History@ SME Knowledge Network
The SME Knowledge Network has been supporting business for 10 years now providing services to over 3000 organisations, SMEs, Social Enterprises, business forums and trade associations, community and public sector organisations focused on enterprise provision. The Network is also accessed by large businesses who have an interest in the SME, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship agenda. We can work with SMEs up to 250 employees and where public funding is concerned we will work with SME style subsidiaries.
We work from a rich academic evidence based of methodologies that really work for SMEs. We have a strong partnership focus and can call upon a wide range of skills and knowledge from our partners, our academics, associate staff and last but certainly not least our own network members.
SME Knowledge Network
The Network provides business support services for learning and development to help SMEs overcome barriers to growth and survival and to realise business opportunities at hand. At the heart of the Network is an academic evidence base of what really works in terms methodologies and style. We also recognise that the issues businesses face do not stand in isolation and our programmes are tailored to help businesses apply and develop knowledge based on their own circumstances and context. The methodologies and format of our programmes are geared towards getting you and your head into the heart of new knowledge and focusing it on your business needs.
In short, we are able to provide rounded solutions to business needs, at any stage of business or product lifecycle and we offer a chance at real connectivity within a Network; a chance to build aspirations and be inspired by ideas, but also build the capacity for those ideas to be realised.
Our programmes contain a mix of:
- Coaching/Mentoring and relationship management the focus being to make sure new knowledge is being embed in the business and to look for links with additional funding and products for business such as student projects, placements and summer experience through to more substantial Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
- Master-classes and Networking - Practioners and academics speaking on given topics structuring lively debate and questions- followed by networking around the issue.
- Facilitated Group work: This is a process of small group working where peer directors offer structured questioning to help a fellow director unpack a problem or opportunity and build up a solution and implementation. It's a safe environment to get things off your chest and work out what to do - with constructive help from your peers.
- Workshop. Access to a wide range of subject matter and styles of delivery in workshops.
- Strategy/Venture Clinics for advice and recommendations.
- Advice: Mentoring or facilitation from academics or practioners in the Network where necessary.
Fully funded programmes supported by the European Regional Development Fund are currently available in Calderdale.
Make an enquiry or to discuss call 01274 235676 or E-mail: smenetwork@bradford.ac.uk.