Keele University’s bi-monthly Innovation Networking Group sessions provide a collaborative platform for innovation-led SMEs to network and discuss the range of challenges and opportunities impacting their businesses.

The group meetings are a way for local business leaders to have open discussions around themed topics, with spotlight speakers and a good networking opportunity over breakfast. Over the past eight months, themes have included subjects such as the Internet of Things, Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence.

Steve Hargreaves, Business Engagement Manager for the Smart Innovation Hub, commented:

“We source expert speakers to present their knowledge on a particular theme to add value to businesses – this then sparks discussion, considering different outlooks and solutions“

“The groups bring together a community of some of the great forward-thinking businesses from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, providing opportunities for them to meet, network and collaborate with Keele University and each other.”

Alec Proctor, Business Development Manager at MPCG, has attended two sessions so far. Speaking about his experience, he said:

“It is an excellent networking group of like-minded individuals who are active and innovative themselves and who are keen to understand more about how technology, innovation and University support can benefit their business.”

The Networking Group sessions are free to attend but, with limited spaces available, advance registration is required and bookings are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. 

The sessions take place in the newly-opened Smart Innovation Hub* in the Denise Coates Foundation Building. Situated at the heart of Keele University’s campus and co-located alongside Keele Business School, the Smart Innovation Hub has been designed to support the creation and growth of new businesses and encourage more innovation-led business growth. By providing business support, networking events, collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms and social spaces, it aims to stimulate a new more intuitive approach to business and innovation development.

For more information about the accommodation and support opportunities available via Keele University Business Gateway please visit www.keele.ac.uk/business.

*The Keele University Science & Innovation Park Smart Innovation Hub (Ref: 32R17P01691) / Innovation Centre 6 has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the England Growth Programme 2014-2020, the Midlands Engine and Staffordshire County Council with support from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and