Steve Silk, Director of small business, Design Analytics, benefits from a Hatchery membership at the Staffordshire University IEZ Incubator.
Company Overview
Design Analytics is a software development business that works to build on other businesses' visions by delivering apps that reduce cost and time. Their aim is to reduce stress within businesses - with their services saving up to 20% of a manager’s time.
Funded Business Support
Membership at Staffordshire University's Incubator has given the company access to high-quality shared office/co-working space at the Hatchery to use for a few days a week, with access to meeting rooms for Steve Silk, Director of Design Analytics, to meet his clients in. The team can also access specialist university facilities, such as the Creative Lab at no extra cost. Steve uses this space for meetings with the ‘SING’ networking group which he manages as a side project.
Since becoming a member, Steve has attended all business events and networking sessions held at the university, which has supported the growth of his business network. He has also accessed free training delivered by university academics in areas, such as design thinking, which was highly relevant to his business.
Project Outcome
Since becoming a Hatchery member, Steve's business continued to grow and make great connections with other businesses in the Incubator. One connection resulted in the business winning its biggest client to date.
Steve has also benefited from personal development by being selected to be an Innovation Advisor for a university project. The project brings together local businesses in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire County, where students and graduates develop bespoke innovation plans for the local business. Steve’s role in the project is to be an expert consultant for businesses looking to digitally innovate and a mentor for students and graduates to support their success in their roles.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my membership in the Hatchery. I have made great contacts with the other businesses here and work in partnership with a number of other members.
One of these partnerships has resulted in landing my biggest ever client, my small company is flourishing this year thanks to Staffordshire University.