Innovation Den

Government bodies and private sector organisations are keen to take advantage of innovative ideas that fill a gap, drive down cost, and/or offer better services. But finding the perfect solution is not easy. Small companies often feel that they have come up with unique propositions that perfectly fill some specific need(s). But they may have trouble channelling their ideas to the right people.

Through the innovation den series, we facilitate connections between innovative companies and innovation seekers from government, local authorities, and large private sector companies. We are aiming for collaborative and helpful events that challenge companies to prove the unique value of their proposition and offer them constructive criticism. At the same time our panellists will have the opportunity to listen to a variety of ideas they might not have considered. Hopefully, all those involved can benefit from this exercise.

Our events normally have three separate panels – one with panellists from central government, one made up of local authorities, and one with reps from large companies that supply to the public sector. Events normally last for a full afternoon, with a drinks reception afterwards. Presenters are given strict 20-minute slots, with 10 minutes to present, followed by 10 minutes for questions/comments from the panel.

Please note these sessions are closed (no audience for the pitches), however all members are welcome to join the participants for the drinks reception.

To date over 200 follow-up appointments have been made following the presentations at eight innovation dens.

Panellist Testimonials

David Cotterill, Deputy Director- Innovation, Department for Work and Pensions

"I found the recent Innovation Den very useful... it certainly sparked a number of follow-up meetings. I think the value for an SME is pretty simple to articulate: selling to central government can be hard, but if government don't know you exist, 'hard' becomes 'impossible'.

It's great to be able to have a quickfire session to get an understanding of what the supplier capabilities are, and so much better in person than via a cold-call email or phone call."

Mark Adams-Wright, Chief Information Officer, Suffolk County Council

"The Innovation Den was well organised and attended. It offered me a fantastic opportunity to view the thinking and innovation that is occurring within ICT and its SME layer. I found sessions both useful and insightful and I hope that the organisations attending got useful feedback from the panellists.

It is important that such organisations are offered events chances like these Innovation Den sessions to both learn from the panellists and understand more fully where their opportunities in the Public Sector may lie. I very much enjoyed the day."

Member Testimonials

George Mackintosh, CEO, TestPlant

"Our presentation at the Intellect Innovation Den was great for the feedback we received from all of the panellists, but even better for the business we won! We presented in March 2011, and this led to follow up meetings with one of our central government panellists – the Department for International Development. After a proof of concept, technical evaluation, and agreed business case, we reached an agreement in November 2011 to deploy our eggPlant technology to automate DFID's HR software testing. A great result."

Justin Bowser, Director of Public Sector, HTK Limited

"I'd recommend the Innovation Den to all technology SMEs! One of the biggest challenges we face as an SME is getting a foot in the door for a first conversation, and my last two 'Dens' have resulted in 6 good introductions. It's also a great opportunity to really focus on a tight business pitch in a semi-stressful but fun environment. Give it a try next time! "

Andrew Chester, Director, Iken Business Ltd

"I found the whole experience very positive. It was a rare opportunity to present our software in a "generic" way, and the format stimulated me to think really hard about how to do this. I learned a lot that will be useful in the future. This was the first time that I have had a chance to pitch directly to anyone from central government. I also made several other useful contacts during the event. The event was well conceived and well organised. "

Guy Mucklow, Managing Director, Postcode Anywhere

"Intellect's Innovation Den provides SME's with a great opportunity to get in front of key decision makers in both the public and private sector. It has enabled us to learn a lot more about the problems and requirements of very large organisations as well as providing us with a platform for informing potential buyers of our capabilities. I haven't come across a more productive platform for SME's to engage with both their peers and large potential customers. "

John Feenan, Head of Public Sector Sales, GB Group PLC

"Innovation Den! Not to be confused with TV's Dragons Den! This is a great opportunity to present a succinct and focused message to key personnel and influencers in both local and central government departments.

The audience is receptive and provide constructive feedback. I would recommend any SME to take part and make the most of the opportunity to articulate the benefits of your products, services and ideas. There are no bundles of cash on show but it is a very valuable event!"

Alan Campbell, Enterprise Sales Manager, Centrix Networking Limited

"The opportunity to attend and present at Intellect's Innovation Den should not be missed. This was a tremendous experience in terms of developing, honing and then presenting our value proposition to senior decision makers within Local Government, who then provided us with invaluable critique, feedback and advice on our messaging and approach.

Every company needs a compelling "elevator pitch" for their proposition, and this was the catalyst for us to develop our messaging. The constructive feedback and advice received since has helped us evolve our approach which we are now taking confidently to the Public Sector."

Thomas Coles, Managing Director, Management Systems Modelling Limited

"MSM Software finds the Innovation Den an excellent opportunity to showcase our own and our clients' solutions to public sector buyers. Not only can we secure new leads but we also get the chance of referrals, advice on pitch or target markets and networking with public sector buyers."

Chris Gledhill, Managing Director, Professional Data Management Services (UK) Ltd

"I would like to thank the team at Intellect and their panel from central government for the opportunity to present ideas rather than formal tenders for a change!

I found the innovation den format very effective as a forum to communicate and receive feedback on new ideas and approaches to government IT. Whilst not strictly a sales opportunity, the direct contact with senior decision makers / influencers within the client community has really helped to focus the R&D priorities within PDMS."