Our expertise
We use an Engaged Scholarship methodology to explore complex problems within policy and practice. Our team has particular expertise in self-employment, people management in small firms, social enterprise and diversity in entrepreneurship and small businesses.
In our small business development projects, we work closely with the Centre for Enterprise to maximise research and knowledge exchange opportunities on a range of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) activities.
Our initiatives explore elements of people management - to inform change, take on new talent or deal with resourcing challenges - with a focus on promoting decent work and equality.
We also established the Good Employment Learning Lab. Thisfully-funded training programmefor line managers across Greater Manchester and Cheshire is designed to understand and tackle a variety of management and productivity challenges.
Growth and productivity
Focusing on business growth and product development, our initiatives have included:
- Greater Manchester High Growth Network: supporting SMEs in Greater Manchester to achieve rapid business growth
- Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme: supporting entrepreneurs to set up businesses and SMEs who are trading but struggling to grow
- SMART Cheshire Innovation Programme: supporting Cheshire-based businesses on product development, processes and services
Sustainability and innovation
Focusing on circular economy and carbon neutrality, initiatives include:
- Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre - helping companies in Greater Manchester develop cutting-edge fuel cells, materials and technologies
- PrintCity Network - an online programme supporting SMEs across Greater Manchester to boost productivity and growth through additive manufacturing technologies
- Eco-I North West - helping businesses create new, low-carbon products, processes and services
Industry 4.0 innovation
Focusing on digital technologies, initiatives include: