More firms to benefit as university relaunches business gateway

Keele University has supported the growth and development of hundreds of local businesses since its Business Gateway was launched four years ago - and now even more organisations are benefitting thanks to the expansion of support available.

Since its launch in November 2016, the Business Gateway has facilitated access to Keele's knowledgeable academics, talented students and experienced business support experts for some of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire's most innovative companies.

Over the past four years, the opportunities available through the Gateway have increased significantly, meaning organisations, charities and social enterprises in the public and third sectors are now also able to take advantage of the unique benefits that University collaboration can bring.

To better reflect the opportunities now available to the wider community, the Business Gateway has relaunched as the Keele Gateway.

It means a number of collaboration opportunities available exclusively for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire 's small-and-medium-sized enterprises, including:

• Research & Innovation Support programme - Develop the products and services that will enable companies to grow.

• Innovation Leadership programme - Be equipped to lead businesses through future challenges.

• Smart Energy Network Demonstrator - Support the UK's drive towards a zero carbon future by collaborating with Keele to embed sustainability in all aspects of a business.

• Business Bridge - The rapid development of new healthcare and medical technologies has never been more in focus, and this programme has the networks and resources to helps firms enter and develop into these markets.

Organisations of all shapes, sizes, sectors and locations are now able to access more elements of support, such as:

• Talent - Funded internships offer an opportunity to integrate the latest industry and academic thinking into your workplace.

• Workspace - Relocate your business to Keele University Science & Innovation Park, with immediate access to everything that the university has to offer.
• Expertise - Keele University 's interdisciplinary institutes are undertaking cutting-edge research that aims to tackle some of society 's most pressing challenges

Dr Mark Bacon, chief operating officer and director of Research, Innovation and Engagement at Keele University, said: “The Business Gateway has been a tremendous success since its launch, enabling hundreds of innovative local businesses to get the support and expertise they needed to take the next step.

“Relaunching as the Keele Gateway builds on the impact that our collaborations have had to date and reiterates that even more organisations across the region and beyond are now able to reap the benefits of partnering with the University.

“A number of our business support programmes are fully-funded, meaning that the only cost to an organisation is their time.

“My message to any organisation that is looking for support - whether you know exactly what you need or don 't know where to begin to solve your problem - is to get in touch with the Keele Gateway. Our team of experts will be delighted to help guide you towards the innovation solution that you 're looking for. ”

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