Member Article

Leeds Beckett University launches enterprise academy for SME's and corporates

Leeds Beckett University is set to launch its Enterprise & Innovation Academy for Business with a guest lecture from Andrew Myers, CEO of Everyman Cinemas.

The Academy is intended to provide a gateway for businesses to access Leeds Beckett University’s services, allowing collaboration and growth for enterprise and innovation across the city region.

It offers businesses access to a range of funding, facilities, expertise and skills development, including: access to business lounges in Leeds and Wakefield; Business skills analysis; networking opportunities; funding for growth; inspirational speakers; online enterprise and innovation workshops and a platform for open innovation, including support for collaboration and sharing expertise.

The Academy membership can be tailored to meet specific requirements of micro businesses, SMEs or large corporates and helps to signpost companies to the University’s wide range of specialisms, which include: Leadership, Management and Coaching; Health, Wellbeing and Sport; Retail, Digital, ICT & Creative, Built Environment and Design.

The Enterprise and Innovation Academy works in partnership with IOD, West Yorkshire Chambers, the Yorkshire Post, WGN, DWF, University of Birmingham, Medici, ERRIN and more. The University’s business lounge at Old Broadcasting House, close to the city centre, recently become home to the Director’s Lounge of the Institute of Directors (IOD).

Deputy vice chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Leeds Beckett, Professor Andrew Slade, said: “Our vision is to enhance the enterprise and innovation capacity and capabilities of our region’s workforce.

“Our Academy is research-informed, facilitating innovation and enhancing enterprise skills which will act as a hub for regional innovation and economic growth and we are looking forward to working with businesses and partners on this exciting development.”

Andrew Myers, whose lecture is entitled ‘Being a successful CEO through challenging times’, joined Everyman in 2009 as a consultant.

He became CEO the following year and has been central to expanding the premium service offering across all of the existing sites as well as opening Maida Vale in 2011, Leeds in 2013 and Selfridges in 2014.

The event, will take place from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Thursday 27 November at the University’s Rose Bowl.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .