Lancaster University to exploit its global reach for the benefit of UK SMEs

Lancaster Univertisty's China Catalyst Programme aims to revitalise the UK's position in the global exports markets, create 240 jobs, help 400 domestic businesses and boost the economy by £40m.

The project aims to support the development of a significant number of partnerships between UK and Chinese companies, which focus on the research, development and commercialisation of new products and services for major export markets.

Participating UK SMEs will benefit from access to up to 100 Lancaster University graduates drawn from science, technology, engineering, design and management disciplines to support research, development and commercialisation of new products and services for export.

Firms will also receive support to improve their leadership and management skills for internationalisation through accessing Lancaster’s expertise in the development and delivery of creative leadership programmes and long-standing experience of working in China. This draws on the expertise of Lancaster’s established LEAD programme, which has created 10,000 new jobs in the UK to date.

“Lancaster University has a great track record of working with SMEs and we believe this initiative, which takes great advantage of our accumulated experience and expertise in areas such as research and leadership training, will enable us to significantly assist participating businesses to maximise their export potential.

The project will involve up to 400 SMEs in a range of sectors including environmental technology, digital and creative, high-value manufacturing, novel materials, ICT, low carbon and transport sectors.

It is expected that the project will generate £40 million for the economy, following an investment of just over £5.1m. This includes £3.582m from HEFCE, £720K from SMEs, £500k from Lancashire County Council and £320k from Lancaster University.