UCLan is here to help you grow your business

At the University of Central Lancashire, we’re about more than just our students. We support companies across Lancashire to grow revenues, knowledge and workforces.

Sitting at the heart of the county, we’re here to help you with our excellent tailored business advice, support, and knowledge.

From leading the way in supporting local businesses back to growth, we can link you to new networks and expertise, help you to learn new skills, and build your workforce.

What we have to offer

Our team of experts are here to help you expand your business through projects and dedicated business including:

Degree Apprenticeships

We offer a range of higher and degree apprenticeships which help employees to gain the skills and experience that today’s industry needs. Supporting a new or existing employee through an apprenticeship can be very beneficial for your business. You’ll be developing a highly skilled individual with the qualifications and relevant on-the-job experience. So, they can help deliver growth, fresh ideas and innovation for your organisation.

Apprenticeship Matching Service

New for 2023 - our Apprenticeship Matching Service can help you employ the best future talent. This is a free specialist recruitment package for employers looking to take on a degree apprentice.

Centre for SME and Enterprise Development

Our award-winning Centre for SME and Enterprise Development provides a free membership where you can connect and learn together with over 1,500 SME members. The centre provides a gateway to our internationally recognised research centres, the expertise of staff, students and graduates, and the outstanding facilities we have to offer. We work together with you and your business for a more productive and innovative SME sector in Lancashire.

Propeller Hub

The Propeller Hub is the dedicated co-working space and holistic service offered
by our Centre for SME and Enterprise Development, based within the Media Factory on our Preston campus.

The hub is a space for new businesses, to provide support throughout the first three years of trading. As such, our pricing system is designed to step-up in affordable increments that align with the growth of your business. A hot-desk currently costs £40+ VAT per month.

Cyber Solutions Centre

The Cyber Solutions Centre is a transformational initiative from the University to develop and offer cyber provision. As part of this new initiative, the centre will support activities comprising of business support, research, knowledge exchange and CPD delivery within cyber and cyber security.

IP and Commercialisation

The Intellectual Property and Commercialisation team have produced and maintain the IP portal which provides more details relating to the IP which is available for license. We have a vibrant research culture and there are a growing number of opportunities for businesses to engage, collaborate and license our intellectual property. Whether you’re looking to start a new company, enhance an existing product, or create a new product line, you can gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by putting our technology to work for you.

MedTech Solutions

MedTech Solutions formed in June 2020 brings together a collective of scientists, engineers and technicians from across the university to help solve problems faced by the NHS and both small and large companies in the wider healthcare sector. Our group includes experts in mechatronics and intelligent machines, additive manufacturing, design and development of medical devices, computer vision and machine learning, psychology, health sciences, and microbial interactions with hosts and surfaces.

How we can grow and improve your workforce

We work in partnership with businesses and organisations from all sectors to develop and deliver tailored training programmes to grow your workforce, from high quality university courses and professional qualifications to individuals looking to develop their career. Our Continued Professional Development (CPD) short courses are an excellent way to support your career and professional development.

We work with several industry sectors to develop skills in construction, engineering, aerospace, healthcare, IT, technology and digital.

Whether you want to improve your current team or add to it, we can help.

Get Involved. Start growing.

For any business, reaching out for support is the hardest step. At the University of Central Lancashire, we’re only one phone call away from helping your company grow. It could be the most profitable call you ever make.

To find out more about our support, visit www.uclan.ac.uk/business or call us on 01772 895500