Partnership between Leeds Beckett and Bruntwood SciTech could lead to tech jobs boom

The collaboration between Leeds Beckett University and Bruntwood SciTech aims to build a culture of innovation within start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region, through access to academic consultancy, student and graduate work placements, and the established expert business support services and mentoring provided by Leeds Beckett and Bruntwood SciTech at Platform in Leeds city centre.

Platform is part of Bruntwood SciTech’s network of innovation districts. It is the base for more than 100 digital and tech businesses, including start-ups, scale-ups, and large corporate organisations.

Platform’s specialist Tech Hub offers a range of business support to new and early stage companies including access to finance, talent, partners and new markets.

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “Our new partnership with Bruntwood SciTech here in Leeds demonstrates our shared commitment to driving innovation in the region.

“Together, we will create a new engaging and innovative environment in the heart of Leeds for our students, graduates and academics to come together with entrepreneurs across the city.”

Deb Hetherington, head of innovation, Bruntwood SciTech – Leeds, said: “A key aim of the new partnership is to establish the management capabilities of the small business community – including leadership skills, strategic thinking, and business productivity – to give them long-term sustainability.”

Ms Hetherington added: “We are committed to supporting our businesses through their ambitious growth journeys, and a large part of that support comes from our extensive partner network.

“Leeds Beckett University offers a wealth of SME support that has already added value to the start-up community at Platform. We are excited to continue to work together to support the city’s ambition to grow its culture of innovation.”

Through the new partnership, Leeds Beckett and Bruntwood SciTech will:

Link up SMEs with academic experts to engage in consultancy and knowledge exchange research projects.

Create opportunities for business and management students and graduates to work on bespoke projects and take on apprenticeships, work placements and full-time job roles within businesses.

Run free events and mentoring sessions – including guest lectures from academic and industry experts, networking events and one-to-one mentoring.

Develop joint research and innovation funding bids to work together on new projects.

Provide access to Leeds Beckett business support experts on-site at Platform in the heart of Leeds.