This week, we are thrilled to kick off an exciting new project in collaboration with Staffordshire University as part of the Advanced and Digital Technologies Innovation Accelerator programme.

With the growing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, SMEs face increasing pressure to meet evolving regulatory requirements. However, many smaller businesses lack the resources to invest in enterprise-scale ESG software. That’s where our partnership comes in.

We are working closely with two talented Staffordshire University students, Christopher Otutu and Idowu Olaide Ridwan, to develop a smart and accessible ESG reporting solution tailored specifically for SMEs. Over the next three months, Chris and Ridwan will leverage their expertise in digital innovation to create a system that enables SMEs to capture, collate, and report ESG metrics with ease—helping them stay ahead of compliance requirements while enhancing their sustainability credentials.

This collaboration is a fantastic example of bridging academia and industry, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios while delivering valuable digital solutions for businesses. We’re eager to see how Chris and Ridwan bring their ideas to life and help shape the future of ESG reporting for SMEs.

This project is funded through Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by the Staffordshire University Business Engagement team. We’re grateful for their support in driving innovation and fostering student talent.

Stay tuned for updates as we progress with this initiative—we can’t wait to share what’s next!