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R&D Blog

Here at RIFT, we like to talk. You can get the latest on what’s happening at RIFT and the Research & Development news that matters to you, from our blog.

Constructing Excellence Awards

Thursday, April 19, 2018

If you've followed any of our KEiBA coverage in recent years, then you know how we feel about award schemes in general.

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More Art than Science

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Open Bionics merge art and cutting edge science to produce $3,000 beautiful prosthetic limbs in a fraction of the time using 3D printing.

Continue reading >

Iceland: Plastic-Free by 2023

Friday, March 9, 2018

When we talk about innovation, must of the time we mean making things faster, more effective or more efficient.

Continue reading >

R&D Grant Funding

Thursday, January 25, 2018 Sarah Goodman

Getting the most out of your innovations has always been the key focus of RIFT R&D. It can be a rough road bringing your best ideas to life, and a lot hangs on getting the right financing at the right moment.

Continue reading >

Kent Excellence in Business Awards 2018

Thursday, January 25, 2018

2018 is a big year for the prestigious KEiBA scheme, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the awards event. We're big fans of the KEiBAs at RIFT, as both award winners and category judges in previous years.

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R&D Mythbusting with RIFT

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

With 2017 coming to a close it's time to step back and check exactly where we are.

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UK R&D Is Breaking New Ground

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

HMRC's latest statistics around Research and Development Tax Credits have been published, and they make for eye-opening reading. The average value of an SME claim is on the rise, and more SMEs than ever are making successful claims.

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R&D Marches on Its Stomach

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

R&D in Armed Forces has always been a major source of everyday innovations, from road systems to the internet. The challenges of organising, operating and maintaining an army have had an impact right down to the food on our tables.

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Self-Building Homes

Friday, September 22, 2017

From robot bricklayers boosting worksite efficiency to entirely 3D-printed buildings sprouting around the world, innovation is huge driving force in the industry.

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2040 Petrol and Diesel Vehicle Ban

Monday, August 21, 2017

Evolution is a slow process, and once in a while it takes a swift kick to hurry it along. That's exactly what's happening in the petrol and diesel-only road vehicles world right now. A UK government ban coming into full force in 2040 means that fossil fuels are going the way of the dinosaur.

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Virtual Reality Finds Real-World Uses

Monday, July 3, 2017

The launch last year of a range of virtual reality hardware options for home users did a pretty good job of opening the general public's eyes to the entertainment possibilities of the technology. The gaming world's been pushing for workable VR for a while, on and and off, but it's never really managed to get a serious foothold before now. However, even without a high-end headset, most people probably carry enough processing power in their pockets to support a basic VR experience, which is bringing the buy-in bar down for everyone.

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KEIBA Award Winners 2017

Friday, June 23, 2017

Congratulations to all winners and finalists in the KEIBA 2017.

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RIFT at London Tech Week

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Join RIFT Research and Development at London Tech Week from 12th-16th June

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R&D Tax Credit Claims Are Still Rising. What's Stopping You Claiming Yours?

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

According to the government's own statistics, R&D Tax Credits claims for small and medium-sized businesses rose 16% in 2014-15. That's a pretty good figure if you look at it in isolation, bringing the total number of different SMEs making claims to 39,360 since the scheme began. In fact, it's primarily SME claims that have been driving the uptake figures in the right direction for years now.

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KEiBA and The Importance of Innovation

Thursday, April 13, 2017

RIFT's dedicated Research and Development Tax Credits division gives us the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative businesses in the UK and we're delighted to be turning the spotlight on the brightest ideas from Kent businessess as we judge the KEIBA awards.

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RIFT Wins Excellence In Customer Service Award​

Friday, March 31, 2017

RIFT won the Invicta Chamber Excellence in Customer Service Award 2017 and retains ServiceMark with a UK leading score on the same day.

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Offshore Wind Innovation Hub: More Than Just Hot Air

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Building on the UK’s unique expertise in the offshore wind industry, the government is investing up to £1.3 million in a new offshore wind innovation hub run through the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the Knowledge Transfer Network. As the UK's flagship research centre for renewable energies, ORE Catapult is a strong supporter of SMEs. They understand that smaller businesses are faster to react to opportunities and more creative in their problem solving, but too many are not claiming the R&D tax credits for their innovative work in this field.

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KEiBA's New Medium Business of the Year Category

Monday, March 13, 2017

This year, KEiBA is launching a new category in the awards, celebrating the Medium Business of the Year. The award is open to businesses in any sector, and recognises a lot more than just commercial success.

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Video Game Tax Relief in 2017: Power-Ups and Easter Eggs

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

It's time to reflect on how 2017's shaping up so far. Big things are happening in video games this year. Here's what you need to know to hunt down the industry's most valuable Easter eggs and make the most of your VGTR Claim.

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RIFT in Partnership with Build UK

Monday, February 27, 2017

RIFT is delighted to announce a partnership with Build UK to support innovation in the the UK construction industry.

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Grants and R&D Tax Credits

Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Oliver Batt

A lot of people don't realise this but grant funding and R&D Tax Credits aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, the idea of both cropping up in your books in the same tax year send accountants scurrying.

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Jan Post Appointed as Chairman and Bradley Post as Managing Director of RIFT Group

Friday, January 6, 2017

We begin a new chapter in the RIFT Group's history in 2017 with Jan Post appointed as Chairman and Bradley Post taking on the role of Managing Director.

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RIFT ranked in MegaGrowth50 with 127% Growth in 2016

Friday, November 4, 2016 Oliver Batt

Last year was the first time that RIFT had been selected for the MegaGrowth list and this year we are in 9th place with 127% growth on 2015. The list of MegaGrowth companies is very inspiring and there’s a fantastic range of talent, technology and business transformation on show.

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Construction Expo 2016: shining a light on UK innovation

Monday, October 17, 2016 OIiver Batt

The Construction Expo 2016 showcases a UK construction industry in good health, but to hit the targets set out in the 2025 strategy the industry is going to have to adapt and innovate. Luckily financial support is available to companies who know where to look.

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Cybersecurity: tools of disruption and protection

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Oliver Batt

With the current push towards Cloud based services, the Internet of Things and Big Data, individuals and businesses are increasingly vulnerable. As a result, cybersecurity is a rapidly growing global industry and necessarily an area of continual innovation.

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Partnered for Excellence in Finance

Tuesday, July 26, 2016 Oliver Batt

Good news in these gloom and doom times: RIFT R&D Tax Credits are delighted to announce that they have joined forces with the financial planning wizards, Aegis.

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Congratulations To All KEIBA Winners and Finalists 2016

Friday, June 24, 2016 RIFT

We had a fantastic time at the KEIBA awards last night. Here at RIFT we’ve been involved with KEIBA for many years, as entrants, sponsors and as judges. Congratulations to all winners and finalists.

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In Kent, You're in Great Company

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

In the fifth of the series celebrating RIFT's sponsorship of the SME Business of the Year 2016 category in the KEiBAs, Jan Post talks about how proud we are of our Kentish roots.

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We Love Enterprising Business

Thursday, April 21, 2016 Jan Post

In the fourth of the series celebrating RIFT's sponsorship of the SME Business of the Year KEiBA, Jan Post talks about supporting a sector continuing to grow.

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RIFT Group Awarded ServiceMark

Friday, April 15, 2016 RIFT

RIFT group, known for its friendly, helpful and jargon free approach to tax matters is the first company is the first company in our sector, to be awarded Service Mark by the Institute of Customer Services. The ServiceMark is a national, independently assessed standard recognising an organisation's achievement in customer service, and its commitment to upholding those standards.

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RIFT: Award-Winning Customer Service as Standard

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Jan Post

In the third of the series to celebrate RIFT's sponsorship of the Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA), Jan Post discusses the value of good customer service and how winning awards is the icing on the cake.

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The RIFT Guide to How Business Awards Are Always Rewarding.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

In the second of a series, Jan Post, RIFT Group MD, talks about KEiBA and how seeing the real benefits go way beyond the glittering prize.

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Thinking of entering the Kent Excellence in Business Awards? You’ll be in great company…

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

In the first of a series, Jan Post, RIFT Group MD, talks about KEiBA and what it means to Kent, The RIFT Group and the wider business community…

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3,000 NAUTICAL MILES, 40-90 DAYS, 1 CHALLENGE – OUR BOYS ARE ALL AT SEA!

Thursday, January 14, 2016 Sarah Goodman

Follow the amazing adventures of Dan Parsons and Olly Clark – the incredible duo rowing the Atlantic in aid of two charities and co-sponsored by the RIFT Group.

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Advance Assurance For R&D Tax Relief

Friday, December 4, 2015

R&D Advance Assurance: One Less Thing to Worry About Faster validation for SMEs? You might've heard rumblings across the Research and Development landscape about the UK government's new Advance Assurance scheme for R&D claims. So, what's all the fuss about? Is the system going to have a real impact, or is it just another hoop to jump through? Let's take a look and see what it's all about.

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ICS Customer Service Awards 2016

Thursday, December 3, 2015

ICS Customer Service Awards 2016 The RIFT Group is built on the idea that great customer service is great business. That's why we're delighted to be in the finals of the Institute of Customer Service's awards for 2016!

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Q&A With Jan Post, RIFT Founder and MD

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Jan Post, RIFT Founder and MD, talks about how she came to set up RIFT and gives a little insight into her day-to-day life.

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All About Patents

Thursday, October 22, 2015 Julia Scott

If you already have patents, we can show you how use the Patent Box programme for even more ways to benefit. We have a 100% success rate on our clients' claims, so get in touch with RIFT R&D to make the most of your biggest ideas.

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MEGAGROWTH 50 SUCCESS FOR ASHFORD’S RIFT GROUP

Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Julia Scott

RIFT Group has won the bronze medal in the Megagrowth 50, a prestigious business league table which recognises the 50 fastest growing businesses in Kent.

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The Biggest Innovations in Construction 2015

Monday, October 19, 2015 Julia Scott

The construction industry was built on innovation, and its contributions are growing each year. Every project throws out its own unique challenges and obstacles, and the industry tackles them head-on with new materials, technologies and processes. It's a fast-moving, dynamic field to work in, so let's look at just a few of the biggest ideas coming out of it right now.

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The Intellectual Property Office (IPO)

Thursday, October 15, 2015 Julia Scott

IP is an often misunderstood part of the law, and a lot of businesses aren't getting the best out of their innovations, so it's worth taking a closer look at how to protect your work and boost the benefits it brings you.

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Great Britain: The World’s 2nd Most Innovative Nation!

Monday, October 12, 2015 Julia Scott

The measurements have been taken, the results have been tallied and the verdict is in. The recently released Global Innovation Index 2015 shows that, after an enormous leap up from our 10th-place ranking back in 2010, Great Britain has held onto its number 2 slot in the league tables of the world's most innovative nations.

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It's About Solving Problems, Not Equations

Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Virginie Giles

The UK government's Research and Development tax relief scheme is one of its most powerful tools for helping businesses to solve problems and push forward. It's already rewarding breakthroughs and ingenuity in every part of the economy, but word about it still isn't getting out far or widely enough. Financial services are right at the heart of the UK's economic hopes in the wake of the banking crash, but too many people still don't realise that they have a claim.

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Cracking the Code

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Virginie Giles

Literally hundreds of thousands of pounds in relief are being left on the table each year by software developers alone, simply because the message hasn't reached them yet. RIFT R&D is here to change that, and to get the scheme's rewards into the hands of one of today's most furiously inventive industries.

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R&D in Construction: From the Ground Up

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Virginie Giles

Of all the fields covered by the UK government's Research and Development tax relief scheme, the construction industry should be among those getting the most out of it. That it isn't yet is a great shame because construction firms, by definition, live right on the cutting edge of innovation.

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Cutting your Corporation Tax bill down to size.

Thursday, September 17, 2015 Virginie Giles

The Research and Development tax credits scheme is the strongest sign of the UK government's determination to help businesses with big ideas to solve problems, answer important questions and make a real difference. It's a great system, with an average SME claim worth £46,000, but it's just not visible enough.

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Making inventiveness pay for British SMEs

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 Virginie Giles

At RIFT R&D Tax Credits we take pride in championing the small businesses that drive the UK forward. Tax relief and tax credits may not be glamorous - indeed for many it’s the stuff of nightmares - but it can be the difference between getting an idea up and running or staying stuck firmly on the start line.

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RIFT Group Win KEIBA Customer Service and Commitment Award 2105

Friday, June 26, 2015

We were delighted to win the KEIBA award for Customer Service and Committment in 2015. RIFT was founded on the principles of helping others and it's wonderful to see that recognised at this level.

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Why Is The Government Encouraging R&D?

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Virginie Giles

Let’s face it; nobody enjoys paying tax, especially corporation tax that feels like it’s penalising success.

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Don't take our word for it...

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Virginie Giles

....take a look at 3 of our lovely customers video testimonials

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Our radio campaign is live on LBC

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Virginie Giles

Our radio campaign is now live on LBC!! Have a listen and let us know what you think?

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RIFT Small Business Base Camp at Kent 2020

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Jane Ollis

Setting up and running a small business is an exhilarating ascent into the unknown...

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RIFT Research mentioned in the House Of Commons

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Michael Aglony

Chris Heaton-Harris, MP for Daventry mentions RIFT Research and MD Jane Ollis in the House Of Commons.

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RIFT Research at the Elite Business Event

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Jane Ollis

This year we will be exhibiting on stand 120 at the Elite Business Event National Conference & Exhibition.

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R&D? It's not all white lab coats

Thursday, January 1, 2015 Marketing

There are very generous tax breaks for companies that conduct research and development, and HMRC are even actively encouraging companies to claim. Yet, so many are not claiming and missing up out the chance of reducing their tax bill or getting a cheque back for their efforts.

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UK manufacture has a healthy glow but...

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Oliver Batt

October saw growth in UK manufacturing at a three month high in what is being called a ‘mini-recovery’ by economists.

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New HMRC Guidance Notes for R&D Tax Credits

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Oliver Batt

The Government has released more detail on the changes to the Research & Development Tax Credits scheme.

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Changes to R&D Tax Credits Announced

Thursday, December 4, 2014 RIFT Research & Development

RIFT Research & Development are delighted that the Chancellor has recognised

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Your Clothes, Your Boots And Your Job

Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Oliver Batt

A third of all UK jobs could become obsolete due to advances in robotics in the next 20 years.

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The Innovate UK Conference Beats Benedict

Friday, November 7, 2014 Oliver Batt

According to the government’s website the conference was the top trending hashtag on Twitter.

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Maths problems solved at the click of a button

Thursday, November 6, 2014 Oliver Batt

New mobile app that solves maths equations just by looking at them.

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Government "not doing enough to promote R&D"

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 Marketing

HMRC released its latest figures for R&D tax relief claims this month. RIFT Research and Development believe the government is just not doing enough to promote the availability of this valuable cash payment to small businesses.

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Construction growth up 0.9%

Monday, November 3, 2014 Marketing

Rift Research and Development urges construction companies to take advantage of R&D tax credits following release of new government growth figures of 0.9%.

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CBI ideas for 500,000 more UK jobs

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 Oliver Batt

R&D tax credits are to play a central role in The Confederation of British Industry’s long-term initiative to reinvigorate UK economic growth.

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Is the UK construction industry missing out on £millions?

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Julia Scott

Is the UK construction industry missing out on £millions?

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Extreme Weather Calls for Innovation in Flood Defences

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 Marketing

With flood warnings and transport disruptions still affecting much of Britain, reliable and innovative flood defence systems are growing in demand. RIFT R&D calls for any companies involved in projects combating this issue to contact them today, as they could be entitled to claim up to 25% of the relevant costs.

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R&D tax breaks improve health science advances

Friday, October 10, 2014 Marketing

As a blueprint for a universal flu vaccine is announced, RIFT Research and Development urges businesses carrying out vital healthcare research to take advantage of the current tax regime.

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RIFT calls on David Beckham to follow his pie and mash dream

Friday, October 10, 2014 Marketing

David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay have allegedly fallen out over their joint plans to open a chain of restaurants. RIFT calls on Beckham to go it alone and follow his dream of being a pie and mash mogul.

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Companies working on cycle safety are a 'perfect example' of R&D

Friday, October 10, 2014 Marketing

Innovative companies working to prevent deadly cycle accidents should be filing for R&D tax credit.

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Anyone want some cash from the 'government innovation subsidy'?

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 Marketing

RIFT Research and Development, want the government to seriously consider giving a new name to the ‘R&D tax credit’ scheme for small companies.

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Fresh from the lab: BA student wins Dyson award

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 Oliver Batt

A student has invented a simple and yet genius way of reducing both food waste and the risk of food poisoning with a unique bio-reactive food label.

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RIFT urges new Doctor Who to apply for R&D tax relief

Friday, October 3, 2014 Marketing

The next official Time Lord will be announced this Sunday. To stay ahead of the new generation of extra-terrestrial enemies, RIFT urges the new Doctor Who to apply for R&D tax relief.

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Technologists Challenge 'The Change'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Oliver Batt

Last week influential technologists, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and business strategists in the world gathered in London for the RE.WORK technology summit.

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Transport for London and Apple are the latest advocates of contactless payments

Thursday, September 18, 2014 Oliver Batt

It seems there is a conflict between convenience and confidence in the UK when it comes to contactless payment.

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Why the EU is encouraging R&D into new super-material

Thursday, August 28, 2014 Marketing

Graphene is an engineered nanomaterial with an extraordinarily vast range of useful properties. Its discovery is as important as ubiquitous silicon, and its discoverers, two Russian siblings studying at Manchester University, won the Nobel Prize in 2010. Since then the EU has ploughed a billion euros into encouraging multi-disciplinary R&D to further explore the practical properties of this super-material.

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3D Printing – a new age of manufacture?

Monday, August 25, 2014 Marketing

Widely touted as the greatest technological advance of our age, and quite possibly the instigator of the second industrial revolution, 3D printing is here. Does it deserve the hype?

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Patents revamp could open up the European market to UK innovation

Monday, August 18, 2014 Marketing

New patent laws will save UK inventors and entrepreneurs thousands in patenting costs and establish a better working relationship across 25 EU countries, ensuring that patent disputes are more effectively managed.

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Made in Britain: a ‘Dragon’s Den’ Reject’s Success Story Highlights the Advantages of UK Manufacturing

Saturday, August 16, 2014 Marketing

Coinciding with Britain’s expected upturn in GPD this year, production is finding its way back to the UK, with many businesses inshoring production over manufacturing abroad. We believe generous research and development tax refunds for SMEs could help support this trend even further.

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Organs-on-chips: a promising alternative to animal testing

Friday, August 15, 2014 Oliver Batt

Exciting new technology that will revolutionise drug testing has now secured the financial backing it needs. Emulate, the company commercialising the ‘Organs-on-Chips’ biotechnology, has been launched, after receiving $12 million in financing. Its answer to the pitfalls of drugs testing is an industry first: replica organs, the size of memory sticks, that mimic the functionality of human organs in the body so precisely as to make all other methods of testing obsolete.

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Kent Is Open For Business In 2018

Monday, January 1, 0001

In terms of launching and growing a successful business, Kent has a lot to offer.

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Our Blog

Thursday, April 19, 2018
Constructing Excellence Awards

If you've followed any of our KEiBA coverage in recent years, then you know how we feel about award schemes in general.

Read more >
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
More Art than Science

Open Bionics merge art and cutting edge science to produce $3,000 beautiful prosthetic limbs in a fraction of the time using 3D printing.

Read more >
Friday, March 9, 2018
Iceland: Plastic-Free by 2023

When we talk about innovation, must of the time we mean making things faster, more effective or more efficient.

Read more >
Thursday, January 25, 2018
R&D Grant Funding

Getting the most out of your innovations has always been the key focus of RIFT R&D. It can be a rough road bringing your best ideas to life, and a lot hangs on getting the right financing at the right...

Read more >
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