Welcome to Northern Lights - UCLan's business support programme

As part of UCLan futures, the Northern Lights business support programme and incubation unit provides support to students, graduates and eligible businesses throughout the North West thinking about, or in the early stages of starting a business.

Self-employed, working freelance or starting a business

Whether you want to be the next Richard Branson or Sir Alan Sugar, or whether you want to be self-employed or work freelance, the team at Northern Lights can help you make a success of your business – whatever route you choose.

Support available 

The programme of business support and incubation facilities are available in UCLan’s Preston, Burnley and Westlakes campuses and include:

• Access to business workspace, including 'hot-desk' and 'rent-a-desk' options  
•  Use of computers with broadband access
• Telephone, fax and printing facilities
• Bookable boardroom / meeting rooms
• One-to-one business mentoring and group learning sessions
• Networking events
• Business competitions

In addition, current UCLan students and recent graduates can also access comprehensive support through the futures Enterprise programme which includes Enterprise and Investment award schemes