Supporting SMEs 

Smart & Scale (S&S) is an interdisciplinary impact-driven research programme in smart and scale-up activities, focusing on innovation and business development of SMEs in the North-East of England. SMEs have faced extraordinary challenges over the past few years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the soaring cost of business. SMEs in the UK are said to be going through a “triple transition” (Enterprise Research Centre, 2021) that brings together three interrelated challenges of digitalisation, net zero and productivity.

At Durham University Business School, S&S is designed to support SME innovation, scale up, resilience, and economic development in the North-East. It is underpinned by four key research themes that represent key challenges in the region: New Business Models, Leadership, Emerging Technologies, and Supply Chains.

Specifically, S&S provides support through research projects with expert academics designed to enable SME innovation (Smart) and the development of growth focused business models (Scale). We also offer a Visiting SME Fellows programme, SME masterclasses, and opportunities to incubate new ideas through our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme. For researchers, we offer opportunities to work with business in the North-East of England, post-doctoral researcher positions and PhD scholarships.

For enquiries, please contact us on: smartandscaleteam@durham.ac.uk

Our Team 

Jonathan Kimmitt, Professor of Entrepreneurship, S&S Academic Lead

Katherine Kirby, S&S Business Development Manager

Jeffrey Hughes, Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship, S&S Associate

David Johnson, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, S&S Associate