Bumper summer of support for Staffordshire businesses

Staffordshire University is offering a host of free business support and training opportunities to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) this summer.

It is the final call for businesses looking to develop innovative solutions in the logistics, delivery, transport or mobility market to access 12 months of support, valued at £44,000*.

Staffordshire University is using its expertise in artificial intelligence, the internet of things, big data, cloud computing, manufacturing, engineering, electronics and creative design to offer tailored support to up to 45 eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The programme, delivered through the University’s Innovation Enterprise Zone, includes access to a placement student or graduate intern and is designed to support innovations in intelligent mobility, including the development of new products, services and processes.

Staffordshire-based businesses are invited to discover more at the Business Innovation Surgery on 29 June, where the free support will be explained and attendees will receive 1-to-1 consultations with innovation experts and academics to get guidance on the next steps. Attendees will hear from businesses who are currently benefitting from the scheme, how they have found the process, and what impact they expect the project to have on their business.

Staffordshire University is also offering free training courses** for local businesses, running throughout summer 2022. Part funded by European Social Fund, businesses and their employees can access bite-sized Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses delivered through the University.

This summer, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire businesses with up to 250 employees can access short courses and masterclasses, including:

• Boosting Business Profits Through Client Acquisition
• Customer Service in a Digital World
• Data Analytics
• Digital Entrepreneurship
• Digital Marketing
• Driving an Innovative Culture through Intrapreneurship
• HR Employment Law and Legislation
• How to Start Up Your Own Business
• Introduction to Project Management
• Introduction to Python Programming
• Managing, Leadership and Performance
• Social Media Marketing Strategy
• Web Based Computing

Head of Employer Partnerships and Enterprise, Marek Hornak, said: “Intelligent mobility is an exciting market and our SCMIA programme can add significant value to Staffordshire SMEs looking to develop new innovative products or services. Businesses will not only get support from a dedicated intern, academic and technician, but they will also have access to cutting-edge facilities in our Innovation Enterprise Zone.

“I’d also encourage local businesses to make the most of our free CPD opportunities. With our professional training and development courses, you can upgrade the skills of your workforce to develop new areas of expertise and improve efficiency, morale, and retention. This benefits both the employer and employee but will ultimately have a positive impact on the regional economy in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

To apply and for more information, please email employers@staffs.ac.uk or call 0800 169 2148.

* The Staffordshire Connected & Intelligent Mobility Innovation Accelerator (SCIMIA) is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014 -2020 and is open to all Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership SMEs who operate primarily on a B2B basis.

**The Staffordshire Higher Skills Engagement Pathways (SHSEP) and Staffordshire E-Skills & Entrepreneurship Gateway (SEGway) are part funded by the European Social Fund. All training courses are exclusively available to Staffordshire based businesses with up to 250 employees and certain courses are available to students and graduates who reside in Staffordshire.