There are many businesses across Charnwood involved in the development and use of innovation. Leading edge technologies are deployed in the newest smallest businesses through to large employers with a strong international reputation.

Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and engineering are good examples of where this is prevalent but Charnwood is home to innovation across many sectors and this is often linked to the existence of both the research and expertise emanating from Loughborough University  and innovation networks.

The University excels in driving and supporting innovation in the commercial world. Through research, supply of graduates to the workforce and transfer of knowledge many enterprises in Charnwood are thriving as a result of collaboration with the University. The University has been the catalyst for a number of innovative business start-ups and maintains strong links with a number of well established companies. The Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) provides an excellent location for businesses to forge links with the University and take advantage of part of an Enterprise Zone and a cluster of innovation. 

A prominent networking and support organisation, with its origins in Loughborough in 1996, is LATi Ltd. This organisation for networking, technologists and engineers reaches across the East Midlands. LATi’s aim is to promote high tech, scientific and engineering businesses, to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and to boost the local economy. Its membership includes companies from across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and even further afield. 

Further information about LATi membership and events can be found on the LATi Ltd website.  

Further information about other business networks will be added to this page soon.