A new network for professional service providers has been launched at Huddersfield’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre.
The 3M BIC Professional Service Membership official launch event was attended by more than 30 professional service providers and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises.
It was created based on feedback from focus groups which highlighted that support businesses wanted more interaction with SMEs to build on their existing client portfolios – along with the opportunity to collaborate with other professional service providers.
As well as providing access to more than 1,000 businesses of all sizes, members get the opportunity to market their business and services direct to SMEs and other service providers as well as take up collaborative opportunities with Huddersfield University.
They can attend and host specialist events and seminars at the 3M BIC, get discounts on meeting and conference spaces equipped with the latest AV equipment, use hot desk facilities with free Wi-Fi available; and get access to state-of-the-art technology for measurement, design and prototyping.
Prof Liz Towns-Andrews, chief executive at the 3M BIC, welcomed guests to the launch event and introduced the Professional Services Membership and its benefits.
Richard Paxman, of Fenay Bridge-based Paxman Coolers, spoke about how his business has benefited from being a 3M BIC Corporate Network Member through its links with the university, access to Innovation Vouchers and the opportunity to link with professional support services.
About 10 professional service members exhibited at the event, including banks, solicitors, intellectual property specialists, trade organisations and marketing experts.
Exhibitors included KPMG, Santander, Bailey Walsh & Co, 3volution LLP, Appleyard Lees, Business Doctors, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Shark and Winning-Pitch.
Prof Towns-Andrews said: “Through focus groups we realised there was a gap for professional service providers to access SMEs.
“Many support businesses, especially larger corporates, don’t always get that link with smaller companies.
“Even more so, there are limited opportunities to collaborate with other service providers.
“With access to over 1,000 businesses though our other Network Membership levels and tenants, the 3M BIC’s Professional Service Membership provides a platform that enables support businesses to link with each other, but also puts them in front of start-ups and SMEs on a regular basis.”
