No business - large or small - is ever at a stand still.
Like us, it evolves over time. and whether it is “newly hatched”, taking its first teetering steps or is fully formed and successful, it still needs to adapt and evolve if it is to continue to flourish.
And forming a key part of that evolution is something takes very, very seriously.
After all, the university - proud headline and Science and Technology sponsor of the - is something of a catalyst when it comes to moving companies up to the next level.
“These days we work with hundreds of businesses at any given time, the majority of which come from across Stoke-on-Trent and the regional area of Staffordshire,” explains associate dean of Employer Partnerships and Enterprise, Marek Hornak.
“We work with both small and large companies, in several areas, one of which is offering support with business ideas and innovation opportunities. We help businesses develop new products and services, adopting new technologies to be more productive, alongside providing our unique research and access to student and graduate talent.”
In fact, Staffordshire University is one of 20 prestigious University Enterprise Zones (receiving a share of £20m from Research England) meaning it can offer start-up companies a home in its(IEZ) at the Mellor Building on the Stoke-on-Trent campus.
Its Mellor Building is equipped with state-of-the-art innovation labs, complete with the latest in manufacturing technology - specialist facilities for businesses wanting to design, prototype and test new products.
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The latest addition is a new £720,000 Creative Lab, a digitally enabled creative workspace designed to stimulate collaboration and spark new ideas for products and start-up businesses.
“Our offers opportunities for businesses involved in advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainable transport and digital sectors among others,” says Marek.
Staffordshire University is, quite literally, a catalyst in other ways too. Due to open early in 2022, its £40 million 8,800 sqm , will act as a hub to more than 6,500 higher and degree apprenticeships and boast a range of teaching and learning spaces, a flexible events space and new catering provisions.
New £5.8 million investment in the Centre for Health Innovation at Stafford, featuring simulated learning environment that can be used to train health and social care students and upskill NHS staff, will enable the university to expand it support to employers in the healthcare sector.
And employers can access the large portfolio of flexible professional training, short courses, CPD Certified masterclasses and bespoke training packages, while also providing access to progression pathways to higher education through micro-credentials.
The all-inclusive suite of professional training courses includes leadership and management, cyber security, artificial intelligence, environment and sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Staffordshire University, headline sponsor of the Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards
The aim to recognise top performing businesses in the region, by shining a light on notable achievements.
Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Designate Professor Martin Jones said: “Staffordshire University is a leading Civic University which means we are committed to improving the regional economy and quality of life in our local communities. This includes supporting the development of higher level skills in industry and business.
“We have sponsored this event over a number of years and see it as a brilliant opportunity to recognise the achievements of new and established businesses. This is central to our commitment as a Civic University and it’s important we are engaging with our wider business community at every level.
"I’d encourage all our local companies to put themselves forward for these awards and achieve recognition for how they’re innovating and doing business differently.
“Innovation and enterprise are key to the nation’s recovery from Covid and business growth in our region. Our Innovation Enterprise Zone offers opportunities for businesses involved in advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainable transport and digital sectors.”
The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 28 2022, and will span across 14 categories including training, growth, international trade and innovation.
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Small wonder that Staffordshire University is keen to champion and advance innovation and creativity in the business sector.
“As a leading applied university we are one of the key organisations in the region to support the development of high level skills and the innovation capacity of local businesses to boost the economy,” says Marek.
“And as a longstanding partner of the awards we make sure we celebrate the businesses which are growing, those which are thriving and those which, even during pandemic and post pandemic, managed to keep their businesses running.
“From a business support side, I would hope businesses see this as a celebration and maybe recognise that the university is a ‘go to’ place if you want to up-train staff and innovate - and it is accessible for companies to reach out to us.”
- For more information about Staffordshire University
Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards 2022
The 2022 Stoke-on-Trent BusinessLive Awards in association with The Sentinel and Stoke-on-Trent Live, takes place on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
There are 14 categories include the coveted Business of the Year title and the brand new Diversity and Inclusion category.
The awards are open for entries until January 10, 2022
- To enter or find out more information .