Suffolk and Norfolk firms engaged in scientific research or developing new technologies are being urged to seek help in gaining access to grant support.

New Anglia Growth Hub, which is managed by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), says businesses often miss out on research funding because of a lack of application know-how.

But a new collaborative initiative aims to direct firms interested in applying for funding towards the growth hub before a formal application is submitted so that they can be helped through the process.

New Anglia Growth Hub innovation adviser Dr Morgan Potter said: 'There is a problem with the low success rate of businesses obtaining research grants in the UK.

'It's a highly competitive process and often businesses lack the requisite know-how on completing the application forms. This should not preclude them from applying, which is why we're giving companies the best possible chance of success by supporting them from the start.

'We're already directly involved in the delivery of the New Anglia LEP grant programmes, so it makes sense to roll out this model to other grant providers and allow them to use the Growth Hub as a resource. Our success rate is over 90% under the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) grants so if we can improve the quality of applications for research grants, then we can help drive innovation here in the east.'

Two free half-day masterclasses have been organised which will give companies information about how to write a good proposal and delegates will hear experiences from local businesses.

Alistair Poustie, chief executive of Ipswich-based Rushmere Technology, a firm which specialises in the development of fibre optic technology for next generation broadband, will be speaking at the events.

'We have been successful in securing several Innovate UK grants to develop new optical technologies so I am pleased to share our experiences to help other businesses avoid some of the pitfalls which will give them a better chance of winning funding,' he said.

The masterclasses take place at Norwich Research Park on July 12 and IP-City Centre in Ipswich on July 20. Contact alan.cowie@newanglia.co.uk for details.