Purple pop up sign displays the word 'Flourish' and information about the scheme while a woman and man stand next to it. A coffee shop window is in the background
Philippa Richardson, Digital Engagement Manager for Flourish at Keele University and Ben Hill, company director at Piccoloco.
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Flourish returns to help small businesses innovate and grow

1 min read

Small businesses in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme can benefit from the support of Keele University students with the return of the Flourish initiative.

Flourish is open for applications following a successful run last year which connected undergraduate and postgraduate students with dozens of small businesses.

Keele University can facilitate 25 fully-funded projects in the borough with students or recent graduates working with eligible businesses for up to 75 hours per project. The projects can be delivered virtually or in-person and provide an opportunity to trial new ideas or develop existing ones without long term commitment.

Philippa Richardson, Digital Engagement Manager for Flourish at Keele University, said: “The first phase of Flourish was a great success, and we had some brilliant feedback from students and businesses on how the project had helped them.  

“I would urge businesses across the borough to look into how they can be supported through Flourish because it can make a very real and tangible difference to their day-to-day operations and ambitions for growth. 

“For our students and graduates, it is a paid opportunity for them to transfer and develop their skills and gain real world experience. We have skills glossaries showcasing our student talent which makes the programme easy to engage with.”

Ben Hill, Director of Newcastle coffee shop bar and kitchen Piccoloco, which has previously received support from Flourish, said: “Being part of this project is a really positive experience. The support from the students can be invaluable, and they can bring forward ideas that you might not have necessarily considered before.”

The Flourish initiative is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, secured by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “When the borough council won this funding on behalf of residents, the main aims included creating better opportunities for people and improving their skills, as well as supporting local businesses.  

“I am delighted that Keele University and its students are building on the success of the first phase of this project and continue to make such a strong contribution to the community.”  

Any local Newcastle SME, charitable organisation or sole trader can find out more about the project by emailing gateway@keele.ac.uk 

Hayley Johnson

Senior journalist with over 15 years’ experience writing for customers and audiences all over the world. Previous work has included everything from breaking news for national newspapers to complex business stories, in-depth human-interest features and celebrity interviews - and most things in between.

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