Member Article

Labour leader praises Manchester Metropolitan University enterprise centre

Labour leader Ed Miliband outlined his vision for the country’s small businesses at Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) renowned hub for enterprise and entrepreneurship.

He saw first-hand the valuable work done by the MMU Centre for Enterprise (CfE), which helps small and medium-sized firms achieve success. It has become a powerful driver of the regional economy by supporting businesses through research, training and mentoring.

The Doncaster North MP praised the Centre for making a ‘real difference’ and the Business School’s ‘fantastic’ £75m building.

Surrounded by dignitaries - including students, staff and CfE-backed entrepreneurs - Mr Miliband outlined his plans for the UK’s economy if Labour becomes the government in 2015, saying he would bring small business owners’ voices closer to parliament.

He added: “The Centre for Enterprise is an incredible Centre, doing incredible work. Talking to so many of the small businesses here today it is clear that the work of the Centre is making a real difference to small business growth and the local economy.”

One of the flagship programmes at the centre is part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses scheme, involving MMU experts working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to propel companies forward and create regional economic success. So far, the centre has worked with 154 firms on the scheme with graduates posting rises in revenue, expansion and job creation.

And the CfE helps firms through the Knowledge Action Network, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, to provide specialist coaches and business support.

The event also featured Chuka Umunna MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. The two high-profile parliamentarians had earlier spoken at the Federation of Small Business Conference 2014, where CfE also exhibited.

Mr Umunna applauded the drive and dedication of the ‘enterprising and ambitious students’.

Professor Lynn Martin, director of the CfE, which was set up in 2001, added: “As a leading centre for SME growth and start-ups in the North West, we were delighted to host this event for Ed and Chuka. We’re keen to support our businesses and entrepreneurs and to be heard and celebrated at UK policy level.”

Further information: www.mmucfe.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for Enterprise .