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SME Centre of Excellence

The one-stop for all your business support and advice. SME Centre Of Excellence is here to help businesses start, survive and thrive.

Categories

Technology  
SME Centre of Excellence
Leadership team

Ammar Mirza CBE (Executive Chair)

Industries

Technology

Number of Employees
50 - 100
Headquarters
Newcastle, England
Company Type
Private company limited by shares or Ltd
Social Media
Summary

The SME Centre of Excellence is a comprehensive resource hub designed to support businesses at every stage of their journey. With a team of dedicated experts, we offer a wide range of services and guidance to help businesses start, survive, and thrive. From providing valuable advice and mentorship to connecting entrepreneurs with relevant resources, we are committed to empowering businesses and fostering their growth. Whether you are a startup seeking guidance or an established business looking to scale, the SME Centre of Excellence is your go-to destination for all your business needs.

History

The SME Centre of Excellence has a rich history that spans several years, marked by its unwavering commitment to supporting businesses and driving their success. It was established with the vision of creating a centralized hub where entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could access comprehensive resources and guidance to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

The journey of the SME Centre of Excellence began when a group of passionate individuals recognized the need for a one-stop destination that could provide holistic support to businesses. Drawing upon their collective expertise and experience in various industries, they embarked on a mission to create a platform that would serve as a catalyst for business growth and development.

Since its inception, the SME Centre of Excellence has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses in an ever-evolving landscape. It has adapted to technological advancements, market trends, and the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship, ensuring that its services remain relevant and effective.

Over the years, the SME Centre of Excellence has forged strong partnerships with industry leaders, government bodies, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders. These collaborations have enabled the center to expand its reach and enhance the breadth and depth of its services. By leveraging these valuable connections, the SME Centre of Excellence has been able to provide businesses with access to a vast network of resources, mentorship opportunities, funding options, and specialized training programs.

The impact of the SME Centre of Excellence is evident in the success stories of countless businesses that have benefited from its support. Startups have received invaluable guidance during their early stages, enabling them to navigate the complexities of establishing and launching their ventures. Existing SMEs have accessed expertise and resources to overcome challenges, innovate, and expand their operations.

As the SME Centre of Excellence looks towards the future, it remains dedicated to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. It continues to evolve and adapt, keeping pace with the ever-changing business landscape. The center is committed to remaining at the forefront of industry trends, offering cutting-edge solutions, and empowering businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.

Mission

The mission of the SME Centre of Excellence is to empower businesses and entrepreneurs by providing them with comprehensive support, resources, and guidance. Our aim is to be the go-to destination for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering a one-stop platform to help businesses start, survive, and thrive.

Our mission revolves around three key pillars:

Support: We are committed to providing unwavering support to businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it's assisting startups in their initial ideation and planning phase or helping established SMEs overcome growth hurdles, we offer tailored guidance and resources to address their unique challenges. Through our expert advice, mentorship programs, and access to a vast network of industry professionals, we empower businesses to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Resources: We understand that access to resources is crucial for business success. The SME Centre of Excellence is dedicated to connecting businesses with a wide range of valuable resources. From funding opportunities and financial guidance to market research and training programs, we strive to provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to maximize their potential. By curating a comprehensive repository of resources, we aim to streamline the process of finding relevant information and support.

Growth: Our ultimate goal is to foster the growth and success of SMEs. We believe that every business has the potential to thrive, and we are passionate about helping them unlock their full potential. Through our tailored support, mentorship, and educational initiatives, we aim to equip businesses with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive innovation, expand their market reach, and achieve sustainable growth.

By fulfilling our mission, we aspire to contribute to the overall growth and vibrancy of the business ecosystem. We are dedicated to building a community of thriving businesses, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic development. Through collaboration with key stakeholders, strategic partnerships, and a customer-centric approach, we strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the businesses we serve.

Vision

The vision of the SME Centre of Excellence is to create a dynamic and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where businesses flourish, innovation thrives, and economic growth is fostered. Our vision encompasses several key elements that guide our efforts and shape our aspirations.

Empowering Entrepreneurs: At the core of our vision is the empowerment of entrepreneurs. We envision a future where aspiring and established business owners have the knowledge, skills, and resources to confidently pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. By providing comprehensive support, mentorship, and access to valuable resources, we aim to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their goals.

Driving Innovation: We believe that innovation is the lifeblood of business growth and success. Our vision encompasses a commitment to driving innovation by fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. We aim to be at the forefront of industry trends, providing businesses with the necessary resources, expertise, and networks to embrace emerging technologies, explore new ideas, and develop innovative solutions that address market needs.

Facilitating Collaboration: Collaboration is key to unlocking collective potential and achieving greater outcomes. We envision a future where businesses, industry leaders, government entities, educational institutions, and other stakeholders come together to share knowledge, insights, and resources. By facilitating collaboration and fostering strategic partnerships, we aim to create a synergistic environment where businesses can leverage each other's strengths, access new markets, and collectively drive economic growth.

Promoting Sustainable Growth: Our vision extends beyond short-term success. We believe in promoting sustainable growth that takes into account environmental, social, and economic considerations. We encourage businesses to adopt responsible and ethical practices, prioritize social impact, and contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve. By promoting sustainable growth, we aim to create a business ecosystem that not only thrives economically but also makes a positive and lasting impact on society and the environment.

Enabling Global Reach: In an increasingly interconnected world, we recognize the importance of global reach for businesses. Our vision includes empowering businesses to expand their market reach beyond borders, tap into international networks, and explore global opportunities. Through access to market intelligence, international trade support, and connections with global partners, we aim to enable businesses to successfully navigate the complexities of internationalization and compete on a global scale.

Key Team

Ammar Mirza CBE (Executive Chair)

Martha Germany (Centre Manager)

Dan Newton (Customer Experience Director)

Products and Services

The SME Centre of Excellence offers a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our comprehensive offerings are designed to support businesses at various stages of their journey, from startup to expansion and beyond. Here are some key products and services provided by the SME Centre of Excellence:

Business Advisory Services: Our team of experienced business advisors provides personalized guidance and support to entrepreneurs and SME owners. Whether you need assistance with business planning, market research, financial management, or operational strategies, our advisors are equipped with the expertise to address your specific needs. We offer one-on-one consultations, workshops, and training programs to help you make informed decisions and overcome challenges.

Mentorship Programs: Our mentorship programs connect business owners with experienced mentors who provide guidance, share industry insights, and offer practical advice based on their own entrepreneurial journeys. Through mentorship, you can gain valuable perspectives, expand your professional network, and accelerate your business growth.

Access to Funding: We understand the importance of financial resources for business growth. The SME Centre of Excellence assists SMEs in accessing funding opportunities by providing information about grants, loans, venture capital, and other funding sources. We offer guidance on how to prepare funding applications, connect you with potential investors, and help you navigate the funding landscape.

Training and Workshops: We offer a wide range of training programs and workshops designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs and their teams. These programs cover various areas such as business management, marketing strategies, financial literacy, digital transformation, and leadership development. Our training sessions are led by industry experts and provide practical insights that can be directly applied to your business.

Networking and Collaboration: Building a strong professional network is essential for business growth. The SME Centre of Excellence organizes networking events, industry conferences, and business forums where entrepreneurs can connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and industry experts. These platforms facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for strategic partnerships.

Market Intelligence and Research: To stay competitive, businesses need access to accurate market intelligence and insights. Our centre provides market research services, industry reports, and trend analysis to help you make informed business decisions. We gather data, analyze market trends, and provide actionable insights to support your growth strategies.

References
SME Centre of Excellence
Leadership team

Ammar Mirza CBE (Executive Chair)

Industries

Technology

Number of Employees
50 - 100
Headquarters
Newcastle, England
Company Type
Private company limited by shares or Ltd
Social Media