Event Round-up: Funding Focus - Maximising Intellectual Property

In our latest Funding Focus webinar, techUK brought together experts David Byrne (Moore Kingston Smith) and Adrian Bennett (Venner Shipley) to explore how SMEs can unlock the full value of their intellectual property (IP) across the innovation lifecycle.

The session highlighted that IP is far more than a legal safeguard—it’s a strategic asset that underpins competitive advantage, attracts investment, and enables commercialisation. A well-structured IP strategy can significantly enhance company valuation and credibility with funders.

Key takeaways included the importance of aligning IP protection with business goals, embedding invention harvesting into R&D workflows, and fostering a culture of innovation. SMEs were encouraged to treat IP as a dynamic part of their growth strategy, not a static checklist.

The speakers also outlined government incentives available to support IP development, including R&D tax relief and the Patent Box scheme. Notably, changes to R&D tax rules now require companies to notify HMRC within six months of their accounting year-end—an essential step to avoid missing out on funding.

Common pitfalls discussed included delaying IP strategy development, misunderstanding patent ownership versus freedom to operate, and failing to document IP ownership clearly—especially when collaborating with external partners.

Ultimately, the message was clear: SMEs should act early, engage cross-functional teams, and integrate IP into their funding and growth plans. Doing so not only protects innovation but positions businesses for long-term success.

Funding Focus: Intellectual Property

Upcoming SME Connect Events

25 September 2025

Funding Focus: Horizon Europe

Webinar

30 September 2025

Meet the Investors: Leeds

Leeds Panel discussion

7 October 2025

Funding Focus: Location, location, location (and incentives)

Online Industry Briefing

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UK Tech SMEs: Driving Economic Growth and Innovation 

 

This report illustrates the critical impact of tech SMEs across the nations and regions. techUK has combined quantitative data from Beauhurst with interviews from tech SMEs to provide both the current macroeconomic picture of tech SMEs, but also the economic and social impact made by individual tech SMEs.

Click to read the report

 

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Get in touch to learn more: 

Ed Bevan

Head of SME Engagement, techUK

Ed is Head of SME Engagement and is responsible for shaping techUK’s proposition to our SMEs across the country, ensuring our policy work, market access activity and services benefit the SME community.

Prior to working at techUK, Ed worked in the at the Department for International Trade, engaging with a variety of businesses, particularly SMEs, to understand the benefits of Free Trade Agreements and act as case studies in press and social media. Ed has also worked in policy and public affairs within the voluntary sector, namely the Alzheimer’s Society and the Men’s Health Forum.

Ed holds a MA in International Relations from Leiden University, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his son, travelling, and visiting historical sites.

Email:

[email protected]

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Stephanie Barr

Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK

Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.

Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.

Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.

Email:

[email protected]

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