Birmingham City University has established a new Centre to research and support SMEs.
The Centre for Enterprise, Innovation and Growth (CEIG) was set up earlier this year to assist firms in developing their business and achieving growth ambitions. As part of this, CEIG has developed a diagnostic to aid firms in examining their practices and identifying potential change.
SME growth is integral to the success of regional economies, local communities, and entrepreneurs. Only a limited number of SMEs however actively pursue growth. Most firms are constrained by factors including skills and employees, finance and investment, innovation, and strategic planning. To support SMEs in addressing these obstacles, Professor Mark Gilman at CEIG has developed Promoting Sustainable Performance. PSP is a diagnostic focused on SMEs aiming to grow quicker, work better, and perform more competitively.
Firms in the West Midlands are being invited to participate in PSP. This is an intensive analysis which will enhance our insight into SME growth whilst supporting you and your business directly. By participating, you will benefit from;
• An opportunity to reflect critically on your business
• Access to a diagnostic analysis on business growth practice
• Opportunity to participate in further intensive research with CEIG to aid your growth
The PSP diagnostic has been used previously in supporting SME development in Kent and also in Calgary, Canada. Participating firms have found the diagnostic offered benefits in performance and practice, helping them progress their businesses.
PSP is open to all SMEs based in the West Midlands, regardless of age or sector. Participating firms need to have between 5 and 249 employees. All data is collected and treated confidentially in accordance with data protection standards. At no point will individual diagnostics be made available to any party other than the participant.
To complete the PSP diagnostic, please follow the link: BCU Promoting Sustainable Performance
Notes for SME participants:
The diagnostic should take no more than 30 minutes.
Once started, your response is active for 2 weeks.
You can exit and return to the survey using the link during this period, providing you use the same computer, tablet or mobile device.
Further information on CEIG can be obtained at www.bcu.ac.uk/business-school/research/CEIG