Events and services provider Ghostwriter Consultancy and Events has created an app to support independent music venues.
The North East-based business is behind software platform Gig Lab, which it says will revolutionise the live events sector.
The platform is designed to simplify event planning, streamline operations, enhance visibility and empower live music venues to focus on creating unforgettable experiences for their audiences.
Gig Lab founder and finance director at ghostwriter consultancy and events, Victoria Smith, was also among 50 winners of a Women in Innovation Award, revealed by Innovate UK today.
She will benefit from a £75,000 grant alongside one-to-one business coaching to help scale-up her innovation.
Innovate UK unveils full 50 Women in Innovation Awards winners after U-turn
The government innovation agency came under fire last year over claims that it underfunded women founders to the tune of more than £2m.
A total funding pot of £4m was assigned and set to award 50 founders, but it was revealed that only 25 had been awarded the grants, despite some applications receiving over 90% scores.
After Let’s Fund More Women brought together a collective of hundreds of founders, investors and ecosystem supporters, and launched an instant data-backed campaign against the non-departmental public body, Innovate UK quickly decided to issue grants to a further 25 female founders, amounting to the original 50 founders they promised funding for.
The full story of how Innovate UK messed with the wrong women
“I’m incredibly honoured to win the Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award and humbled to share my recognition alongside such incredible women developing scientific and medical innovations,” said Smith.
“Gig Lab is all about making life easier for grassroots venues which play a valuable part in our communities across the country.
“At Ghostwriter, we want to use our experience to support live music venues to thrive and focus on what really matters: creating unforgettable experiences for their audiences.”
Emily Nott, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Innovate UK, added: “Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards spotlight the UK’s most groundbreaking women entrepreneurs.
“This year’s winners have shown incredible leadership and creativity. We’re thrilled to support them in scaling their businesses and inspiring the next wave of women innovators.”