Are you developing innovative technology or preparing to bring a new product to market?

Protecting your intellectual property early can save time and money, and help your business to grow.

HGF is hosting an Intellectual Property (IP) clinic at ETZ EnergyWorks on Wednesday 2 September, from 11.00am-4.00pm, offering SMEs working across the energy transition and technology sectors the opportunity to receive confidential one-to-one advice from experienced patent attorneys.

Partner & Patent Attorney John Johnston and Senior Patent Attorney Jillian MacCormack will provide practical guidance on topics including:

• Patentability and the patent application process
• Developing an IP strategy aligned with your business goals
• Protecting your ideas before commercialisation
• Scaling your business with confidence

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing IP portfolio, this clinic provides the opportunity to discuss your business with specialists and receive tailored advice. Places are limited. 

Could collaboration be the key to unlocking your next export opportunity?

Winning work in global energy markets often requires greater scale, broader capabilities and a stronger market presence than a single company can provide alone. This session will explore how SMEs can join forces to access opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

From identifying the right partners and developing a compelling collective proposition to navigating the realities of consortium management, this session will examine what makes collaboration successful. Attendees will gain practical insights into simplifying the process, avoiding common pitfalls and positioning their business as part of a competitive international offering capable of winning work in overseas markets.

Come along and hear from Geoff Aberdein, Managing Partner, and Allister Thomas, Head of Energy, at True North as they give an overview of the current state of play of the North East economy, and discuss what BP’s exit from the North Sea means for the North East, industry and the supply chain.

Connecting ambitious businesses through shared learning, practical support and meaningful connections.

 In partnership with Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), Scottish Enterprise and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)

Brewed for Growth is a monthly coffee morning series designed to bring together ETZ EnergyWorks tenants and ambitious scale-up businesses from across the region to connect, collaborate and learn from one another.

In addition there will also be a workshop straight after the coffee morning, from 10am to11am, to give details on Shepherd and Wedderburn's Start to Scale Platform. It is a free support platform designed to help UK start-ups and scale-up businesses grow by providing access to legal resources, expert advice, networking opportunities, and investor insights.

Exploring trade potential, building global connections

This event will provide an up-to-date overview of key sectors, major projects and market trends, helping North East companies identify where the most promising opportunities are emerging. Attendees will gain practical guidance on market entry routes and the support available to help companies establish and grow a presence in the region.

Join ETZ Ltd and Scottish Development International as we explore opportunities across South America, with a spotlight on Brazil's growing decommissioning market.

South America is becoming an increasingly attractive market for Scottish businesses seeking international growth. Driven by investment in offshore energy, power infrastructure, industrial decarbonisation and the energy transition, the region is creating new opportunities for companies with expertise in engineering, technology, project delivery and specialist energy services.

This event will provide an up-to-date overview of key sectors, major projects and market trends across South America, helping businesses understand where the most promising opportunities are emerging. Attendees will gain insights into Brazil's growing decommissioning market, alongside wider opportunities in offshore energy, renewables and energy transition projects across the region.

The session will also offer practical guidance on market entry routes, routes to contract, local partnership requirements and the support available to help businesses establish and grow their presence in South American markets. In addition, attendees will have the chance to network with market specialists, Scottish Development International and companies already operating successfully in the region.

Connect. Learn. Export.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable market intelligence, build new connections and explore new routes to growth across one of the world's most exciting and rapidly evolving energy regions.