COUNCIL INNOVATION GRANT SUPPORTS ENTERPRISE GROWTH
This case study shows how a local council has supported the development of a small enterprise who are developing sustainable, eco-friendly products for personal health.
BACKGROUND
BubbleLife has designed unique bio-degradeable packaging for liquid toiletries, replacing plastic bottles in homes, businesses and public services. The Directors led by Jon McGlashan required advice on a possible trademark infringement threat to their UK market by a USA based corporate competing in the same sector with a similar trademark. Jon also wished to explore private equity investment and additional funded support to accelerate growth. For this the business needed additional advice on contract preparation for a shareholder agreement and heads of agreement terms for a wide supply chain. The local council business support programme offered a £3000 grant to subsidise professional advisory costs.
TENDERING
The council grant required Jon to obtain additional quotes to ensure value for money. The quotes from law firms varied substantially: £2000 for heads of terms, £3500 for a supplier contract, £5000 for a shareholder agreement, £12000 to manage the IP infringement threat, and a £4000 prepayment deposit. The preferred quote, more than 70% lower than others, came from a professionally qualified IP advisor and certified dispute mediator Clive Bonny, MD of Strategic Management Partners, with 35 years advisory experience. Clive submitted relevant successful case studies supporting multi-sector enterprises, partnering with government funding agencies, as well as offering additional supply chain introductions at no extra cost.
DELIVERY
A project plan was agreed for completion within 8 weeks. The IP infringement threat was assessed and formal notices submitted objecting to the new trademark on a fast track basis with the UK Intellectual Property Office. All the contract agreements were supplied on time within budget. At no extra cost Clive provided additional business development advice, including: guides for future product licencing nationally and internationally; a trademark co-existence agreement; an offer to mediate the infringement issue to avoid legal proceedings; pitch decks and an introduction to a business angel group for future private equity funding; guidance on seed equity investment tax relief; invitations to attend sustainable packaging events to identify potential partners; access to market research reports; introductions to catapult funding, care home prospects and a business innovation award programme run by the Chamber of Commerce.
OUTCOMES
The trademark infringement objections have been successfully prosecuted against the USA corporate copycat and their international lawyers. The contractual agreements are ready for use. The additional referrals for funding, equity investment and partner network development are being followed up. The Chamber Awards programme entry has resulted in BubbleLife and the Directors being recognised for their Eco-Innovation and Entrepreneurship skills.
Clive Bonny with Award finalists BubbleLife
Clive adds “Grant funded support for small enterprises is vital to accelerate scale up growth. BubbleLife are an excellent example of a micro-enterprise who have the innovation and resilience to develop environmental friendly solutions in a growing market where consumers prefer high quality products made locally”
Contact Jon@bubblelife.co.uk tele 07854 987538
Or Clive@consult-smp.com tele 07973 799153