Basildon Council and The Consortium (East) Ltd celebrate the success and impact that the Elevate Basildon Business (EBB) programme in the year 2025-26. Funded by the UKSPF, the programme supported 206 local businesses and creating 55 new enterprises as well as 29 jobs, exceeding all KPIs.
The event showcased the opportunities being created through artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), highlighting how collaboration between industry and academia can help businesses innovate, grow and remain competitive.
Attendees heard from Andy Mead of The Finishing Line, who shared his inspiring business journey and the success of his recent KTP. His experience demonstrated the tangible impact that partnerships between businesses and universities can have in developing new ideas, improving processes and driving growth.
The audience was also inspired by Professor Klaus McDonald-Maier’s presentation on the development of advanced strawberry-picking robots, showcasing how cutting-edge robotics and AI are being used to tackle real-world challenges and transform industries.
The event highlighted the strength and ambition of the Basildon business community, reinforcing the importance of innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing in creating new opportunities and supporting future economic success.