How we helped supported local businesses
Using government grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the University of Bedfordshire has helped local businesses grow, innovate and build confidence through expert mentoring, workshops and tailored consultancy.
Pivot 1st: Building a Clear Growth Strategy
Pivot 1st is a digital platform that helps clubs, coaches and community groups manage bookings, payments and communications more easily. As a new business, they had a strong product but limited time to develop a focused marketing and sales strategy. They needed clearer messaging, a better understanding of their customers, and a practical plan for sustainable growth.
The team provided one‑to‑one support in marketing, sales and market positioning, along with a written growth roadmap. The founders also attended workshops that offered simple, practical guidance they could use immediately.
Pivot 1st now has a clear plan that gives the team confidence and direction. They have already strengthened their marketing and customer engagement and expect to see improvements in client acquisition and long‑term performance.
Working with the University of Bedfordshire has given us clarity, structure and a practical roadmap for growth.
Nicky Reynolds, Commercial Director, Pivot 1st
RMK: Strengthening a Marketing Consultant’s Business Identity
Raksha Malde‑Kara runs a marketing communications consultancy specialising in B2B marketing, PR and content development. She wanted to move from ad‑hoc contract work to a clearer service offer with structured packages, stronger positioning, and a more reliable client pipeline.
Through our Innovation & Growth Business Support programme, Raksha completed workshops on business strategy, AI‑supported design skills and sustainable growth. She also received three one‑to‑one coaching sessions focused on refining her service offer, improving her business model and understanding how AI could support long‑term development.
This experience gave Raksha greater clarity, confidence, and direction. She deepened her understanding of new markets including UAE business culture and reshaped her plans for future growth.
The University helped me to future‑proof my career and provided a holistic approach to work and wellbeing.
Raksha Malde‑Kara
Dakram Materials Ltd: Exploring AI to Boost Productivity
Dakram Materials Ltd is a long‑established supplier of inorganic, metal‑based chemicals serving customers across the UK, Europe and beyond. As a small team, they wanted to reduce time spent on repetitive admin tasks and explore how artificial intelligence could streamline operations.
Over 10 hours of consultancy, our specialists reviewed their current processes, identified time‑intensive tasks and recommended low‑risk, cost‑effective AI tools suitable for their scale. The support provided a structured, reassuring introduction to AI without disrupting daily business.
Dakram now has a clear roadmap for gradually adopting AI to improve productivity, reduce manual workloads, and strengthen long‑term resilience.
Rites of Way: Standing Out in a Competitive Celebrant Market
Rites of Way is a celebrant practice offering inclusive, nature‑inspired ceremonies across Central Bedfordshire. Although known for thoughtful storytelling and cultural sensitivity, the practice needed clearer messaging to stand out in a crowded market.
Through a four‑week mentoring programme, we provided one‑to‑one support, competitor analysis, and a detailed development report. The focus was on refining communication, strengthening positioning, and shaping a sustainable business model.
The support has had a lasting impact. Rites of Way now has more authentic messaging, refreshed marketing materials and a stronger framework for the client journey and future growth.