“Our commitment is cultivating a dynamic ecosystem where visionary ideas can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
That’s the message from a dynamic and ambitious new company which has taken a room with a view – the top floor of The Quad building in Telford’s fast-growing Station Quarter.
European Innovation says its mission is to empower entrepreneurs and innovative businesses by providing comprehensive support through business incubation, investment, high growth mentorship, and networking opportunities.
And its strategy for delivering on this is to provide a mixture of tailored resources, expert guidance, and seamless facilitation of key processes, including UK Innovator Visa endorsement to help overseas entrepreneurs gain a foothold in the UK.
The driving forces behind the business are chief executive Tim Luft, and chief operating officer Nigel Birch, who have decades of top-level experience spanning multiple sectors.
Tim is a digital media entrepreneur specialising in the roll-out of virtual reality. He has led regional innovation programmes for the UK Government and mentors new entrepreneurs while advising the DBT Global Entrepreneur Programme.
He has supported in the establishment of University Institutes which have researched the use of 3D environment for teaching and learning, and continues to mentor entrepreneurs who are developing new ideas.
He sits on the Telford Business Board and is also an advisor for the DiT Global Entrepreneur Programme.
Nigel is a leader in innovation, having endorsed over 75 entrepreneurs for the UK’s Founder and Innovator Visa. He has held key roles at Fujifilm, Rolls Royce, and Innovate UK while supporting global entrepreneurship and training over 320 businesses.
Previous roles have included six years as international business development director at the University of Wolverhampton, where he created a dedicated programme to support global entrepreneurship which helped 50 new businesses start up in South America and Eastern Europe.
He also developed ‘Business Success Training Programme’ and ‘Mental Robustness in Business” programmes for early-stage business start-ups, delivered on behalf of the Oman Educational Department
“European Innovation offers comprehensive services to empower businesses, including expert mentorship, investment opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities to drive growth and innovation,” says Tim.
“It is a dynamic hub dedicated to fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation across diverse industries. Located in a vibrant, modern facility, European Innovation provides flexible office spaces, touchdown workspaces, and fully equipped meeting rooms designed to support professionals, startups, and established companies alike.
“With a focus on creating an environment that inspires creativity and connects like-minded individuals, European Innovation offers a community-driven workspace where businesses can thrive.”
From tailored support to networking opportunities, the company says it is committed to empowering its members to innovate, connect, and achieve their goals in an inspiring setting.
European Innovation is already a trusted go-to resource for many leading organisations, including the Department for Business & Trade, West Midlands Combined Authority, the Home Office, Telford & Wrekin Council, Harper Adams University, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Cosworth, and Aspire Training.
Core services include:
Nigel says: “Our business incubator at The Quad offers flexible office spaces, meeting and conference rooms, and a flexible desk booking system.
“The idea is that we can offer a convenient touchdown space for professionals looking to work in a vibrant innovation centre, whether it’s just for a few hours or a regular setup.
“Our flexible, modern workspace is perfect for those seeking a productive environment without long-term commitments. Monthly passes are available, providing access to all the essentials you need to work efficiently and connect with like-minded individuals in the heart of our innovation hub.
“If you simply require a business address with a post forwarding service, we are able to offer a full support package on a monthly basis.”
He adds: “We are also a UK Home Office approved Endorsing Body for guiding entrepreneurs through the process of securing Startup and Innovator Founder Visas, ensuring a smooth transition to business success in the UK.
“Working in a consortium of six UK businesses, we bring a combined wealth of experience to assessing business proposals.
“And as a trusted partner of the Home Office, we have a reputation for a quick and efficient service, handling new business formations, expansions, settlement in the UK, and routes for business scale-up.”
As an approved UK Home Office lead for the Founder and Innovator Visa, Nigel has endorsed over 75 entrepreneurs from all over the globe. More than three quarters of these were start-ups.
For early stage companies and established businesses wishing to scale, European Innovation offers a ‘Business Gym’, which can provide expert guidance and potential investors.
It’s a chance to join a community and access the support and investment you need, if you are serious about improving or growing your business.
European Innovation has already helped its clients raise over £5 million in equity, loans, and grants, fuelling their growth and success.
The company’s Business Angel Network connects startups with high-net-worth investors, providing critical funding and strategic mentorship, with an annual investment of approximately £3 million.
The team also offers expert grant writing services, helping businesses secure vital funding by crafting compelling proposals that align with funding criteria and maximize chances of success.
Why is innovation important? It allows you to differentiate from competitors by offering unique products, services, or processes. This competitive advantage helps attract customers and retain market share.
Innovative businesses tend to attract top talent who are eager to work in dynamic and forward-thinking environments. A culture of innovation can help you recruit and retain skilled employees, driving further growth and success.
You will also open up new markets and revenue streams by continuously innovating, enabling you to explore untapped opportunities and expand the reach of your products or services.
Embracing innovation also enables businesses to diversify and reduce dependence on a single product or market, helping to mitigate risks associated with economic changes.
European Innovation was delighted to host the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrey Bailey, last year during his visit to Telford, just weeks after the incubator at The Quad had opened for business.
He was keen to gather insights from local employers across Telford, engaging in an open dialogue about the current economic climate and its impact on the workplace.
Tim said: “The session provided an invaluable opportunity for local businesses to share their experiences and offer feedback directly to the central bank, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities present in the region.
“The event showcased Telford’s diverse business community and underscored the importance of continued collaboration between local enterprises and national economic leaders.”
The Quad’s centrally located position, just a short walk from Telford railway station and town centre, make it ideal for hosting networking events, and European Innovation is planning monthly get-togethers this year.
Upcoming themes for the first half of 2025 include funding and investment strategies, marketing and brand building, technology and innovation, leadership and management, and sustainability and corporate social responsibility
Tim says: “These key topics will be discussed with high-quality speakers, providing an opportunity to network with fellow companies and explore opportunities to collaborate.
“It’s all part of our ambition to support companies to scale and achieve high growth.”
