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75% Made Smarter supported businesses adopt technology to enhance data collection and analysis

Sam Whitear

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22/04/2020

75% Made Smarter supported businesses adopt technology to enhance data collection and analysis

Greater Manchester SME are putting data and systems integration at the heart of their productivity and growth plans.

Handrail Creations, based in Bolton, W Howard, in Astley, and Antonelli Brothers in Irlam are among 13 that have received funding through the Made Smarter North West Industry 4.0 adoption pilot and are now embracing industrial digital technologies which connect their disparate systems and unify data residing in different sources.

This includes Integrating a variety of systems and consolidating data sources allows business leaders to spot trends in production and labour, correct maintenance and quality issues, and minimise safety, business risk and operational downtime throughout their production. The benefits of these can be seen in the entire supply chain eco-system.

Among those businesses using data and systems integration technologies to achieve digital transformation and gain a competitive edge, are Handrail Creations which creates one-off pieces for clients such as the US Embassy, the Houses of Parliament and celebrity homes.

With support from Made Smarter, it has invested in a new handheld scanner and software designed to integrate with its systems which it forecasts will improve its overall processing speed by 25%, improve efficiency, improve productivity and support growth plans which include creating two new jobs.

Kenny Macfarlane, managing director, said: “While the new equipment will speed up the scanning process and reduce survey time, the real benefit will be in the processing speed, converting the data into something that is usable for our design team.

“With more than 70 live projects being managed at any one time and 75% per cent of surveys done using a 3D scanner, we are looking at saving a lot of man hours.

“It will increase our efficiency, but more importantly it will reduce the chance of error, ensuring that our bespoke products are right first time.”

SMEs from various manufacturing sectors have invested in other advanced technologies to solve their business challenges.

Almost 25% (20) of manufacturers are adopting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) using sensors to collect critical production data to gain valuable insights about the efficiency of operations. More than 20% (17) of SMEs are adopting robotics and process control automation and 15% (13) are focussed on big data and analytics technologies. Meanwhile, other businesses are investing in 3Dprinting (6), artificial intelligence (2), augmented and virtual reality (5), and cyber security (2).

Donna Edwards, programme director for the Made Smarter North West, said: “Data and analytics are central to the 4th Industrial Revolution, so I am extremely pleased that so many SME manufacturers are putting data at the heart of their own digitalisation journeys.

“Capturing the data from across their processes and bringing it all together in one place is a vital first step for many manufacturers looking to solve problems and recognise opportunities. Simultaneously, many of these SMEs are also deploying sensors in their factories to collect valuable data.

“The next step, one which some forward-thinking SMEs are already taking, is to analyse the data using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

“It is encouraging that so many of this region’s makers are recognising that using these tools can empower them to grow their business and increase efficiency.”

3PL Keeps Going to Meet Growing Demand from Online Shoppers for Essential Products

Blog

Sam Whitear

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22/04/2020

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3PL Keeps Going to Meet Growing Demand from Online Shoppers for Essential Products

A North West order fulfilment provider is keeping its fulfilment warehouses open during the coronavirus crisis to support its customers offering essential products as online demand continues to grow.

3PL, whose headquarters are in Wigan, will continue operating with a reduced workforce to ensure that the supply of baby products, health, household, and personal care products reach homes across the country as the lockdown continues.

The company partners with several growing brands in the essential items sector that have experienced an unprecedented surge in demand for their products from online shoppers who are housebound during the outbreak.

While other fulfilment centres are closing, and Amazon is shutting down its services to thousands of marketplace sellers the fulfilment business is continually adapting to remain functional and minimise disruption to its operations as the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the nation.

The company has taken considerable steps to safeguard the wellbeing of its employees by adopting home working for large swathes of its central team whilst social distancing measures have also been introduced within its warehouses in line with Government guidelines.

“As a third-party warehousing and logistics business, we are ultimately the custodians of livelihoods not only of our employees but also our customer base. We take great pride in embracing key worker status. Our business and its people have proved resilient in the past and will do so again this time around.” Ian Walker, Managing Director at 3PL, explained

“We have big warehouses and against a backdrop of a significantly reduced workforce, our employees can work safely and in line with Government guidelines. In doing so we continue to provide continuity of service at a time when our customers need us the most. Unlike Amazon UK we haven’t applied a selective approach to who we service during this time as loyalty is a core value and our extended commitments will be remembered long after COVID-19 has passed. With a further extension to lockdown announced recently, we will again reassess the impact and adapt accordingly to ensure we continue to provide the high level of service our customers have come to expect from 3PL.”

Salfood supports local homelessness charity

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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Salfood supports local homelessness charity

The University of Salford’s catering provider, Salfood, has donated a substantial amount of food and stock to homelessness charity Emmaus Salford.

The donation to Emmaus Salford was made following the closure of all Salfood’s outlets as a result of coronavirus measures. It was important that the food was not wasted and a former beneficiary of Emmaus Salford who now works at Salfood, suggested that the items be donated to the Pendleton based charity.

Linda Sidebotham, Contract Director for Salfood (a partnership between Chartwells and the University of Salford), said: “I am so pleased that Chartwells, could support Emmaus Salford. As Government decisions changed by the day, the University had to close the campus suddenly. We operate 16 food and cafe outlets for over 18,000 students so we obviously had lots of surplus food. We were delighted that Emmaus was able to use the stock and pass it on to people who need it.”

Chartwells works with over 2,300 education units including primary schools, secondary schools, academy schools, independent schools, colleges and universities. Salfood provides a range of outlets, student stores and hospitality services for the University of Salford. The food items donated to Emmaus Salford will be used by the charity, by Lucie’s Pantry social supermarket, and distributed to other homelessness charities in the area.

Emmaus Salford supports 22 formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home, meaningful work and support for as long as they need it. The charity operates three social enterprises across Salford, selling donated and upcycled furniture, household goods, electrical items, clothes and vintage wares.

Rachel Richardson, Community Director at Emmaus Salford, said: “We were totally blown away by the large donation of food from the team at Salfood. At this very difficult time it’s heartening to see the generosity of people and organisations across Salford.

“These items from Salfood will be put to good use in our Emmaus Salford community kitchen, shared between members of Lucie’s Pantry and support other local organisations helping people who are homeless.”

Unfortunately, due to coronavirus, all of Emmaus Salford’s charity stores are temporarily closed, significantly reducing the charity’s income. Emmaus will continue to support its community of formerly homeless residents but is appealing for financial donations to help during the coronavirus crisis.

Social Republic Expands Team With Senior Account Hire

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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Social Republic Expands Team With Senior Account Hire

Leading social media agency, Social Republic, has appointed Davina Consoli to help support its growing client base.

Davina joins the Manchester-based firm as senior account executive, bringing more than five years’ experience within the social media, PR and communications industry with her.

Said Davina: “I’m excited to begin my new position at Social Republic, helping to add extra value to client campaigns.”

She will be working across a number of the company’s national clients including The British Red Cross, Ronhill, The Avocado Company, Henry Boot Developments, Buump and new account win Sortimo UK. Warrington-based Sortimo is a leading manufacturer of van racking systems and mobile transport solutions in Europe.

Said Rob Illidge, ceo of Social Republic: “Whilst the world is adapting to an ever-changing and unique challenge, our business continues to develop, outperforming forecasted growth, which has resulted in new business and new hires in key areas.

“We’re delighted to welcome Davina into the team who will further enhance our skills profile – bringing a superior mix of social media, digital and communication knowledge.”

Social Republic has established itself as a leading global agency, having developed a client base in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

Fast growing HR-tech company DBLX hires former Amazon and bet365 head, Dan Macklin as CTO to accelerate its mission to disrupt the industry

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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Fast growing HR-tech company DBLX hires former Amazon and bet365 head, Dan Macklin as CTO to accelerate its mission to disrupt the industry

Dan Macklin has been driving innovation at Amazon Web Services since 2018. Before that he was Head of Applied Innovation at Lloyds Bank and Head of R&D at bet365. DBLX have hired him to accelerate its innovation and delivery strategy.

Macklin was a senior member of the UK Innovation team at Amazon Web Services, where he worked with key customers to find and plug holes in AWS’s product offerings. Previously, he was Head of Applied Technology Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group, and worked for more than 6 years at bet365 in a variety of senior technology roles, ending up as head of research and development for bet365 globally. In each of these positions Dan was responsible for leading high-performance teams to successfully build and launch disruptive products at massive scale.

Dan will report directly to CEO Gareth Mobley and will sit on the organisation’s executive board where he will lead the MCG / DBLX tech strategy with a particular focus on innovation. He will be working to improve and develop our industry leading learning, engagement and collaboration platforms and solutions, which help organisations unleash the potential of remote and site-based workforces whilst ensuring that they scale to cope with rapidly increasing demand.

“Dan has a track record of technology leadership gained from his work in the technology innovation teams at some of the World’s biggest consumer and technology brands. Dan will be a huge asset to add to our highly talented board at MCG. He will head up our development teams overseeing the design and build of our cloud-based technology solutions. He’ll play an integral role in ensuring our award-winning LXP’s become even more cutting edge and impactful.” Gareth says.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining MCG and DBLX, a company that really wants to do things differently and disrupt the HR-tech industry. I have a passion for building products that help people and teams grow, so am looking forward to bringing some large-tech capabilities to a smaller company that is a pioneer in this space. I have craved a move like this for some time and can’t wait to get started” Dan says.

‘The next steps of the journey for MCG and DBLX will shape it for many years to come. I am enjoying getting to know the passionate DBLX team and understanding how our products grow the capabilities of our customers and their employees. The world is changing and technology is shaping the future of work. Employee engagement will play a pivotal role in improving the productivity and enjoyment of work, especially now that millions are used to working from home”.

Macklin joined DBLX at the start of April, at an exciting time for the business which has seen significant growth over the past year.

Mancunian Way partners with The Big Initiative

CSR

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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Mancunian Way partners with The Big Initiative

Mancunian Way is a charity that works across Greater Manchester on many projects that support local people to improve their own lives now and into the future. From homeless individuals that need support to find accommodation and employment opportunities, to providing help and reform for young people with a history of antisocial behaviour.

Mancunian Way kept all projects up and running until the government lockdown came into place and the team had to suspend all work. The charity made the decision to furlough staff using the government’s Job Retention Scheme and has topped up their income so they receive 100%, as well as guaranteeing all jobs for the future.

But what to do with your time when you are stuck at home and are a naturally caring and compassionate person who just wants to help? A question that the charity’s founder, Nick Buckley, found himself asking.

Mancunian Way partnered up with social enterprise The Big Initiative to offer all staff and volunteers free online training courses that are directly related to the work the charity does across Greater Manchester.

Staff may be furloughed now, but they will be back in work soon and through this partnership have been given access to training, and will have increased their knowledge on important topics and ultimately will be in a better position to understand and find solutions for some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.

Over 100 online courses have been completed by Mancunian Way staff, including Effective Homeworking, ADHD, Domestic Abuse, Depression & Suicide, and even a bespoke course on Covid-19.

Nick Buckley MBE, CEO and Founder at Mancunian Way, said: “My initial priority was protecting staff from the virus but also from financial loss, but my second priority was how can we turn this situation into a positive opportunity. By working with The Big Initiative we’ve been able to invest in our staff’s own development and will come out of the other side with a more productive and knowledgeable team ready to continue helping the most in need in our society.”

Verity Higham, Principal Manager at Mancunian Way, added: “On an average week I have little time to focus on my professional development, as a small charity it is imperative that your focus is on the vulnerable person sat in front of you. But the last few weeks I have had the time to explore new topics and educate myself on new issues so I can offer a better service when the lockdown is over. I feel more confident that I can help more people due to a wider range of knowledge.”

The Big Initiative is a global social enterprise designed to support people with resources designed to educate, empower and inspire. With leading experts collaborating to provide content-based online resources free of charge for the greater good.

This includes preventative resources for young people on the real issues they face ensuring each young person can make better choices in life. Adult well-being resources centred around an individual, personal lifestyle focusing on improving their mental health, and parental resources crafted by leading practitioners to support a parent with the challenges of raising a child in modern-day society.

Neil Degg, CEO of The Big Initiative and The Training Hub, added: “Every person in life is amazing. From birth, they are a sponge for their environment. We have to ensure that they have hopes and opportunities, along with an education that is delivered in a way which not only inspires but also aspires. We also have to understand that each person is very much unique. I believe that every person with the right education and consistency can reach their potential.”

The Big Initiative was created in 2014 by the founders of The Training Hub which is a global provider of ground-breaking vocational online training resources across multiple sectors. The Training Hub’s commitment to The Big Initiative is to provide 40% of its revenue to ensure the scope of resources available is always evolving to ensure full support is provided to every individual on the planet.

homes4u cements partnership with Sale Sharks

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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homes4u cements partnership with Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have signed a fresh two-year deal with estate and letting agent homes4u, as they continue their relationship with their long-standing partner

The renewal comes as the Manchester-based firm celebrates its 30-year anniversary in the city

Sale Sharks have finalised a new two-year deal with Manchester-based estate agents homes4u, coinciding with the firm’s 30-year anniversary.

homes4u have been an official Sale Sharks partner for four years and the new agreement ties the two Manchester brands together until 2022.

The announcement comes as the firm celebrates 30-years of business in the region, having been matching people with property since 1990 and catering for a range of needs in the ever-changing property market of Greater Manchester.

Mark Cueto, Commercial Director at Sale Sharks, said: “homes4u are a great partner and one that we always have a lot of fun with, creating content and getting the players involved in lots of different activities to help raise the profile of the brand.

“It is great to have some positive news to shout about, given the ongoing situation with match postponements, but we’re continuing to work hard behind the scenes to ensure our commercial partners are happy and are ready to pick things up again when everything returns to normal.”

The Manchester-based estate agent is a key partner at the Premiership Rugby side and has, in recent years, joined the club in creating fun content for the Sale Sharks’ social media channels; including special carpool karaoke videos and a Halloween prank with a host of first-team players.

Andrew Mellor, Partner Development Manager at homes4u, said: “We’re really pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with Sharks. It’s a partnership that adds a lot of value for us as a Manchester business and there is no better club to align ourselves with on a long-term basis.

“We have activated the partnership in some really creative ways and that reflects our customer-focused attitude to our work – we can’t wait to do more of that moving forward.”

BARONS QUAY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH CUNNING PLAN

Blog

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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BARONS QUAY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH CUNNING PLAN

Manchester’s Cunning Plan Marketing has added to its list of destination clients with a new brief from Barons Quay in Northwich.

Barons Quay, which opened in 2016, is a retail and leisure hub in the centre of Northwich. It is home to a 68,000 ft Asda, fashion stores including H&M and River Island, an Odeon cinema, restaurants and Barons Quay Social, a new food and drink market.

The 12-month retainer includes social media management, community projects, content creation, events, design and print.

Lina Higuita Centre Manager at Barons Quay said: “Despite the current situation, Barons Quay is still supporting its customers and tenants via social updates and we are also busy planning a campaign for when we come out of lockdown and welcome people back to the centre.

“For this job we need an experienced agency that can adapt to the current situation and be as proactive as possible. Cunning Plan has already brought creativity and strategic thinking to our social campaigns and we are very much looking forward to a great year of working together.”

James Adam, Managing Director at Cunning Plan said: “Barons Quay is a great example of a scheme that is looking ahead while still communicating with its tenants and customers during this difficult time. The management team recognises that this is the time to be investing in marketing and we are pleased to be helping them through this while also planning footfall driving activity for the future.”

GM businesses urged to urgently access £629m coronavirus grant support funding

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

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GM businesses urged to urgently access £629m coronavirus grant support funding

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham today led calls for businesses to urgently apply for a share of the £629m coronavirus grant funding available from Local Authorities in the region.

Businesses that are the main rate payer of business rates can be eligible for grant support of between £10,000 and £25,000 and may miss out on vital financial support if they do not apply by the end of April.

It is vital that eligible businesses contact their Local Authority to apply for a grant. Funding is available for eligible companies but councils administering schemes may not have contact details for businesses, many of which are temporarily closed due to coronavirus.

The Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) will provide businesses with a grant of £10,000 to help support them during the Covid-19 crisis. This grant is for businesses, with a property, that as of 11 March 2020, were in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rates Relief.
The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF) will offer businesses in these sectors across Greater Manchester a grant of up to £25,000. This grant is for businesses in those sectors with a rateable value of less than £51,000 and who would have been eligible for the Expanded Retail Discount Scheme. For businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less the grant will be £10,000. For businesses with a rateable value of £15,000-£51,000 the grant will be £25,000.

Businesses need to apply via the Local Authority where they are located, with links provided here for each of the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs.

Bolton – click here.
Bury – click here.
Manchester – click here.
Oldham – click here.
Rochdale – click here.
Salford – click here.
Stockport – click here.
Tameside – click here.
Trafford – click here.
Wigan – click here.

Businesses can also find out if they are eligible by going to https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/local-business-support/greater-manchesterand https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-support-grant-funding-guidance-for-businesses

Mayor Andy Burnham, along with Greater Manchester Local Authority leaders, members of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, and the Growth Company, is working to ensure that businesses are accessing the support that is available for them.

Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Colleagues in all of Greater Manchester’s Local Authorities are working flat out to get this money out to businesses who so desperately need it to survive. I would encourage you to apply if you think you might be eligible. We think there are more businesses eligible than have yet applied and we want to make sure this support reaches those businesses who need it.

“We know there are some gaps in the grant scheme available, such as for small firms that operate from shared working spaces. I am working closely with local leaders to raise these gaps with Government and to ensure the Chancellor delivers on his commitments to do whatever it takes to support businesses and hard-working citizens through this crisis.”

Lou Cordwell and Mo Isap, co-chairs of Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We know there has been some confusion about the grants available to businesses but we urge any small business that are the main business rate payer and so may be eligible to get in touch with their Local Authority as soon as possible.”

In addition to Local Authority grant funding, £3m of loan funding is available for qualifying businesses via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester LEP, working with the Growth Company, has unlocked an initial £3m package of urgently needed financial support for Greater Manchester businesses via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for Greater Manchester. Administered by GC Business Finance (GCBF), the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for Greater Manchester is now ready to provide loans of between £5,000 and £250,000 to qualifying companies. To find out more, visit GCBF.

Business advisors at the GC Business Growth Hub are also working extended hours to support businesses and individuals, while information and advice is available via the GC Business Growth Hub coronavirus support hub, part of the #HereForBusiness initiative.

Visit businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus or call the Hub on 0161 359 3050 to speak to an advisor. Extended hub opening hours are now Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday 9am – 1pm.

And national support is available via Government initiatives to support businesses during the coronavirus crisis. (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support).

Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of the Growth Company, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for businesses, and it is of vital importance that they know that they can access the funding support and advice that is available to them. Our commitment to supporting the business community has already been demonstrated through the Employ GM and #HereForBusiness initiatives and it is important that businesses know that there is somewhere they can turn for help.”

To check eligibility for Business Support Grant Funding and how to apply visit https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/local-business-support/greater-manchester

You can also check the official gov.ukguidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-support-grant-funding-guidance-for-businesses/

For business advice and frequently asked questions, go to businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus, which includes webinars. Or call a Hub advisor on 0161 359 3050.

To find out more about accessing the Greater Manchester Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for Greater Manchester visit: GC Business Finance – http://businessfinance.growthco.uk/funding/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/

Innovation Vouchers scheme brings enhanced safety for key workers and creates two new jobs

Sam Whitear

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21/04/2020

0

Innovation Vouchers scheme brings enhanced safety for key workers and creates two new jobs

An Oldham-based manufacturer is developing the next generation of protective headwear with support from a scheme that is designed to bolster business innovation by encouraging academic partnerships and new research and development (R&D) activities.
Future Safety applied for GC Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Vouchers last year to support the development of new safety helmet designs, which use modern manufacturing techniques and sophisticated new materials.

Their participation in the scheme has since allowed the business of 14 staff to create two new positions and is bolstering their efforts to supply key workers including fire and rescue services, and paramedics, with the latest innovative safety products.

Colin Holmes, MD of Future Safety, said: “Our business has been going strong for a few decades but until quite recently, we’d never really considered or had the knowhow, to join forces with a local university.

“The innovation vouchers scheme has been hugely important for our next phase of development, bringing access to a team of academics and professors at Manchester Metropolitan University. They’ve helped Future Safety to ensure that our product development is truly evidence-based and aligned with the latest studies into areas such as traumatic brain injury and materials performance design.

“It’s been a hugely valuable exercise, opening doors and enhancing our network which I’m proud to say now includes academic experts with a real understanding of the various challenges we face in our industry, and most importantly, of the environments in which our safety products are required.”

Innovation Vouchers enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Manchester to apply for up to £5,000 funding to access expertise, research and specialist facilities to accelerate the development of innovative products and services. The service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The vouchers are available for established SMEs in the city-region, subject to eligibility and suitability criteria. They provide an opportunity to develop a new, long term and sustainable partnership with a university or a recognised research organisation (typically not for profit).

Successful applicants must match the value of their Innovation Vouchers. with a £1 contribution for every £1 voucher received. For example, businesses applying for the maximum voucher of £5,000 will be required to contribute £5,000 (and the full VAT cost). The minimum contribution from businesses is £3,000.

The kind of activities the vouchers can be used to fund include; access to facilities and equipment; product design; research and development; knowledge transfer; and consultancy.

Yvonne Grady, Innovation Lead at GC Business Growth Hub, said: “Enabling innovation is extremely important for business resilience and success, but many SME business owners struggle with knowing where to begin in terms of accessing external expertise.

“The Innovation Vouchers project helps to accelerate this process, as well as the various routes to market, by forging strong links with the world of academia and research. We’re pleased to see the success of this scheme is already showing in companies like Future Safety. The next round is now open for applications and we would urge business owners to consider entering and to speak with our team expert advisors about the support that is available.”

GC Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Vouchers scheme makes access to expertise, funding and knowledge simple, and helps SME businesses to identify and progress innovative opportunities from concept to implementation.

The scheme is open to any SME business based in Greater Manchester that meets the full criteria and has potential for growth innovation opportunities that are new to the organisation or marketplace.

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