Fresh thinking for your organisation

The Innovate: SBS Advice Centre provides a space for local businesses to get projects off the ground.

Each year, hundreds of our students provide valuable consultancy to business and voluntary sector organisations — from investigating ways to market a new product to identifying new locations for businesses to expand to.

Our work has made a big impact. SBS was recently accredited with a Small Business Charter award in recognition of its outstanding support to small businesses and student entrepreneurship.

So if you’re looking for some fresh thinking for your organisation, get in touch today.

 "Our students work alongside academic staff to take a brief from a client, undertake site visits, conduct in-depth research into the organisation, analyse issues and produce advice and supporting data.

The outcome is a report and presentation to the client, offering advice and expertise for practical business benefits".

Kevin Kerrigan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Business and Enterprise

“The students found information we couldn’t have found. The work they have produced is extremely valuable to us and the future of our product. We would definitely consider taking them on in the future in a research capacity based on what they have demonstrated, and we are extremely grateful for their insight.”

Jonathan Drury, Founder of Savvy Foods Ltd

“The students demonstrated true care and professionalism when representing our brand. Student Sport magazine operates in a fast-paced market so it is vital for us to adapt to new trends. There is no better way for us to develop new ideas and strategies than by working directly with students and graduates.”

Nathan Gray, business director, Student Sports magazine

“I think that any opportunities to connect students with local businesses should be taken. This is a great chance to open the eyes of undergraduates to ‘the real world’. It all helps make them more employable. It’s a great initiative – long may it continue”

Ian Goodall, managing director, Aardvark Swift

“The students developed various innovative ideas which as a business we hadn’t previously considered. These projects are a great way of solving problems because they allow organisations to tap into the creativity and enthusiasm of the students, who approach issues from completely new perspectives.”

Joe Wright, marketing manager, Mayflower Engineering