If you are looking at growing your business in Burnley there are various sources of help and support available. The right type of support depends on the size of your business, what stage of growth you are at and what you are aiming to achieve. Listed below are some of the organisations who can offer advice and guidance on business growth.
Developing your business with the University of Lancashire
The University of Lancashire offers a wide range of specialist business support aimed at helping businesses and organisations to grow, develop and thrive. Their team of experts can help you to expand your business through projects and dedicated business support.
The University of Lancashire are also working alongside the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and the AMRC to help Burnley Businesses with energy efficiency and the journey to net-zero.
To find out more about what’s on offer, visit the UCLan website.
East Lancs Chamber of Commerce
East Lancs Chamber of Commerce is a local hub to access a broad offer of business support. This includes how to grow your business by growing your market, your profile and your bottom line. The Chamber can also help you to connect your business through networking events and offers many other services including training and seminars. Membership fees and benefits are all detailed on the Chamber website.
RTC North Innovate UK EDGE
If you are an established innovative small to medium sized business with great potential, Innovate UK Edge can help you to take the next step on your growth journey by identifying your growth stage and how they can help.
Innovate UK EDGE empowers innovation-driven businesses to grow at pace and achieve their ambitions. Dedicated innovation and growth specialists work together with your business to gain an intimate understanding of your needs. They will then help you to identify the most effective strategy to accelerate your business growth and maximise its potential.
Grow your business in new markets – Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Whether you’re interested in selling internationally for the first time, or you’re an experienced exporter, support from the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) can help your business to grow in new markets.
Before entering any new international market, it is essential to make informed decisions based on knowledge, research and strategic planning. DBT offer fully-funded impartial advice through their team of trade and e-commerce advisers to nurture your international ambitions. They also deliver a number of programmes to assist companies realise their full international potential and growth aspirations. Topics include:
- Creating an export plan tailored to your business
- Identifying high-potential markets for your products and services
- Selling internationally
- Searching and applying for live export opportunities
- Learning about online marketplaces and accessing specially negotiated deals
- Exploring and enquiring about finance and insurance support
To find out more about the Department for Business and Trade and it’s services visit their website.
Made Smarter
Made Smarter is a government funded programme for manufacturing companies who want to look into how technology can be used to improve their business. The project covers Small to Medium (SME) manufacturers with less than 250 staff and turnover of less than £36m. The real aim is to enable businesses to grow, reduce costs, improve productivity, quality and efficiency and ultimately boost competitiveness.
Alongside a team of specialist Industrial Digital Technologies (IDT) advisors, who are there to offer free independent expert advice and support, they can also offer manufacturing businesses up to 50% grant funding to help support their investment and adoption of the latest IDTs.
The initial process is an advisor team call followed by an onsite workshop with key staff. The Made Smarter team will then create a digital roadmap covering the useful technologies available to the businesses. Made Smarter also have access to workshops and short courses to support businesses in becoming ready for digital transformation. For more information visit UK Digital Manufacturing advice & innovation | Made Smarter.