Science City York Launches Business Mentor Service
Science City York has revealed details of a brand new three year programme of intensive assistance targeting key business personnel within knowledge based SMEs located Hull. The service is funded by investment secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme in Yorkshire and Humber.
Available at no cost to the individual or the business, the new service provides a high level, tailored, coaching and mentoring programme focussed on improving competitiveness in innovative and high growth companies across key industry sectors.
By mentoring individuals across 130 SMEs over three years, the team at Science City York aim to help improve business capability, create 160 new jobs and boost productivity of the region’s hi-tech industries by £5.6M. It is widely recognised that knowledge-based companies face particular challenges in commercialising innovation, bridging the gap between research and business, and in overcoming critical barriers to growth.
The Science City York mentoring service provides an opportunity for individuals working in knowledge-based SMEs to leverage high level support and benefit from the skills and talents of a team of experienced Business Mentors.
“The Business Mentor programme targets individuals within established businesses with growth and innovation potential that have reached a point in their development where further growth is limited by resource and capacity issues such as marketing, recruitment and process innovation,” explains Andy Gurnell, Science City York’s Delivery Services Manager.
“The core aim of the new service will be to enable a higher return on investment and improved market position for the companies involved,” adds Andy. “Science City York is also able to actively foster links between researchers, institutions and industry to increase knowledge exchange and the commercialisation of research.”
The service offered is flexible and ranges from short-term assistance to a longer-term relationship where the Business Mentor is effectively ‘embedded’ in the business.
The bespoke nature of the programme enables clients to select from a range of core areas of expertise such as strategic planning, process improvement, operational evaluation, sales & marketing, finance and business planning. The service is also closely aligned with the activities of Business Link Yorkshire ensuring businesses are able to access a complete network of support.
Liz West, Yorkshire Forward’s Project Manager, said that making businesses more competitive was a major priority for the region: “The business mentors have a wealth of experience and expertise which will continue to encourage greater levels of innovation and research and development within industry. The ERDF Programme is dedicated to improving the prospects of local businesses by investing in the extra support that they need to compete more effectively and prosper in the future.”
Businesses operating in a wide range of sectors within specified geographical location are eligible to apply for the Science City York Business Mentor service. Sectors include construction, logistics, creative & digital, advanced engineering & materials, food & drink, healthcare, environmental technologies, sports, financial and business services.
For more information contact Science City York on 01904 870040 or mentors@scy.co.uk.
Alternatively, download the PDF flyer here
http://www.sciencecityyork.org.uk
