New ways businesses using AI lead discussions at latest Ignite event
Insightful discussions around how Midlands businesses are using AI in ingenious new ways took centre stage as a fast-growing network held its latest meeting. Theย University of Warwick Science Parkโsย Ignite Alumni Networkย met for the eighth time since its launch in 2023, bringing together businesses and associates that have been supported by the Science Parkโsย Igniteย incubation andย Business Readyย programmes, […]
The importance of a competent professional in your R&D tax claims

An increasingly important factor in R&D claims is the need for a โcompetent professionalโ. HMRC have reduced the value of some claims to zero when a competent professional has not been identified. There is no legal definition of a competent professional, despite its growing importance in R&D claims. However, HMRC define a competent professional as […]
AI & Quantum Computing: What innovators need to know about intellectual property
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to dominate headlines, but 2025 marks a turning point: the convergence of AI and Quantum Computing (QAI) is no longer theoreticalโitโs shaping real-world innovation. For businesses and researchers in the University of Warwick Science Park community, this evolution presents both opportunity and challenge. Record growth in AI patents AI patent publications […]
Hospitality firm wins customers and scoops award
A group of Warwickshire hospitality venues has been able to reach more customers than ever before after advice from a business support service unlocked its marketing potential โ and even helped one of its pubs win a major industry award. Beer & Coffee Co operates a range of food and drink outlets across Warwickshire, including five […]
Business Ready extended to 2026 to help more Warwickshire businesses
A highly successful business support scheme which advises Warwickshire firms with high growth potential will be able to support even more in the county after being extended for another year. Business Ready, an innovative business readiness support package primarily for tech-based SMEs with the characteristics and ambition for growth, has been extended until March 2026. […]
Popular handcrafted chocolate brand opens third store in Lillington
Great news for chocolate lovers – Cenu Cacao, the much-loved independent chocolatier based in Leamington Spa, has officially opened its latest store in Lillington. Located at the top of Crown Way, this exciting new spot marks founder Rosemary Ndukubaโs third shop and promises an unforgettable dive into the world of handcrafted, bean-to-bar chocolate. Ian McFarlane-Toms, […]
Ignite Alumni Network celebrates second anniversary
A growing network of innovative companies marked its second anniversary with insightful talks on net-zero, robotics in farming, and cutting-edge membranes at its latest event. The University of Warwick Science Parkโs Ignite Alumni Network celebrated the milestone at an event at the Venture Centre, and heard from a mix of speakers who all benefited from […]
DFA Law: Managing Subcontractors

DFA Law โ sponsor of the University of Warwick Science Parkโs Ignite Alumni Network โ contributes our guest column on a challenge many businesses face: managing subcontractor relationships. Too often, these arrangements are poorly defined, leading to unnecessary risk. The column explores how to structure and manage subcontractor relationships more effectively. Whether it is due […]
UWSP celebrates growth, recognition, and impact in latest report
A leading Midlands science park is playing a key role in helping hundreds of innovative businesses develop, grow and thrive, a report has revealed. The University of Warwick Science Park has released its Impact Report for 2023/24, showing the positive effects its work is having on its tenants, students from the university, and the regional economy […]
Donโt Get Caught Out By R&D Advanced Notification Rules

Recent HMRC figures show the number of claims for Research & Development (R&D) tax credits fell 21% in the 2022/23 tax year to 65,690, down from 83,240 in the 2021/22 tax year. The Government continues to change how companies claim R&D tax credits. Some companies now have to submit an advanced notification form before making a claim. It […]