We are delighted to be supporting partner organisations around the North West, East Midlands, London and the South East to offer SME family businesses the chance to join an exciting, fully funded programme, EVOLVE DIGITAL. 

Evolve Digital is a 3 month online programme (requiring 10-12 hours per month) designed by Lancaster University Management School to encourage the adoption of new technologies and business processes that boost productivity in family businesses.

Participants will learn tools and techniques to enhance their leadership capability and will explore how new technologies can ensure your business is successful for future generations.

This programme is part of a national research study and by taking part participants will help inform evolving government policy on the needs of small family businesses.

The first intake of this programme began in the North West in November with a great response, and we are now offering places in the following areas and dates;

North West (facilitated by Lancaster University) – FINAL cohort start date – 11 May. 

North West webpage HERE. North West Application form HERE.

East Midlands (facilitated by NBV Enterprise Solutions) – next cohort start date – 20 April.

East Midlands webpage HERE. East Midlands Application form HERE.

London & South East (facilitated by Enterprise South) – next cohort start date – 22 April.

London & South East webpage HERE. London & South East Application form HERE.

Benefits of taking part:

• Create a strategy to future proof your business
• Identify and prioritise areas where digital technology can transform your business
• Undertake a project in your own business to test out new digital ideas to accelerate digital adoption
• Gain leadership skills and confidence to drive change and create competitive advantage

Successful applicants will be randomly allocated into two groups, to test different learning styles and take part in two short surveys to produce an evaluation report, to inform future support.

Am I eligible?

The programme is available to leaders of family businesses (a family member in a leadership role) from any sector, based in the North West, East Midlands, South East or London. The business must employ between 2 and 50 people and it must have been operational for at least 12 months.

Interested in applying?

Please click on the links about according to the area you are based within. There is no financial cost to participating businesses as this programme is fully funded. For any questions, please email us at [email protected]

Below are some clips from a recent business magazine which offers feedback from current participants and advice from one of the programme designers;