Adam Lawton from the University of Northampton joins Adrian Pryce, co-host of NLive Radio's Open 4 Business Radio Show to talk to Adam about #fuellinginnovation
At the centre of the University of Northampton’s Fuelling Innovation campaign is the Fuelling Innovation Coffee Tour, a mobile initiative delivering barista-quality coffee and expert advice directly to business leaders across Northamptonshire.
Designed to spark collaboration in a relaxed and informal setting, the tour offers founders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers the chance to connect with UON’s Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, explore growth opportunities, and tap into funded support for research, innovation and skills.
“The Coffee Tour is about taking the University of Northampton out to where the businesses are,” explains Helen Miller, Head of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise. “It’s about building relationships and showing that collaboration with a university doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It starts with a simple conversation.”
Tour Dates: Where to Catch the Coffee Van
Join us for a free coffee and business chat each day from 9.30am – 2.30pm plus additional events and workshops each day
Thursday 11th September – Northants Chamber Business Expo
Franklin’s Gardens | 9:30am–2:30pm
Don’t miss the Fuelling Innovation Across Northamptonshire talk (11:15–11:45am), featuring real business stories and insight into how UON is working with partners to drive sustainable innovation across the county.
Tuesday 16th September – Corby Enterprise Centre
Corby Enterprise Centre | 9:30am–2:30pm
Alongside the coffee van, visitors can attend two free expert-led sessions being delivered in partnership with South Midlands Growth Hub:
- Ready, Set, Fund! with Barclays Business Banking (10am–12pm)
- Network & Learn: Unlock the Power of Digital with Digital Northants (1pm–3pm)
Wednesday 17th September – Digital Manufacturing Centre, Silverstone Park
Digital Manufacturing Centre | 9:30am–2:30pm (workshop from 8am)
A full day of insights and practical tools for manufacturers. Includes:
- Northamptonshire Manufacturing Forum with updates from Make UK and the Chamber of Commerce plus guest speaker Andy Paul (Fliweel) talking about AI & Manufacturing
- Made Smarter: Smart Integration Workshop, helping manufacturers boost efficiency through CRM, ERP and MRP tech. Learn about the support available to Northamptonshire Businesses through the Made Smarter scheme
Full event details and booking available at: www.northampton.ac.uk/business/fuelling-innovation/
The Fuelling Innovation Podcast
Alongside the tour, the University has also launched the Fuelling Innovation podcast, produced by the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, to highlight the region’s most inspiring people, ideas and enterprises.
Each episode features a different guest, from digital pioneers to fitness entrepreneurs and global start-up founders, showcasing not just what they do, but how they’re driving real-world impact, and in many cases, how UON has supported their journey along the way.
Whether you’re a startup, established business, or just curious about how innovation drives change, this is the podcast for you.
Listen to the latest episodes via Podfollow: https://pod.fo/e/310c09
What’s Next?
Our first event in September (4th) partners with NNBN and Vulcan Works to present a panel discussion around My Innovation Journey, join our fantastic guests for fascinating stories! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/my-innovation-journey-tickets-1561995453449
The Fuelling Innovation calendar continues into October, with more pop-ups, workshops, and podcast episodes on the way. Whether you’re exploring funding, digital adoption, or talent pipelines, the message is clear:
Innovation in Northamptonshire is on the move. Now’s the time to join the journey.