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Jamie, a Level 3 Business student, has won gold at the ADCC British Open Championships and is now inspiring others through his dedication to coaching and training. Read the full story here.
Innovation is about solving problems in better ways – using new thinking, tools, or approaches to unlock progress in your business.
Free, tailored innovation support for Bury SMEs
The GM Colleges Innovation Programme, funded by Innovate UK, is a collaboration between all nine of Greater Manchester’s further education colleges. The programme provides free, practical support to help SMEs across the region overcome challenges, build skills and capability, and explore new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to develop new products, improve processes, or adopt emerging technologies, our local teams can connect you with the right advice, tools, and networks to make it happen.
To get involved, start by completing our Innovation Diagnostic. This is a quick, 5-minute assessment that helps us understand your business needs and match you with tailored support, opportunities, and expert contacts.
How We Can Help
Introducing you to tailored support around digital transformation, from local innovation diagnostics to practical sessions with advisors. This could include referrals to Made Smarter or Know Digital.
Helping you navigate the landscape through a short diagnostic and follow-up support. We’ll connect you with funders like Innovate UK, GC Business Finance, or British Business Bank.
Exploring training and CPD options with you; from college-delivered short courses and T-Levels to referrals into Help to Grow or other leadership development pathways.
Linking you with local business networks, events, and other SMEs via trusted hubs like GM Chamber of Commerce, and community business breakfasts.
Connecting you with specialist advisers or academics through referrals into Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Digital Catapult, or university innovation teams.
Helping you access technical facilities and testing spaces, including referrals to HOST MediaCity, XPand platform, or NERIC depending on your sector.
What you could access
No matter where you're starting from, we’ll work with you to find the right way forward. Here's what’s on offer:
1-to-1 Innovation Support
Friendly, local advice to help you shape ideas, explore funding, or improve processes.
Access to Tools and Technology
Opportunities to try out digital systems, AI tools, or specialist equipment with guidance on how they might apply to your business.
Trusted Referrals
Introductions to relevant funding routes, research partners, or innovation networks; matched to your goals.
Sustainability and Low-Carbon Guidance
Support to explore more sustainable ways of working that suit your business.
Local Events and Networking
Invitations to guest talks, peer sessions, and local briefings - helping you connect and stay inspired.
Innovation Literacy Programme
Build internal confidence, capability, and competitive advantage through fully funded apprenticeship training. Gain access to:
- Hands-on workshops covering digital innovation, sustainability, data, and funding readiness
- Real-world tools and practical resources you can apply immediately
Your Innovation Support Journey
We keep things simple, practical, and built around your business goals. Here’s how it works:
1. Get in touch
Start by contacting the Business Innovation Team to arrange an introduction.
2. Diagnostic assessment
You’ll be asked to complete a short diagnostic. This helps us to understand your goals and identify the most relevant support.
3. Tailored referrals
We’ll build a support package for you and map your needs to:
- Internal college offers
- Local partners and networks
- Regional or national innovation programmes
4. Make it happen
Start using the support to boost productivity, unlock ideas, or build skills. We’ll check in with you to see how it’s going and what comes next.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Kickstart your innovation journey today! Complete our quick diagnostic assessment now to access specialist advice, tools, and tailored referrals.
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Upcoming Event
From Foundations to Future: Using Innovation to Design a Smarter Social Media Strategy, Friday 7th November 2025, 9 - 11am
Led by Mehdi Barani, Commercial Marketing Specialist at The Growth Studios, this strategy-focused session will help you:
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Build solid online foundations (website, Google profile)
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Use the right platforms with purpose
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Plan engaging content that works
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Understand when to boost or advertise
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See real-life examples you can apply straight away
Location: Bury FC, BL9 9HU
Meet the Team
James Shuttleworth - Business Innovation Advisor
James most recently worked in both business operations and consultancy roles before joining the programme as a Business Innovation Advisor for the Bury College Innovation Hub. He has a broad business background, holds a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurial business, and is CIPD qualified. He now works with local Bury businesses to explore opportunities and challenges, identifying support aligned to their specific needs.
Eve Burrows - Business Innovation Coordinator
Eve began her career at Bury College as a Work Experience Placement Coordinator, supporting T Level students in accessing meaningful industry placements. Drawing on her experience in employer engagement, she now leads communications, strategic outreach, and event delivery for the Business Innovation team, developing targeted content and delivering events that connect local SMEs with practical innovation support.
Stay Connected
Follow us on LinkedIn - Bury College Business Innovation
Register your interest for upcoming events and join our mailing list.
Email: innovation@burycollege.ac.uk
Phone: 0161 280 8331
Logo for the Greater Manchester Colleges Innovation project.
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