Posted on Thursday 30th March 2023
More than 260 small businesses in Staffordshire were supported through a ten-month pilot scheme coordinated by the county council.
Nearly £1.5million was secured by the county council from the Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund.
This supported new approaches and investment in skills, small businesses, people gaining new employment and using innovation in renewable energy to cut carbon emissions locally.
Staffordshire’s funding, which was part of a £220million national total, enabled three projects to support 261 businesses and 224 people into education. Whilst the pilot focused primarily on Newcastle-under-Lyme, neighbouring districts and boroughs also benefited.
Staffordshire County Council’s own Staffordshire Means Back to Business programme is a package of schemes including backing for start-ups, financial support so businesses can thrive, carbon literacy, apprenticeship support and training. The programme was allocated £737,000 form UKCRF.
An Innovation and Productivity Pathfinder project run by Staffordshire University supported small businesses develop product and service strategies to find innovative markets. Businesses benefited from expert advice from the university. The project was boosted by a £528,000 UKCRF allocation.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council implemented a carbon reduction and sustainable energy programme using its £215,000 UKCRF allocation. Working with Keele University, programme leaders investigated solar power options for future housing development. In addition, the council has drawn up decarbonisation plans for 11 of its community buildings.
All three programmes ran between November 2021 to September 2022.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
The UKCRF pilot programmes delivered significant benefits to Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding areas – driving up skills, innovation, employment and environmental advances.
It’s been a real achievement to utilise the first-class knowledge and expertise we have in Staffordshire from our universities and industry partners. This demonstrates the invaluable place that our universities have in our communities, in addition to their reputation and standing as world-leading centres for research and development.”
Marek Hornak, executive director of business engagement at Staffordshire University, said:
We are extremely proud that the Innovation and Productivity Pathfinder has made an impact across so many sectors in our region. The support received will lead to business growth, improved products and services, more efficient processes, and will create more jobs for the local area.
It has also provided students and graduates involved with hands-on experience solving real-world problems, equipping them with vital skills for future roles and it is exciting to see that some are already reaping the benefits.”
Trevor Johnson, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's cabinet member for environment and recycling, said:
This has been an invaluable opportunity to work with experts to consider the best ways of using natural energy in the long term.
At the same the pilot has allowed us to begin planning practical changes at some of our buildings as we move towards our commitment of being a carbon net zero authority.”