MMU backs Cheshire startups with European Regional Development Fund support

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has launched a new business development programme for startups and SMEs based in Warrington and the wider Cheshire area.

Fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and MMU, the programme will be delivered alongside Northwest Universities European Unit Ltd and its partners.

Over the next three years more than 280 companies are expected to use the new service, which will take advantage of the university’s Centre for Enterprise, a unit that works to translate growth research into practical business advice.

The Centre for Enterprise’s head of bids and partnerships, Jennie Shorley, commented: “We are delighted that we have been successful with this funding bid, which will enable us to develop a network of growing companies and entrepreneurs, who will support each other across Cheshire and Warrington, creating sustainable growth.

“We are now looking for ambitious businesses and potential entrepreneurs to work with!”

The programme is one of several ERDF-supported projects involving the Centre for Enterprise. The unit is also working alongside the Manchester Growth Hub, a business support provider, on the Greater Manchester High Growth Network.