Centre for SME Development

The Centre for SME Development responds to the needs of the SME community to stimulate enterprise, innovation and business growth. We work together with you and your business for a more productive and innovative SME Sector in Lancashire.

Joining is quick and simple:

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Membership offer (free to join)

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 – £10million 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.