Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education (GREAT) project: ERDF evaluation
Because of out work, GREAT could prove the impact it had on local businesses and the college could evidence its success in providing business support.
GREAT was a £5m business advisory service, with ERDF funding, led by the Grimsby Institute Group and delivered in partnership with HCF CATCH Ltd. The project supported the development of renewables and environmental technology businesses in North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire and West & North Yorkshire. Its aim was to build a supply chain to the renewable energy sector.
The project was designed to address the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) priorities to develop the ‘Energy Estuary’, and to support existing Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to improve productivity, innovation and development through an ambitious knowledge transfer project. GREAT helped local businesses to access grants and support for exploring green technology opportunities.
Stage one: surveying the business community. We surveyed more than 40 businesses to understand how they had accessed funding, and how grants and support were impacting on their business and their approaches to green technology.
Stage two: developing opportunities. We delivered six case studies which included interviews with business owners. We also worked with a local forum and the Chamber of Commerce to identify opportunities for further expansion.
Stage three: a positive report. We were able to show how the GREAT project had increased local business’s awareness of the opportunities in the renewables sector. The project had created interest in supply chain working. We also proved the college’s ability to provide quality business support.
“The report has provided strong evidence of impact and food for thought”