The professional and business services sector provides specialist advice and support primarily to other businesses, enabling firms in all sectors to maintain and grow their operations.
Case studies
Developing Cross-Sector Leadership Through the 20Twenty Leadership Programme, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University’s 20Twenty Leadership Programme, delivered in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), is developing high-level management skills across construction, manufacturing, creative industries and professional services.
The programme, delivered via Cardiff Met’s Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre, equips leaders with the tools they need for sustainable growth, strategic thinking and adaptability in a rapidly changing economy.
The programme, supported by EU, Welsh and UK Government funding, has engaged over 1,100 businesses and 1,420 managers, awarding 1,812 accreditations, including CMI Level 4 and Level 7 certificates, and a Cardiff Met Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Leadership. The programme combines workshops, peer learning, executive coaching and strategic growth projects that deliver tangible improvement within participants’ organisations.
The leadership training success has led to several programme expansions, including Construction Futures Wales (£1.2m CITB-funded), UK Government’s Help to Grow (£520m) and a £750k Accelerated Growth Programme in partnership with Grant Thornton, all building on 20Twenty’s proven model.
Donal Whelan, founder and managing director of Hafod Mastering took part in the programme to enhance his leadership capabilities and business systems. See more of Donal’s story in the video.
It was an opportunity to systemise everything that we did. I’m a better leader since doing the course, I instruct a lot less and things are more collaborative.
Donal Whelan
founder and managing director of Hafod Mastering
London Quantum Technology Cluster, King's College London, University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London
King’s College London, UCL and Imperial College London are working together with businesses, communities, government and investors to position London as a global hub for quantum technology.
The new London Quantum Technology Cluster, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to create a thriving ecosystem that will accelerate the commercialisation of quantum research, support startups and spinouts, and deliver tangible benefits for Londoners. The cluster will lay the foundations for a dedicated incubator to take research in the quantum technology field from idea to market, accelerating the growth of these businesses.
This collaborative approach will build the infrastructure needed to seed, grow and scale quantum technology spinouts and startups by providing access to specialised quantum technology equipment, lab space and commercialisation and business support.
The cluster will expand its reach by connecting with the National Physical Laboratory and international partners across Europe, aiming to amplify the UK’s leadership in quantum and support the growth of similar ecosystems across the country and continent.
University of Salford and GMCA join forces to unlock data sharing barriers, University of Salford
The University of Salford and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have commenced a two-and-a-half-year knowledge transfer partnership (KTP), supported by a £220,000 Innovate UK grant, to strengthen information sharing across the region.
Working with researcher Idris Adekeye, the project will develop, design and pilot a business change toolkit to improve processes, enhance data access and remove barriers to collaboration. This will help GMCA use data more effectively to address major regional challenges and support Greater Manchester’s ambitions for economic growth and reduced inequality.
Aligned with the Greater Manchester Information Strategy, the toolkit will promote responsible data use and collaboration across all ten councils, in line with national governance guidelines.
KTPs are the UK Government’s flagship scheme for collaborative R&D, bringing together businesses, academia and researchers to embed innovation. This partnership aims to create a practical tool for non-specialists, enabling long-term improvements in information sharing and regional innovation.
The Information Sharing Framework - journey stages envisioned to achieve the goal of a shared approach to information sharing for the GM city region.
Business support scheme with local council, University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire run a successful business growth and innovation programme, providing local businesses with access to expert support designed to improve innovation, increase productivity and drive sustainable growth.
The programme runs in collaboration with the Central Bedfordshire Council and is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has now been expanded to 2026.
Over the past year, the initiative has supported more than 129 businesses across the region, offering a range of fully funded workshops, consultancy and capital grants.
The programme offers initiatives, including one-to-one consultancy and tailored advice to address business challenges and support long-term strategic growth. As part of the programme, participants also have access to workshops and short courses on topics such as reducing risk in developing new products, using advanced technologies like AI and improved use of digital tools.
The programme is designed to support graduate recruitment, helping businesses bring fresh skills and ideas into their workforce.