From vision to venture: How the CPCA Growth Hub fuels Startups Innovation

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Nick Lancaster

Nick Lancaster

Business Advisor (Start Up & Innovation)

Starting a business is exhilarating… first you’re struck by a brilliant idea, then the passion to pursue it, and maybe you’re even tinkering with a prototype. It’s the spark that sets everything in motion, but after that initial rush comes the real challenge: turning that spark into something that lasts. That means building structure, having a strategy, testing assumptions and figuring out how to grow without losing your footing. 

That’s where I come in. As the Startup and Innovation Business Advisor, I work hands-on with founders and innovators across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, offering free, tailored advice to help cut through the noise and focus on what truly drives growth. I collaborate directly with early-stage businesses to turn bold ideas into actionable strategies, drawing on world-class tools and insights from global innovation leaders. 

Think of me as a sparring partner, a sounding board and as a guide rolled into one. 

My role is simple: I give innovators the clarity, tools, and confidence to grow faster and smarter.   

No two founders are alike, and neither are their journeys. Some come to me with just an idea. Others are already trading but looking to refine their model or prepare for funding. Wherever you are on your journey, I’d love to work with you too. 

Together, we can sketch your strategy on a single page, clarify your value proposition, and identify the opportunities that matter most. 

Need to map customer journeys, uncover pains and gains, and test assumptions before you invest too much time or money? 

Need to pitch? He’ll help you sharpen your deck, practice your elevator pitch, and develop the financial story behind your business. 

From rapid prototyping to running experiments, I will guide you to de-risk your concept while keeping up momentum. 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one of the UK’s most innovative regions. From agri-tech and clean energy to advanced manufacturing and digital, our ecosystem is full of entrepreneurs tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. 

But innovation isn’t just about big ideas, it’s about execution. And execution is easier when you’ve got the right support, structure, and someone in your corner who understands the journey. 

That’s where I can provide practical, hands-on support tailored to where you are today and where you want to go tomorrow. 

If you’re a startup founder, innovator, or early-stage entrepreneur in the CPCA region, I would love to hear from you. Whether you’re refining your idea, preparing to raise funding, or simply trying to figure out the next step, we can help. 

Get in touch with me at the CPCA Growth Hub and let’s turn your idea into a reality. 

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