The West Northamptonshire Growth and Innovation Programme has provided essential resources and funding to help businesses innovate, enhance competitiveness, and achieve sustainable growth through tailored, fully-funded support to established businesses of all sizes in West Northamptonshire.

With personalised expert consultancy, academic-led student projects, and subsidised graduate employment opportunities, businesses effectively adopted new strategies, cutting-edge research, and emerging technologies.

This initiative also provided over 30 expert-led workshops – including those led by academics from the University of Bedfordshire – focused on topics including digital transformation, sustainability, and strategic business planning.

Alongside this, a grant of £325,000 has provided financial support which has significantly enhanced the capabilities of 30 businesses, enabling investment in essential technology and product development.

This successful collaboration between the University of Bedfordshire and West Northamptonshire Council highlights the valuable partnership between higher education and local government, delivering much needed resources and expert guidance that enable businesses to thrive.

Nathan March, Senior Business Partnership Manager at the University of Bedfordshire, said: "The Growth and Innovation Programme has demonstrated the important role that universities can play in driving regional growth and innovation through meaningful collaboration with local authorities. By providing over 130 businesses with access to academic expertise, tailored consultancy, and targeted financial support, we have helped to foster a culture of innovation and resilience across West Northamptonshire.

“The initiative reflects a shared commitment to place-based development, evidencing how higher education can contribute to the economic and social prosperity of our communities through applied research and knowledge exchange."

Organisations looking for some expert help in tackling business challenges can get in touch with the University’s Research & Innovation Service at: www.beds.ac.uk/business-support-enquiry.

Watch the video below to find out more about the impact this project has had on businesses in the region.