South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Support

The Innovation Network South Yorkshire is a partnership between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to support regional growth.

It welcomes South Yorkshire’s academics, organisations and businesses to join free events and activities to network with regional thought leaders and build links with both Sheffield Universities to innovate and drive future collaborations.

The Innovation Network provides an opportunity for attendees to hear about the latest hot topics, joint challenges and priorities for South Yorkshire, from experts in South Yorkshire. Our team sits across both Sheffield Universities and works with the South Yorkshire Chambers and key partners in the business, public and third sectors to generate a mutually beneficial network. We put people in touch with each other so they can share knowledge, and help our region grow in ways that are good for the economy, the environment, culture, and skills.

The Innovation Network South Yorkshire is a joint initiative between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to deliver events that support growth in our region.

Receive expert, tailored support to upskill and grow your business through digitalisation

If you’re a manufacturing business that is looking to increase technology usage and expand your business capabilities, the Made Smarter programme could help you access advice, support and even grant funding. 

Whether you are completely brand new to digital technology, or you have already started your digitalisation journey, you will be able to receive bespoke advice on anything from skills and leadership to innovation strategies. 

Made Smarter is encouraging the UK’s next industrial revolution by giving businesses like yours the competitive edge in a rapidly-growing industry. The programme aims to bring the best out of the UK manufacturing industry by upskilling and encouraging collaboration and innovation – keeping us ahead of the competition in the global manufacturing stage.  

SYIP supports organisations across the region to innovate and grow; develop new ideas, improve processes, access new markets, and launch new products. Organisations can access funding and support tailored to where they are in their innovation journey:

DISCOVER - “I want to innovate, but I don’t know what’s out there”

• Experiment in the Digital Media Centre MakerLab and CreatorLab.
• Learn how to innovate at funded workshops.

DEPLOY - “I know what I want and it’s ‘available off-the-shelf’”

Funding for lower value (≤£2,000), quick turnaround (~5 days) projects to implement an innovative solution, for example:

• Three days of testing required to launch a new product (£1,500)
• Purchase and setup of 3D printer and three days of training (£2,000)

DEVELOP - “I know what I want, but there’s no solution on the market”

Funded support from sector specialist academics to develop a bespoke innovative solution tailored to your needs, for example:

• IT company working with School of Computing and Digital Technologies to develop bespoke project management software (10 days)
• Healthtech company working with the Faculty of Engineering to integrate AI analytics with an existing product (30 days)

The level of support available is dependent upon its size (determined by the number of employees) 

Organisations can access funding and support as follows: 

• Micro < 10FTE – 90% funded 
• Small < 50FTE – 80% funded 
• Medium <250 FTE – 70% funded 
• Large >250 FTE – 60% funded

What is Skills Bank?

It is a single access point for information, support, guidance and funding for skills.

A dedicated and specialist team of Skills Advisors can connect businesses to high-quality training providers to meet needs. Training accessed could be in the form of an existing qualification or industry recognised training programme or designed to meet your specific requirements.

How does it work?

Employers can choose from a comprehensive list of Training Providers available or source their own.

Employers can view the Skills Bank Training Directory for a list of available training or look at the useful ‘key word’ search facility. It can also help you devise training to meet your business needs.

In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, there are two new strands of the programme, one for businesses working in new ways, and a rapid response programme for those responding directly to the government’s Coronavirus strategy.

Skills Bank funding contributes to the overall cost of training and the amount each employer receives will depend on the business case for growth outlined in your application and contribution to the South Yorkshire economy.

If you are not sure whether training can help your business to grow or would like advice on the type of training you need, you can request a call from the Growth Hub Gateway here. 

Financial Contribution

The intervention rate is calculated and directly linked to the employer’s growth/development, therefore it is important that the growth/development case is clear and fully outlines how the learning is linked to growth or in lessening the impact of the Coronavirus.

Maximum intervention rates are:

• 50% for Large Companies
• 70% for Micro, Small and Medium Companies (0 – 249 employees)

Maximum intervention rates will be awarded where:

• The growth case is clearly demonstrated, well documented and evidenced within the application
• It is clear that the learning is directly linked to the anticipated growth and the training is specialist, management and/or higher level
• The employer can evidence how they support supply chain development
• The employer can evidence how they are helping to raise aspirations

Free support to find and stay in work.

Working Win supports people who have a health condition to find and stay in employment. If you’re looking for a new role, or struggling at work, sign up for our free support.

You’ll receive one-to-one support from your dedicated Employment Specialist. This includes:

• Help with job applications, CVs and interview skills, to find a job that would suit your skills and strengths
• One-to-one support from your Work and Enterprise Coach to help you continue working and manage your health condition at work
• Meeting with your employer to talk about your needs at work

You can receive support from a qualified team of Health & Wellbeing Coaches to:

• Learn how to cope better with your health condition in work and everyday life
• Create self-care strategies in order to thrive at work
• Receive practical support to improve your wellbeing and thrive in work

You will be given access to a free Westfield Health and Wellbeing package, which includes:

• Togetherall - safe online mental health community support and resources
• 24 Hour Advice and Information Line – 24/7 access to speak to a counsellor, lawyer or medical advisor
• Westfield Rewards – offers and discounts from over 1,000 leading restaurants, retailers and destinations
• DoctorLine™ - 24/7 GP telephone line

You can also access debt, benefit and employment law support from Citizens Advice, including:

• Access to dedicated expert support for income and debt advice
• Fast-track debt and benefits support
• Advice on employment, housing and finance

Sign up to take part for free at www.workingwinreferrals.co.uk or call us on 0114 2900 218.

The total number of residents supported by Working Win has now reached more than 4,000. This has helped the region’s fightback against the Coronavirus pandemic. The scheme has supported people in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw with physical and mental health issues to find or stay in training and work.