Ngage celebrates a decade of impact on local economy

Ngage Solutions turned its Annual General Meeting into a birthday party as it celebrated a decade of impact in October.

As well as reviewing the journey so far, guests heard from individuals who had received grants delivered by Ngage, and from current project managers, about their aspirations for the future.

Over the last 10 years Ngage has worked with nearly 100 partners to positively impact on the local economy. It has become a successful social enterprise whose job is to help businesses succeed, either by managing funding that can be drawn down from public funds or by selling in expertise.

In the early years its focus was primarily in its contract with Business Link, and Ngage never failed to deliver on its funders’ targets. Above and beyond this, in the last 10 years, Ngage has also delivered over £30 million worth of grant funded support (both from UK and European sources) to local businesses , across many diverse sectors.

Examples of Ngage impacts include helping businesses to reduce their CO2 emissions and encouraging farmers to diversify so that they have a viable business model. Ngage has also been involved in assisting individuals considering self employment to set up a business as a realistic alternative.

Among the guests at the event was Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council. As BCC is one of the shareholders in Ngage, Mr Tett was especially pleased to join in with the celebrations.

Tim Fenn gave an entertaining example of how his company, Green Factory, had used a Sustainable Routes grant administered by Ngage to design an innovative mode of transport that would reduce carbon emissions. He proved his point by making an epic 48 mile journey in his Velomobile, reaching speeds which even attracted the attention of the police.

Jim Dowling of Oxford Renewables, praised the Ngage staff who helped his company to develop a successful proposal through the LEADER programme. These funds enabled them to develop office space and purchase a mobile woodchip blower and a trailer. Said Jim: “Without their help we would never have been able to manage all the forms to apply for the grant in the first place.”

Said MD, Philippa Batting: “Our purpose at Ngage has always been to add value to our local economic landscape and never has that seemed more important than now, as we trade in some of the most difficult economic conditions that I have ever known. We are dedicated to the delivery of programmes of support that will benefit aspiring entrepreneurs, businesses and communities. We are passionate about helping businesses to perform.”

Guest speaker for the evening was Penny Mallory, well-known rally driver and TV presenter from Oxfordshire. She gave an inspiring, motivational talk, that sent everyone present home with a determination to ‘do better’ and forge ahead for the next ten years.

Ngage Solutions is a not-for-profit privately-owned company dedicated to the delivery of publicly-funded services for the benefit of aspiring entrepreneurs, businesses and communities.

Ngage Solutions Ltd
The Clare Foundation
Wycombe Road
Saunderton
Bickinghamshire
HP14 4BF
UK

This release was published on openPR.