-out acquired by Inflazyme Inc. Dr. Cox's CV suggests that she has worked with some of the leading academic and medical institutes in the UK such as KCL, UCL, Queen Mary, University of London, Imperial Cancer Research, the Institute of Child Health, the Institute of Neurology and the universities of Newcastle and Keele.

Dr. Cox offers specialist consultancy in the biotechnology, healthcare and medical sector.


http://www.ukbioscienceconsultants.com

Braveheart Investment Group

Braveheart Investment Group plc is an investment company that makes and manages investments in British businesses. Braveheart was formed in 1997 by four Scottish businessmen as a co-investment vehicle so that they could pool their money and knowledge to reduce risk.

Investments are made in young emerging companies, most of which are not listed on the London Stock Exchange at the time of investment. These types of investments are often referred to as venture capital or private equity. Investments are predominantly technology-focused and range from start-up companies to businesses in pre-listing situations. Braveheart works closely with universities to identify emerging technologies with global potential. Typically ten investments will be made each year out of several hundred business plans received.

Braveheart invests

http://www.braveheart-ventures.co.uk/

UK Patent Office

The UK Patent Office is the official government body responsible for granting Intellectual Property (IP) rights in the United Kingdom (UK). These rights include:

Patents
Designs
Trade marks
Copyright

They are an Executive Agency of the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). As part of the DIUS, they are responsible for the role of IP rights in supporting innovation.


http://www.ipo.gov.uk/

US Patent Office

The US Patent Office is a good source of information and a place to search for IPR's
http://www.uspto.gov/

GB Esp@cenet

GB Esp@cenet is part of the UK Intellectual Property Office and a good place to start your own search for IPR's.
http://gb.espacenet.com/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?Action=FormGen&Template=gb/EN/home.hts

Tods Murray LLP

Tods Murray is a leading independent Scottish law firm, dedicated to providing first rate, innovative and commercially aware specialist advice to companies, institutions and organisations, within both the private and public sectors, and to families, individuals and charities.

"We strive to achieve a well rounded view and appreciate how important it is for our legal advice and services to fit into our clients’ bigger picture. We understand the importance of getting to know our clients and genuinely understanding their requirements, to provide a first rate service, with the highest quality of professional advice and expertise and with value for money".

"We have a long history of acting for clients in the biotechnology sector and have an in-depth knowledge of the issues facing the sector".

"Our team deals with a wide range of corporate and commercial issues for our clients, including:-


"everything we do is pivotal to one thing... getting the best results for clients".




http://www.todsmurray.com

Ellis IP Ltd

Ellis IP Limited is an intellectual property consultancy providing advice in all aspects of intellectual property to clients across a wide range of disciplines. The web-site says that it can offer advice that can be specifically tailored for small and medium sized growth businesses that can be integrated into a business model.

Ellis IP offers advise on matters relating to Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and their management within the appropriate business model with a particular specialization in Renewable/Sustainable Energy, Materials and Medical Devices.


www.ellis-ip.co.uk

On-line IP training for Business Advisors

The Intellectual Property Office (formerly the Patent Office) has created an on-line training module ostensibly for business advisors but for anyone to play.

Its takes about 20 minutes to complete the training game.

Get past the developers linksa and have fun
www.enterprisetaktixonline.com/ipo

Patent Seekers

Patent Seekers is the trading name of Patent Seekers Ltd. It provides search services for Patent Attorneys and anyone wishing to protect, manufacture, import or export an invention or product.

Searches are often needed to corroborate business planning and investments to determine the novelty of innovations and the likelihood of infringement action in EU and US markets

http://www.patentseekers.com/

Energy Technology Centre

The Energy Technology Centre provides a wide range of equipment and resources for developing, testing and demonstrating small-scale renewable and sustainable energy systems.

You can use the centre to help realise the commercial potential of new energy-related products and technologies

http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home/your-sector/sector-energy/energy-support/energy-innovation/energy-technology-centre.htm

The BBC TV 'Dragons Den' web-site

Apparently if you search for 'Dragons Den' on YouTube, you can find >1460 clips including a spoof pitch from the UK comdeian Ricky Gervais.

Here is the real 'Dragons Den' web-site
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden

Eden Scott

Eden Scott is a leading recruitment agency providing candidates for a range of positions across the UK
http://www.edenscott.com

The James Caan web-site

Find out what James thinks about his fellow BBC 'Dragons' and his free audio tips on setting up in business
http://www.james-caan.com

The Deborah Meaden website

Among other things Deborah Meadon is a marketing expert and one of the BBC 'dragons' on the succesful 'Dragons Den' tv show and apparently always on the lookout for good investment opportunities as her web-site provides a 'pitch your business' to Deborah page.
http://www.deborahmeaden.com

Brodies LLP

"Brodies LLP is a leading UK law firm, based in Scotland, supporting the life sciences industry and is independently ranked 'No. 1' in eleven core disciplines.

Its specialist practitioners are thought-leaders in the commercialisation of research, as well as venture capital funding for high-growth companies (acting for founders, VC funds and research institutes). Having been involved in some of Scotland's landmark life sciences projects and companies, we have an in-depth understanding of the sector.

Its expertise extends to:

Many of its lawyers are also involved in best-practice initiatives and publicly-funded think-tanks supporting Scotland's research base and high-growth companies and regularly lecture to public and private sector participants in the life-sciences arena.

For further information [ click here] or follow us on our technology blog [click here]

http://www.brodies.com

The Theo Paphitis website

Theo Paphitis is one of the five BBC 'Dragons' on the BBC series 'Dragons Den'

His website contains advice on what every start-up should know - 5 golden rules for start-up success
http://www.theopaphitis.com

The Duncan Bannatyne web-site

I found an agreement for use of material on the site, and there is an RSS feed which I didn't review (yet). His book 'Anyone Can Do It' is great and certainly inspired me.
http://www.duncanbannatyne.co.uk

The Peter Jones Web-site

The Peter Jones web-site is an excellent blog with links to getting it right in business.

If any one borrowed my copy of his book, can I have it back please!
http://www.peterjones.tv

Library House

Library House provides a range of resources for entrepreneurs and links to the investment, corporate communitie and investment partners

The site suggests it offers "unique in-depth coverage and exclusive networking opportunities" and that "Library House will help to improve your investment readiness and raise your profile amongst investors".
http://www.libraryhouse.net/

i2eye design studio

The "i2eye design studio was started by Stuart Docherty who is a freelance designer providing print and web design to those working in the technological and medical sectors.

Stuart claims that his usp is the ability to understand scientists, understand scientific goals and to work with scientific information directly having himself a scientific background and having "crossed over into graphic and web design2.
www.i2eye-design.com

Arpexas Ltd

Arpexas Ltd. is a consultancy company specialising in veterinary vaccine and medicine development.
The company advises and support industry in developing new products and transferring their technology to industry.

Arpexas Ltd.
Helping develop vaccines and medicines

info@arpexas.com

Need an accountant to advise on start-up? - Whitelaw Wells

With offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Whitelaw Wells provides a comprehensive suite of services for a client list ranging from private individuals to large companies.

Contact Nelson Yiu on 0131 226 5822


http://www.whitelawwells.co.uk/

Need advice on finance when starting up a new company - Scott Moncrief

Scott Moncrief is an Independent firm of chartered accountants operating as a single partnership.

Scott-Moncrief
15-17 Melville Street
Edinburgh, EH3 7PH
Phone: 0131-473 3500
Fax: 0131-473 3535

Contact www.scott-moncrief.com or ring Gillian Donald on 0131 473 3500
http://www.scott-moncrieff.com/

The Entrepreneurial Exchange

The Entrepreneurial Exchange

'For entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs'

The Entrepreneurial Exchange is Scotland’s leading organisation for ambitious growth oriented entrepreneurs.

Through its comprehensive programme of events The Exchange helps inform, motivate, educate, inspire and support entrepreneurs to build their businesses bigger, faster.

Established in 1994 with 50 founder members, The Exchange now has some 460 members heading-up companies employing more than 270,000 people and with a collective turnover of over £18.5 billion

Becoming an Exchange member opens up a host of opportunities for growth-orientated business owners who can see the value of networking with like-minded individuals.

Membership currently stands at over 470 entrepreneurs, all of whom own their own companies.

Joining The Exchange means tapping into the vast pool of knowledge and experience contained within the current membership.

'The Exchange' aims to be inclusive but membership does have a strict application and evaluation process.
If you think you are eligible for membership of The Exchange, please look at membership details and costs before completing your online application form.


http://www.entrepreneurial-exchange.co.uk/

Innovation Park Search

This is a simple knowledge gateway for anyone to locate knowledge, expertise, or specialist skills across the companies in UK Science Parks and Incubators.

By searching ONLY the research web pages of the companies in these innovation parks this tool allows you to search for what you want without the clutter of the rest of the internets content.


http://www.innovationparksearch.info/

Academia Search

This is a simple knowledge gateway for anyone to locate knowledge, expertise, or specialist skills across the UK University sector.

By searching ONLY the research web pages of the UK's Universities this tool allows you to search for what you want without the clutter of the rest of the internets content.
http://www.academiasearch.info/

Investor Search

This site indexes the contents of websites for 2000 VC funds that operate in different regions internationally.

If you are looking for an investor with a specific investment track record, or an investor with a portfolio investment in a particular area this search engine is a very simple solution.


http://www.investorsearch.info/

Nexxus Scotland

Nexxus promotes and supports research excellence, innovation and knowledge transfer within the life science community in Scotland.

The web-site has a diary of events, features on member companies and a number of links to new stories affecting Scotland, setting up a life science business and key players in the life sciences business.

http://www.nexxusscotland.com/

AccuNostics Ltd

AccuNostics Ltd is a small, focused and dynamic consultancy specialising in the Medical Device, Diagnostics and Healthcare industries to emerging start ups, established blue chip companies or publicly funded organisations.

The company claims an 'unparalleled degree of experience, knowledge and pragmatism to all of its clients' including Technical Consultancy to wide ranging Market Analysis and Competitive Intelligence contracts


http://www.accunostics.co.uk/index.html

FreeMind - free mind mapping software

FreeMind is a premier free mind-mapping (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map) software written in Java. The developers claim that it is "faster than that of MindManager because of one-click "fold / unfold" and "follow link" operations".

The link suggests that current users of FreeMind use it for a range of purposes:


The software comes recommended by a student trained by Genecom Ltd and is included in this link at her sole recommendation. Genecom makes no warrant as to the suitability of the software described
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Business Mentoring Scotland

Mentors are established business people with their own unique blend of business and life experience. They benefit from having 'been there and done that' and they're willing to share their skills, knowledge and networks with other businesses. A mentor is there to support, stimulate and challenge you on a personal and business level. They help you to view your business in a different light, and their knowledge and specialised expertise can point you in the right direction.

Business Mentoring Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, email me if you would like to find out more about this very successful programme.

For information on Business Mentoring Scotland contact Laura Socha at the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce or click here
http://www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk/pages/home.aspx

e Business UK

eBusiness is offering members a report which rates your website in terms of its marketing effectiveness and gives some advice on the things you can do to improve this.
eBusiness UK have a 100% record of delivering their promises on their SEO service, they always exceed the number of first page listings promised and their service includes advice on keywords that add genuine business benefit in that they are carefully chosen to drive visitors genuinely interest in the services or products offered, not just volume traffic.

Email Neil Fraser at for more information.

http://www.ebusinessuk.com/

Mortonward - Design & Marketing

A design and marketing agency based in Edinburgh but working with clients throughout the UK. Probably of more direct interest is their work within the bio-technology and life sciences sector. This has include projects for the Scottish Association of Marine Science, Avanti and Hannah Cell Science. Most recently they delivered a suite of corporate publications for Aquapharm Biodiversity, examples of which can be viewed on the website.

http:// www.mortonward.co.uk" target="_blank">http:// www.mortonward.co.uk

Apprenticeships in life sciences

The Scottish Government is to provide up to £3 million to support the recruitment of 100 new apprentices within the life sciences sector.

First Minister Alex Salmond revealed that life science companies will be able to recruit two apprentices for one - with the full salary costs of the second apprentice being paid by the Scottish Government - while he toured the state-of-the-art laboratories at Dundee College, used by life sciences students.

The funding package follows the Scottish Government's commitment of an additional £16 million to boost apprenticeship recruitment in Scotland by 7,800 this year

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/29122721/

BIA Funding Road Map

Fundmap provides easy navigation to the grants and funding available to businesses in the UK technology sector:

Search or filter for grants to match your current needs


http://www.fundmap.co.uk/bio/

Cels Business Services Ltd

‘Cels Business Services Ltd is a consultancy specialising in the commercialisation of life science products and services and it has opened an office in Fife this year (2009).

It claims an excellent track record of working with universities and spin outs, companies and the public sector and can help with:

See also Commercialisation of science:

http://www.cbsl-uk.com/home.html

Edinburgh Science Triangle

Welcome to the Edinburgh Science Triangle, one of the top ten research and development locations in Europe.

A truly diverse and dynamic scientific community across multiple disciplines, including informatics, stem cell research, biotechnology and microelectronics.

Active collaboration is encouraged between universities, research institutes, science parks, hospitals and local government.

http://www.edinburgh-inspiringcapital.com/edinburghsciencetriangle/events.aspx