University of Manchester joins Sci

THE University of Manchester has joined Sci-Tech Daresbury's Gold Partner programme.

This new partnership is set to further strengthen support for science and technology businesses on the Daresbury campus in Halton.

The University of Manchester joins the long-standing Gold Partner, the University of Liverpool, in offering academic expertise and opportunities for collaboration to help companies grow.

John Leake, business growth director at Sci-Tech Daresbury, said: "Building and scaling an ambitious business can be challenging, particularly for companies operating at the forefront of science and technology.

"Through our partner programme, we bring together trusted organisations with the specialist expertise our businesses need.

"This year's partners provide an exceptional breadth of support, from academic expertise and research with access to student talent, to practical advice on technology innovation, intellectual property, insurance, marketing, finance, taxation, and legal matters.

"By making this expertise readily accessible, we can both help to reduce risks around our businesses and enable the management teams to focus on what they do best."

The Gold Partner programme connects campus companies with a growing network of specialists in finance, technology commercialisation, marketing, insurance, intellectual property, and legal services.

This support is delivered through events, workshops, masterclasses, surgeries, and the Pitchfest programme, offering free and discounted services to businesses on campus.

By working together, the two universities aim to link companies with leading research institutions, academic knowledge, and student and graduate talent.

Other partners in the programme include Konsileo, Grant Thornton, David Antrobus Marketing, Marks & Clerk, Slater Heelis, and RTC North, which delivers Innovate UK Business Growth support in the North West.

The University of Manchester is recognised for its global impact in research, innovation, and enterprise, working across health, climate, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence.

It collaborates with partners in business, government, and society to turn knowledge into real-world solutions, driving economic, social, and environmental benefits at every level.

The University of Liverpool is a leading research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group and the N8 Research Partnership.

It is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities globally.