BGU to launch new research centre at Lincolnshire Business Expo

A new business support service from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), which will help Greater Lincolnshire businesses, public and third sector organisations make better decisions based on research and data analysis, will launch later this month.

Professor Jayne Mitchell, Deputy Vice Chancellor at BGU will officially declare the Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) open for business when she addresses county entrepreneurs at the Lincolnshire Business Expo on 17 January 2018 at the Lincolnshire Showground.

BGU will be hosting a 30-minute briefing session to showcase LORIC under the heading of, ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution is Coming: Is Your Business Ready?’ Professor Mitchell and Adam Peacock, Open Data Consultant working on the LORIC Project, will be giving the presentation from 9.30-10.00am. Further details of the event and the opportunity to register your attendance can be found here.

Ready to work with clients

LORIC will provide a range of services, including consultancy, digitisation, Open Data mining, and analysis and research support.

Professor Mitchell said: “We are looking forward to officially launching LORIC at the Business Expo. At the moment we’re working on some pilot projects with companies we’ve assisted through other business support projects. They’ve seen the benefits of our digitisation, data, research and analysis services and we’re now ready to work with other clients.

“We are offering access to data specialists and researchers who will bring new insights and help businesses and public and private sector organisations to make better decisions about strategy, diversification and innovation.”

The new service will complement BGU’s other business support initiatives, the Specialist Skills Advisor and Specialist Teaching (Industry Educator) programmes, and the Business Inspiration programme, which all receive financial support from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

The Business Inspiration team provides support for smaller businesses across Greater Lincolnshire interested in grant funding for innovation and diversification, graduate placements, and first-time attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions.

A welcome addition to BGU’s portfolio

A team of seven are currently working for LORIC and Business Inspiration from their temporary home on the University’s campus. The team will move into the Grade II St Hugh’s building on Newport in Lincoln this summer, now that work on its refurbishment and modernisation has begun.

The transformation of the building started last September, with local construction company Robert Woodhead and Lincoln architects LK2 appointed to deliver the £3.5 million project.

Stephen Deville, Chief Operating Officer at BGU said: “The renovation and conversion of this significant building within close proximity to the main University campus is a welcome addition to BGU’s asset portfolio.

“The building’s location is ideal as it allows the project to operate externally in its aims to link and support partners outside of BGU, while also being close enough to campus to integrate activities with those of the wider University.”