UCLan launches new SME development centre with Green & Black’s support

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is hoping to enable small- and medium-sized enterprises across the county to unlock growth with the launch of its new Centre for SME Development.

The business support hub was officially opened by its director, Dr Sue Smith, at UCLan’s Westleigh conference centre in Preston.

The initiative has the support of entrepreneur Jo Fairley, the co-founder chocolate company Green & Black’s, who was on hand at the launch to share her story with attendees and offer some tips for business success.

Having founded Green & Black’s in 1991, today Jo’s enterprise – launched in partnership with her husband, Craig Sams – is estimated to be worth close to £100m.

Following the company’s sale to confectionary giant Cadbury in 2005, Jo now travels around the world as a brand ambassador for the firm.

Commenting on the launch of the Centre for SME Development, Jo said: “A very relevant piece of advice I always give to entrepreneurs is to take all the free help on offer to you, and there are some fantastic new opportunities opening up at UCLan via the Centre for SME Development.

“I certainly wish there had been something similar available to me when I was starting out.”

She continued: “Sometimes in business you can feel like a lone salmon swimming upstream, but with these types of support services on offer, it’s a chance to meet like-minded people and realise you’re not alone.”

The Centre for SME Development has been set up to help the region’s SME community access support in the form of advice, workshops, training, recruitment and networking.

UCLan’s SME development director, Dr Sue Smith, commented: “Lancashire is home to over 38,000 SMEs and it’s important they’re aware that the business development support they need is available, regardless of sector or industry.

“The Centre for SME Development is going to play an important role in the local business community, and in turn the economy, by supplying the resources required to achieve success and growth, including fresh talent in the form of students and graduates, the expertise of academics and mentors and first-class facilities.”