The award for Innovation is one of the most exciting categories in The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards. Martin Garratt, of Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership, talks to Lisa Hanlon about innovation in Huntingdonshire. The Greater Cambridgeshire

The award for Innovation is one of the most exciting categories in The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards. Martin Garratt, of Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership, talks to Lisa Hanlon about innovation in Huntingdonshire.

The Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership (GCP) aims to help Huntingdonshire become a world leader in the knowledge-based economy, combining business success with a high quality of life for all.

This is the vision of Martin Garratt, director of the organisation, which works to unite the aspirations of the public, private and community sectors across the region. The GCP provides a strategic framework to shape the area's future and its remit brings together senior figures from the public, private and community sectors to review key issues relating to economic development, including skills, training, community issues and infrastructure.

As part of this vision the GCP continues to sponsor the Innovation Award. Mr Garratt said: "The GCP is delighted to continue to support this strategy because we are determined that all parts of greater Cambridge should benefit from the 'Cambridge phenomenon' and we are excited to work with our partners in Huntingdonshire."

The catchment area for the organisation covers a 25-mile radius from Cambridge, so includes Huntingdonshire. The GCP supports the managed growth of the area by building upon its recognition by the European Commission as a centre of excellence for innovation and by supporting more traditional business.

Mr Garratt said: "We trade in the global economy so it is important to have a competitive advantage. We have this in innovation and ideas, so we are keen to encourage this type of activity."

To succeed in this category of the awards, companies must demonstrate evidence of new ideas and different ways of looking at production. High-tech solutions could be a contributor to this award, but collaboration may also be central.

Mr Garratt said he has seen some excellent examples of innovation in these awards and hopes this year will present more innovative ideas, approaches and solutions. "Companies should enter these awards as it is a major opportunity to profile their business and ideas."

INFORMATION: Contact Lucy Brock, Res 1219, Shire Hall, Castle Hill, Cambridge, CB3 OAP. Telephone: 01223 717310. See www.gcp.uk.net and e-mail lucy.brock@cambridgeshire.gov.uk