The Centre for Enterprise (CfE) was set up in 2001. Since then, we have earned an enviable regional, national and international reputation for research, as well as conducting a wide range of successful support and start up projects for business.
We are the focal point for Manchester Metropolitan University Business School's (MMUBS) activities within the small business community. And we provide a strong resource centre for enterprise, research and learning through 3 streams. These are:
Research
The CfE has developed an international reputation for producing high-quality theoretical and applied research. Led by Professor Ossie Jones, who is also the Editor of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, the CfE carries out research in a number of key areas. These include:
- enterprise and business start-up
- SME growth
- knowledge management
- the relationship between enterprise and regeneration
- gender and female entrepreneurship
We also carry out research in a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, the creative and media sector, financial & professional services, biolife sciences and the social economy. Our team of 15 staff includes experienced research fellows and business analysts, supported by a dedicated project management team. Plus we actively encourage new researchers and support 7 PhD students.
Business Start Up
Here at the CfE, we have many years' experience of helping people to start up their own businesses. And we provide access to ongoing practical and mentor support.
We're also proud to be the Regional Contractor for the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES) programme (www.nesprogramme.org) and have helped over 1000 people start their own business in the North West.
This practical experience is backed up by researchers and practitioners working with us, who have experience running, devising and evaluating start-up programmes at MMU and with partner organisations.
Business Support
The CfE is also the focus for MMUBS' activities that help support the small business community.
By co-ordinating various services in one centre, it is much easier for small business owners and managers to use MMUBS' resources and quickly access the key knowledge and skills that they really need.
We offer a range of services that small businesses can call upon - including business support and development, academic analysis, research projects, improving organisational performance, skill development, education and learning, as well as informal contact with postgraduate and academic communities.