University's high growth programme endorsed by Scaleup Institute

Edge Hill University’s SME Productivity & Innovation Centre (SME PIC) has had its High Growth Innovation Sprint programme endorsed by the ScaleUp Institute.

The ScaleUp Institute is a private sector not-for-profit company which collaborates with policymakers, corporate partners and educational institutions to identify opportunities that will support scaleup business. 

In recognition of its success in boosting growth and creating jobs, Edge Hill becomes the first university in the North West to earn such a distinction.

Its programme supports businesses with scaleup potential by developing their strategic growth plans, focusing on business performance, leadership and workforce capabilities.

Since 2017, it has helped over 240 high-growth potential businesses achieve an average 29 per cent increase in turnover and has created 517 new jobs. 

The programme’s latest independent evaluation, published in March 2023, found participants typically achieve between 25 per cent to 48 per cent profitability improvements and a return on public investment of £1: £13.90.

Prof Simon Bolton, director of the SME PIC, said: “Having the success of the Innovation Sprint Programme recognised by the ScaleUp Institute is a huge milestone for SME PIC. 

“The programme has had a huge economic impact across Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region, creating jobs, boosting profits and helping businesses launch new products. I also want to thank the businesses who’ve participated in the programme for their enthusiasm in working with us to innovate and achieve their growth potential.”

The ScaleUp Institute said: "Scaleup leaders consistently state that they want access to local expertise from universities and business schools, including access to academic and graduate talent.

"Edge Hill University’s High Growth Innovation Sprint programme is an exemplar of this type of support and demonstrates the role that universities across the country can play as anchor institutions in the scaleup ecosystem.