UK business suffers from a resistance to change, a lack of confidence, and a financial structural failing Land Speed record breaker and entrepreneur Richard Noble has said.

Speaking at the University of Central England, Mr Noble said many innovative ideas and designs invented in the UK, failed to get off the ground through lack of investment and support.

Mr Noble was speaking at the launch of a series of debates aimed at focusing on the importance of design and innovation to the UK economy.

The events, organised by UCE, hope to encouraging the development of new ideas and ways of working between academia and industry.

Mr Noble said: ? I am delighted to be presenting to academics to discuss this issue so that they can work with business and students to prepare solutions to overcome the obstacles that exist. It is key that individuals are prepared for the challenge.? Mr Noble, who was project director behind ThrustSSC supersonic land speed record, holds an honorary doctorate from UCE.

The event was attended by academics from business, engineering and design disciplines together with senior figures from industry and venture capitalists. The outcomes will be used by UCE to launch projects examining techniques and resources needed to overcome the stifling of creativity.