Knowledge Action Network

The power of working together

Here at the University of Chester we know that small businesses are at the heart of the UK economy, with creative, innovative and entrepreneurial idea. However, we understand that while setting up and developing your business you face huge obstacles and challenges. Through our work with small business we have found that, when business owners work together to share, support and network, It sparks creative and innovative thinking which is a catalyst for growth.

The Knowledge Action Network (KAN) has been developed though this understanding of SMEs and the issues they face. It provides a platform for small business owners to work with our experts and each other to innovate and grow. 

We know that this approach works, and we are ready to take action and grow with you!

What will you and your business gain?

ll An individual diagnostic to uncover your innovation needs. This stays with you throughout your journey and measures your growth so that you are able to reflect upon what you have achieved.

ll Four hours of individual expert coaching.

ll Membership of a Knowledge Action Group including access to experts and support from peer companies.

ll Membership of the Knowledge Action Network with networking and trading opportunities of over 200 companies.

ll 24/7 access to online support and materials.

ll Growth! We aims to help your business grow, and all our activates will be focused towards this goal.

ll ZERO cost – Eligible companies are fully funded to participate in the project.

What is your commitment?

ll Attend all the programmed sessions.

ll Working with us to track your growth.

ll Willingness to acknowledge and support the programme.

What do I do next?

We like to talk to businesses. To work out how best we can help you:

To talk to one of our team, call 01244 511177 or email Jessica.wells@chester.ac.uk or fill in an expression of interest form http://www.knowledge-action.co.uk/about/knowledge-action-network-partners. You can also follow us on twitter at @KAN_Chester.

Learn how KAN can help your business

Innovation Vouchers

CHESTER BUSINESS INNOVATION VOUCHER SCHEME

BUSINESS SUPPORT 

The University is pleased to announce the launch of a new funding scheme aimed at encouraging and supporting collaborative innovation with the business community.

Up to 15 Business innovation Vouchers are currently available, offering clients a discount on services provided for business by the University. Effectively, each voucher will entitle clients to one or other of the following:

£1000 off a project valued at £5000 or more

£3000 off a project valued at £10000 or more

Vouchers will be allocated to successful applicants, usually for small consultancy or technical services projects; but they could also be used for small research and development (R&D) contracts.

RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

If you are interested in applying for one of our Innovation Vouchers you may already know which department of the University you would like to work with. If so, you should clearly identify this on the application form (please see below). However, if this is not the case, or if you are unsure whether the University has the expertise to help with your project, please contact:

The Research & Knowledge Transfer (R&KT) Office

innovationvouchers@chester.ac.uk

01244 511481

QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Applications for vouchers are welcome from any UK based company but it should be noted that priority will be given to SMEs and other organisations that have not previously worked with the University.

APPLICATION PROCESS

This is an open-ended call for applications. All submissions received will be considered on a monthly basis by the Innovation Voucher Selection Group, chaired by the Executive Dean of Research.

Applicants should complete an application form which can be 

downloaded here:

www.chester.ac.uk/business/innovation-vouchers and submit this to innovationvouchers@chester.ac.uk

HS2, Am I bovvered?

Aside from the obvious ‘it’s going to go through my back yard!’ then it really depends. Is Manchester to London in 1 hour and 8 minutes important to you? The first phase will progress to the West Midlands, Lichfield, Birmingham way. The second phase will progress north-eastwards, towards Leeds and north- westwards towards Manchester and Liverpool, in a giant wobbly ‘Y’ shape connecting the country. Long term maybe even Edinburgh and Glasgow could benefit.

It’s still a long time away, with phase two completion not scheduled until 2032. Assuming of course it’s on time. Remember too that it’s at least 4 governments away and Swampy (remember him, apparently he now lives in Wales) and his Eco-Warrior friends are yet to get physically involved.

The expenditure on the project will be staggering. It will benefit the economy, providing jobs on the project and for all players in the supply chain (let’s hope that we keep it to UK plc). It will also bring future business opportunities.

Northern Councils are generally in favour. Southern constituencies much less so, saying that it will cost each local authority involved around £51m. This is a painful hit for taxpayers. And how much will a ticket cost?

Lawrence Bellamy is a Professor at the Warrington School of Management, University of Chester

Warrington School of Management

Welcome to the Warrington School of Management

Our portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes has a strong international focus and is constantly being updated to offer students the best possible learning experience, shaped by the latest professional and research-based knowledge available.

We run a wide range of activities to support businesses in the North West region and have excellent links with industry and professional bodies. We also offer customised management development programmes to all.

Warrington School of Management also has a solid portfolio of Research and Knowledge Transfer Projects with a range of organisations. These projects are intended to give mutual benefits for students and the region’s business community by providing access to the University’s resources, knowledge and expertise. The majority of the School’s research is applied in a practical context and it is committed to constructing and improving sustainable relationships with external organisations and businesses. 

Whatever your study, training or research requirements may be, we look forward to welcoming you to Warrington School of Management.

This blog will feature articles from Professors, Senior Lecturers and members of the Business Faculty associated with the Warrington School of Management.

How to Contact
Address: 
Warrington School of Management
University of Chester
Crab Lane, Fearnhead
Warrington WA2 0DB
Telephone: 01925 534 352
Website: http://www.chester.ac.uk/warrington-school-of-management
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsmuoc
Twitter: @WSofManagement