SME Database Software

The Productivity through Innovation Project (PtI) is a programme which allows SME businesses to access funding, services and support services across the D2N2 region. The nature of the programme means it is not suitable for new start businesses, those with limited growth potential and those who do not have the absorptive capacity for research and innovation projects. This means that a high number of SME's that have come through past ERDF projects are unlikely to be suitable as we are targeting research active or intensive SMEs. Therefore, PtI is also looking to attract companies who have not engaged with the University before and also target sectors that may have been underrepresented and difficult to reach in the past. A key part of the project activity is the offering of MPhil placements for companies. This is a brand-new concept for the University and its engagement with industry. This offering will need a great deal of support in terms of marketing and awareness building for it to be a success. To this end there is a need to acquire a Database that can identify high growth, R&D active companies in the D2N2 region. This information is particularly important in identifying companies who would have the interest and capacity to take on MPhil projects. The ideal database would have the ability to look in great depth into companies background and history to provide a good detailed overview about potential leads. This would include grant awards, sectors they are active in and look at what stage of the development cycle they are at.