AI and innovation

For Paul Cadman, innovation means turning good ideas into products, services and jobs. So he backs the people and firms who do that, from start-ups to established manufacturers. He also encourages small businesses to use new tools, such as AI, in practical ways.

Paul Cadman and The Innovation Awards

The Innovation Awards celebrate UK individuals, businesses and organisations that drive innovation. The Technology Supply Chain launched the awards in 2021, and they run in association with One Thousand Trades Group. Paul Cadman is also a co-founder of the awards, so innovation sits at the heart of his work.

13 Nov
2026 winners announced at Millennium Point

4
groups of award categories

Award categories

The awards cover four groups of categories, so select a tab to see who each one is for.

The Innovators awards are for businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, tech, life sciences, defence, construction, education and the creative industries.

In addition, Individual Innovators awards include Female, Male and Young Innovator of the Year.

Innovation Champions awards, on the other hand, are for people and firms who help others innovate.

Finally, Innovation Thought Leaders awards are for those who create the platforms, finance and space for new ideas.

How winners are chosen

Judging takes place in four stages, and an independent panel makes the final call before the winners are announced. Visit The Innovation Awards for dates and entry details.

Nominate

First, anyone can nominate a person or a business.

Shortlist

Next, the judges review every entry and draw up a shortlist.

Public vote

Then a public vote picks five finalists in each category.

Interview

Finally, a panel of three judges interviews the finalists.

Paul Cadman on innovation beyond the awards

Paul Cadman also supports innovation in other ways, from membership networks to health technology and mobility.

The Technology Supply Chain

Paul is a director of this membership organisation for manufacturing, engineering, tech and life sciences firms. It helps members find grants, funded projects and new partners. Visit The Technology Supply Chain to learn more.

Health technology in Birmingham

Paul was a strategic advisor to the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator. The accelerator is the anchor resident of No.1 BHIC, the first building on the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, which opened in 2025.

Mobility and manufacturing

Paul has long worked with the automotive and mobility sectors. For example, he chairs Genesis Momentum, which provides automotive, mobility and electric vehicle services.

A practical view of AI for small firms

For most small firms, the best way into AI is to start small. First, pick one task that eats time, such as quotes, scheduling or customer emails. Then test a tool on that task and measure the result before you scale up.

Data matters too, so check how each tool stores and uses information. The Information Commissioner’s Office has clear guidance on AI and data protection. Look out for more on this topic in news and insights.

First, pick one task

Then test one tool

Finally, measure before you scale

Talk to Paul Cadman about innovation

Whether you want to enter the awards, join a network or explore AI, Paul would be glad to hear from you.