Huddersfield’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre launches professional service providers network

The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) located in Huddersfield has developed and launched a network specifically tailored for professional service providers.

On Thursday 26 March, the 3M BIC Professional Service Membership was officially launched at the 3M BIC at a market stall and networking event, which was attended by over 30 professional service providers and SMEs.

The Professional Services Membership was created after feedback from focus groups revealed that support businesses wanted to communicate more with SMEs to build on their existing client portfolios, and be given the chance to work alongside other professional service providers.

As well as access to over 1,000 businesses of all sizes, the membership offers a whole range of resources, including the opportunity to market your business direct to SMEs and other service providers, collaborative opportunities with the University of Huddersfield and invitations to specialist events and seminars at the 3M BIC plus the opportunity to host your own.

Furthermore, becoming a member will also provide discount off meeting and conference spaces equipped with the latest AV equipment, hot desk facilities with free Wi-Fi and access to state-of-the-art technology, for measurement, design and prototyping.

The Professional Services Membership is the fourth level in the 3M BIC’s Network Membership, which launched in 2014. The three other levels include Digital, Solo and Corporate, and are designed to provide all types of businesses access to facilities at the 3M BIC.

Around 10 Professional Service Members exhibited at the event, which icnluded KPMG, Santander, Bailey Walsh & Co, 3volution LLP, Appleyard Lees, Business Doctors, MAS, Shark and Winning-Pitch.

Prof Liz Towns-Andrews, the ceo of 3M BIC, said: “Through focus groups we realised there was a gap for professional service providers to access SMEs. Many support businesses, especially larger corporates, don’t always get that link with smaller companies. Even more so, there are limited opportunities to collaborate with other service providers. With access to over 1,000 businesses through our other Network Membership levels and tenants, the 3M BIC’s Professional Service Membership provides a platform that enables support businesses to link with each other, but also puts them in front of start-ups and SMEs on a regular basis.”

Luke Rowbotham, relationship director at Santander Corporate Banking, added: “‘The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre’s new Professional Services Membership has great potential to bring together business owners and service providers. The meetings, that are part of the benefits of joining, will create a relaxed environment for business owners to develop local networks as well as discuss topical issues and growth plans. It’s great to see the 3M Buckley