New government funded scheme to boost businesses in the borough
Businesses and voluntary organisations throughout Newcastle borough are being invited to boost their innovation, growth and productivity thanks to new government funding.
The Advanced and Digital Technologies Innovation Accelerator project will be delivered by Staffordshire University and is open to businesses large and small. The scheme is also inviting applications from voluntary organisations that can improve their services through advanced and digital technologies.
This follows Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s successful bid for funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is a central pillar of the government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Staffordshire University will be working with 24 businesses and organisations over 24 weeks with the aim of developing new and improved products and services using advanced and digital technologies. This will involve providing tailored advice to enable organisations to adopt advanced or digital technology solutions, including artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems, virtual reality and data analytics.
Staffordshire University Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones said: “Our mission is to transform local businesses and organisations and help develop a more productive, competitive economy which stimulates growth and creates new jobs.”
Executive Director of Business Engagement Marek Hornak added: “The interventions will focus on converting innovative ideas into tangible products, services or processes, supported and enabled by advanced and digital technologies.”
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said: “Innovation-led growth and technological progress underpins productivity and stimulates a higher-skilled economy. The project will help our businesses and voluntary organisations to experience what is possible with tailored digital and advanced technology support from the University.”
A recent report from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP highlighted that many businesses in Newcastle borough want to invest in innovation and new product development and 22% highlighted that adoption of digital technologies specifically related to innovation will be their priority.
For more information on how to apply, interested parties are encouraged to visit the website or contact Staffordshire University’s Business Engagement Team on 0800 169 2148.
Notes to editors
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Maria Scrivens
Communications Manager
t: 01782 294375
m: 07766 520339
e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.
Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.
Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.
