Read about Laura’s journey from adult learner to business owner.
Unlock your business's full potential with GMFEIP in Partnership with Bury College
Innovation is about solving problems in better ways, using new thinking, tools, or approaches to unlock your business's full potential.
The Greater Manchester Further Education Innovation Programme (GMFEIP), funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), is a collaboration between all ten of Greater Manchester’s further education colleges. The programme provides free, practical support to help business across the region overcome challenges, build skills and improve business growth. We can also support with increasing productivity and therefore your capability to explore new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to develop new products, improve processes, or adopt emerging technologies, your local Innovation Connector can support you.
Gemma Lythgoe
Innovation Connector - Bury
Gemma is the local Innovation Connector for Bury. She supports Bury businesses with exploring practical ways to improve business growth and productivity.
Gemma makes innovation support more accessible, helping businesses understand their options and connecting businesses with relevant expertise, skills, networks and opportunities across Greater Manchester.
Your innovation journey starts here
The programme is aimed at empowering businesses to build their capability in gaining the confidence to adopt innovation.
We offer free, practical support tailored to your organisation, from understanding the challenge to identifying the right next step. Here's what we can support you with:
Innovation and productivity
One-to-one support, innovation diagnostics, action planning, problem solving and a sounding board for new ideas.
AI and digital adoption
AI awareness, digital productivity, process improvement and identifying appropriate automation opportunities.
Skills and workforce
Workforce development, apprenticeships, adult skills, leadership development and innovation capability.
Connections and collaboration
Introductions to universities, Innovate UK Business Connect, Catapults, the Growth Hub and specialist support.
Events, training and networks
Innovation workshops, business events, peer learning and opportunities to collaborate with colleges and other businesses.
If you're saying...
We offer AI for Business workshops, looking at live demonstrations and real-world examples where AI can add real value to your business.
We can look at a range of support options, to help boost your business.
We can help you get to the root of the problem and introduce you to tailored support around digital transformation.
We can help you navigate the landscape through a short diagnostic and connect you with funding streams.
We can offer workshops on Cyber Security and we can provide introductions to Cyber Security support services.
We can help you explore workshops, training and course options that suit your business's needs from the Greater Manchester education network.
We can link you with local business networks, events, and other businesses via trusted hubs like GM Chamber of Commerce.
We can connect you with specialist advisers or academics through referrals into Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Digital Catapult, or university innovation teams.
We can help you access technical facilities and testing spaces relevant to your sector.
Your innovation support journey
1. Get in touch
Start by contacting your Innovation Connector, Gemma Lythgoe to arrange an appointment.
2. Diagnostic Assessment
You’ll be asked to complete a short diagnostic, this will give us a better understanding of your business needs, ahead of your appointment.
3. Meeting
We will arrange a 121 appointment with you, to discuss how we can best support your business to improve productivity and growth through innovation.
4. Tailored Referrals
We’ll build a support package for you, by creating an action plan to map across your business needs and connect you with the right services.
5. 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, then contact us to arrange an appointment for a convenient time.
Upcoming events
AI For Business
Friday 30th October 2026, 9am – 12:30pm
Bury College, Millennium Centre, Market Street, BL9 0BG
This training session is for businesses who are looking to find out how AI can benefit their business. The session will include live demonstrations and real-world examples. We’ll explore tools including ChatGPT, Gamma, NotebookLM and Synthesia, as well as practical considerations for using AI effectively and responsibly.
Innovation Literacy Programme
Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th January 2027, 9am - 4.30pm
Business Lodge, Imperial House, Barcroft St, Bury BL9 5BT
This is an engaging training course designed to empower Apprentices to innovate, influence, and inspire change in their workplace. The course is a two-day accredited course, free of charge for Greater Manchester Apprentices, who are studying a Level 3 Apprenticeship or higher.
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