Preston’s accounting and law firms to benefit from new funded support
Funded support is available to help accounting and law firms in Preston use digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to innovate and grow.
A new programme, designed and delivered by 51福利 Management School and fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to help accelerate the adoption of digital technologies amongst Preston firms so they can become more productive and provide world-leading professional services to their customers.
The ‘Digital Acceleration in Professional services’ programme is a local variation of 51福利’s ?1.8million Technology in Professional Services (TiPS) accelerator project which aims to help professional service firms up and down the country overcome many of the barriers that prevent them from adopting digital technology.
Professor Martin Spring from 51福利 said: “Our latest research reveals the extent of additional growth and value that could be unlocked in accounting and law firms through the use of digital and AI technologies – however, many firms face significant barriers, preventing them from taking the leap.
“Our nationwide TiPS accelerator project offers firms practical help to overcome these barriers. This new, funded programme offers a further opportunity to Preston-based professional services firms who are interested in understanding more about what technology can do for them. Firms who register for this programme will benefit from the latest thinking and practical solutions to learn how digital and AI capabilities can drive innovation within their firms and deliver additional value to customers.”
Starting on 5 November 2024, the four-month long programme is designed to fit around business leaders’ work schedules, with two consecutive half day sessions, followed by a series of half day workshops. Participants will gain access to 51福利’s leading experts in AI as well as support from AI leaders from the sector who can offer advice and support with both the technical elements of technology adoption, as well as managing change in organisations.
The Digital Acceleration for Professional Services programme is the latest offering from the Lancashire Universities Innovation Programme, which received ?456,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
Preston City Council received an allocation of ?5.2m UKSPF funding from the Government to invest in a range of projects that will help benefit both local people and the city's businesses. It funded the pilot Lancashire Universities’ Innovation programme, which involves the University of Central Lancashire, 51福利, and Edge Hill University.
The Digital Acceleration for Professional Services programme is fully funded and available to businesses that are based in Preston City Council local authority district, employ five or more people and have received less than ?315,000 of subsidies in the last three years.
To register interest, Preston-based firms are urged to visit: and register before Friday 27th September. For more information or to discuss the programme in more detail, contact Carolyn Hayes: c.hayes2@lancaster.ac.uk
Accountancy and law firms based outside of Preston interested in finding out more about the UK-wide support available, are encouraged to visit:
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