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Teesside University is calling for Tees Valley businesses to come forward and take advantage of support and expertise that has so far helped hundreds of businesses and individuals bounce back from the pandemic and put their growth on the fast track.

Over the past year, Teesside University’s Covid-19 support has seen it help 222 small and medium sized businesses with 339 projects, launch 11 new businesses, work with a total of 34 start-ups, and prepare 26 budding entrepreneurs through its Microbiz Academy programme.

The University also matched 156 graduate interns with work in Tees Valley businesses and provided digital skills training for 276 people.

After recruiting the equivalent of 420 full-time apprentices, the University now has over 1,000 apprentices on programmes, bucking a national trend which has seen a fall in numbers.

Now, as we start to exit lockdown, Teesside University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Engagement, Professor Jane Turner OBE DL is encouraging more businesses across the region to work with the University.

Professor Turner said:

“The pandemic has brought upheaval, disruption and change for every organisation and every sector of the economy.

“This means that as we get back to a more normal business environment, every leader and manager has to rethink what it will take to succeed in a world which has been reshaped by the pandemic.

“If you need to rewrite the way you do business, Teesside University is ready to help you.

“As we have demonstrated through the last twelve months, we have the know-how, connections and support to get you there faster.

“So, whether that’s by adapting your operating model, identifying new markets or developing new products and services, we are here to build back together and help you plot the right course for future growth.”

As part of a campaign, the University is publishing a special report. “Building Back Together: How Teesside University can unlock your business growth” provides a guide for businesses around how they can work with the University in the key areas of:

• Developing resilient leaders and managers for a volatile world
• Harnessing leading-edge research to give you a competitive edge
• Developing new products and markets
• Pivoting to digital business models
• Finding students and graduates with fresh ideas and skills for your business

It also highlights the funded programmes and initiatives available for businesses in each of these areas.

Professor Turner added:

“Our goal is to help even more businesses in the year ahead, and the new facilities we have created on campus through lockdown will also be key to doing this,” 

“Our new University Enterprise Zone on our Middlesbrough campus provides an exciting environment for new and growing companies, with co-working space, meeting rooms, start-up units and games studios.

“A ground-breaking Industrial Digitalisation Technology Centre will offer local businesses access to “serious play” facilities, including Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, modelling, simulation and sensor technology, to explore Industry 4.0 technologies and embark on development projects with academic support.

“The National Horizons Centre reinforced its focus on excellence for the bioscience sector by being confirmed as a National Training Centre for Advanced Therapies. One of only three centres nationwide, it will expand UK expertise in advanced therapies and vaccine manufacturing.

“It all adds up to a commitment on the part of Teesside University to make a lasting contribution to business growth as we emerge from the pandemic.

Organisations who want to find out about the support on offer from Teesside University can contact the business team who will listen to their needs and identify the best combination of support we can provide.”

Businesses can download a copy of the Building Back Together report on the University website here.