Centre for SME and Enterprise Development

Recognised in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) for its support for businesses, we work together with you and your business for a more productive and innovative SME Sector in Lancashire.

Membership offer (free to join)

SMEs make up 99% of UK businesses. Our award-winning Centre for SME and Enterprise Development provides a free membership where you can connect and learn together with over 1,500 SME members. The Centre provides a gateway to our internationally recognised research centres, the expertise of staff, students and graduates, and the outstanding facilities we have to offer.

• Funded business support – £10 million of funding to support Lancashire SMEs.
• Access a wide range of expertise, knowledge and facilities.
• Develop your workforce through higher and degree apprenticeships, CPD and short courses.
• Recruit our students and graduates – you can post job vacancies for free.

Masterclasses and workshops

• We invite speakers with a passion for helping organisations to share their knowledge and expertise with the membership.
• Events will focus on key issues. Past events have included GDPR, digital marketing and workplace wellbeing.

Quarterly business breakfast and twilight networking events

• Expand your knowledge – expert speakers from industry.
• How can we help your business – an update on available business support.
• Make new connections – network with the membership community.
• Share and learn best practice – round table discussion on ‘hot’ topics.

Members’ Knowledge exchange meetings

• Make new connections – share knowledge and best practice and seek support.

Good practice discussion groups

• An opportunity for members to set the topic for a round table discussion and seek help from the membership network.
• Interested members attend the sessions to discuss the issue/challenge, share thoughts, ideas and good practice.
• Outcomes are shared with the wider network.