Pictured above: Transport iNet innovation advisors L-R Samantha Clarke, Steve Statham, Georgette Hall and James Reeves.

The Transport iNet will drive forward transport innovation in the East Midlands with the appointment of two new advisors, Samantha Clarke and Steve Statham.

The latest additions to the team join existing advisors, Georgette Hall and James Reeves, to provide free funding and consultancy support. Working alongside universities and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), Samantha and Steve will fuel innovation in the five transport sectors:- rail, marine, automotive, motorsport and aerospace.

Samantha Clarke, on part time secondment from the British Marine Federation, has extensive experience in the marine sector from running a small company, producing hand built boats, to restoring crafts as a skilled engineer. Shortly before joining the team, Samantha was awarded the events tender for the marine sector. The first of the networking functions, a Recreational Craft Directive course, will take place on Tuesday 21st July at Lockington Hall, Derby. 

Steve Statham, a former Loughborough University graduate, joins the team from Pera Innovation Ltd, a leading research and technology organisation. He brings with him a wealth of experience in working with small and medium sized businesses to identify their innovation development needs.  Steve is the second Loughborough alumnus to join the Holywell Park company following the appointment of James Reeves.

Steve, said: "It is a difficult time for businesses at the moment but with the support of the Transport iNet team, we can provide solutions to help transport companies to prosper. In my role as advisor, I aim to help businesses explore new opportunities which will propel them forward in the innovation stakes and gain a competitive edge."

Awarded £2.5 million funding, the Transport iNet are able to offer a range of funding support. To assist SME's, an Innovation Support Grant of up to £10,000 is available to source external expertise and aid project development. The Higher Education Collaboration Fund brings universities and businesses from the region together to work on innovative research projects. Aimed at the automotive and motorsport sectors, a recently launched free brokerage scheme will also provide a series of networking events and advice to supply chain companies to encourage innovation. 

Interim project director, David Pickering, said: "The new appointment of Samantha and Steve has strengthened the team's breadth of experience across the five sectors. The additional skills they bring to the team will continue to help the Transport iNet reach transport businesses and research organisations in the East Midlands."

Located at the Systems Engineering Innovation Centre (SEIC) at Loughborough University, The Transport iNet is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and stimulate the research and development of new products, services a