South: Santander masterclass illustrates value of Intellectual Property

Five small business owners have attended a specialised Santander masterclass to learn new skills to enable them to make the most of their Intellectual Property (IP) – in some cases recognising for the first time that this was something of value within their companies. 

The businesses attended the masterclass at solicitors firm Breeze & Wyles LLP in Hertford to hear from an IP specialist and learn how to identify, realise and protect the IP in their businesses.

The day provided attendees with practical advice on IP and how to protect its different elements. They were then were invited to share their own experiences and collaborate to explore how learning from the day could be applied in their own companies.

The class was hosted by specialist IP lawyer Sarah Staines, and the companies attending came from a range of industries:

• Yes Yes Company – Petersfield-based producer of the world's first organic, plant-based range of intimacy products
• Interplay UK – Marlow-based designer and manufacturer of educational toys and science games
• Ally Trailer – Oxfordshire-based family-run business specialising in manufacturing lightweight, aluminium sports trailers
• Rotolight – Buckinghamshire-based, award-winning LED lighting systems business for video, photography and motion picture production
• R J Herbert Engineering – Cambridge-based provider of handling systems for the agricultural, food processing, waste management, airport and logistics industries.

Breakthrough masterclasses are part of Santander’s Breakthrough programme which aims to help small businesses unlock their growth potential. As part of the programme, Santander is making up to £200 million of growth-capital loans available to fast-growth companies looking to invest in and grow their business. In addition to finance, Breakthrough also offers companies access to support and development programmes not typically available to SMEs, including international trade missions to learn about the advantages of exporting abroad.

Staines said: “Small businesses play a hugely important role in supporting the UK economy and I was delighted to support the attendees with practical advice they can implement within their business. IP protection can be a complex strategy to employ but I hope that the guidance I shared will give attendees the confidence to grow their businesses further and ultimately meet their long-term aspirations.”

John Williams, head of Breakthrough at Santander UK, commented: “We are committed to supporting businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. By partnering with other private businesses such as Breeze & Wyles, the Breakthrough programme is able to offer bespoke support designed specifically to help fast-growth business. Collaboration is at the heart of our programme, which aims to help transform the entrepreneurial ideas of today into the successful and wealth-generating businesses of tomorrow.”