Launched in 2022, Lincoln Be Smarter was formed to facilitate digitalisation for Lincoln-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help propel business growth and improve internal processes.
The project has supported businesses by providing up to £50,000 in grant funding for digital projects, facilitating academic support through the University of Lincoln, and running quarterly events and workshops to help increase digital adoption.
On Wednesday, 3 December, Lincoln Be Smarter hosted its final networking session, ‘Igniting Innovation Through AI & Partnerships’, in collaboration with the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Industry Day. The event was opened by Professor Karl Dayson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lincoln.
Held in the Isaac Newton Building, small, local businesses had the opportunity to listen to talks from guest speakers, including Gerard Grech, CBE, founder and former Chief Executive of Tech Nation, and network with other local SMEs.
Guests also could receive optional tours of the Isaac Newton Building and The Bridge with the chance to meet researchers, see labs, and explore innovation spaces.
Lincoln Be Smarter has been a successful project under the Be Lincoln Town Deal, after Lincoln was one of 101 towns and cities selected by the government to work towards a Town Deal.
In January 2020, a multi-agency board was established to oversee the creation of the Town Investment Plan, which includes a vision and a five-year project programme to support the growth and development of the city.
Since launching in 2022, Lincoln Be Smarter has supported over 130 small to medium-sized businesses in the local area, with support through grants and workshops.
The team behind the project have also hosted over 40 workshop sessions focusing on multiple digital technologies, including AI, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security, Website Development and more. These workshops and grant funding aimed to elevate local businesses into harnessing the power of digitalisation, leveraging digital technologies and tools, whether hardware or software.
The outcome for many businesses included learning how to use digital tools, such as cloud storage, online bookkeeping and invoicing software, online marketing platforms, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to streamline processes and increase efficiency.
Naomi Tweddle, Town Deal Board Member and City of Lincoln Council leader, said:
“Upon establishment, one of the main objectives for the Be Lincoln Town Deal was to support inclusive growth and digitalisation. The Towns Fund vision was to support the growth and development of our ever-evolving city, and Lincoln Be Smarter embodies that vision.
“Since launching, the project has had a positive impact on many local businesses, upskilling workplaces and providing them with transformational changes in the use of technology and the development of new products and systems.”
Madiha Nazeer, Lincoln Be Smarter Project Manager, said:
“Our workshops gave Lincoln businesses the chance to explore digital technologies in a practical, approachable way, with many valuing the clear next steps they could act on immediately.
“The blend of academic insight and industry-led training worked particularly well and has shown how this collaboration can shape future support. Combined with the project’s match-funded grants, it’s been fantastic to see the difference this is making across our local business community.”