Supported by the European Social Fund, the Digital Grid Partnership provides SMEs with a package of support to help them grow their business, build their profile and source new customers.
Industries and organisations are rapidly evolving. Within the next 20 years, it’s estimated that 90% of all roles will require digital skills, making it vital that businesses are proactive in preparing for future technological change – a challenge that brings even greater pressure for Small-to-Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
What is the Digital Grid Partnership?
Supported by the Mayor of London and funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the Digital Grid Partnership brings together further and higher education institutions with start-ups, SMEs and micro-enterprises to build digital skills and capacity, enabling businesses to remain competitive and resilient against significant shifts in the developing tech sector.
These collaborations also identify potential gaps in existing educational qualifications while using vital industry insight to shape the qualifications of the future.
What we offer
As a Digital Grid partner, London College of Communication (LCC) offers a package of free, expert support to eligible participants including:
- An online digital marketing workshop, which enables organisations to develop innovative strategies and explore tools, practices and industry trends.
- The opportunity to host a paid placement student or graduate remotely, who can bring their creative skills and digital knowledge to build organisational capacity and expertise. In turn, this provides invaluable experience and a solid foundation for their career.
Who we work with
This programme is open to registered start-ups, SMEs and micro-enterprises based in London with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of below £45 million.
Previous participants have included the Ivors Academy - one of the largest professional associations for music writers in Europe – which hosted LCC graduate Hannah Mayall to provide vital support in graphic design.
Partners
LCC works alongside a number of Digital Grid partners who have also been selected for their expertise in the digital and technology sectors, as well as their track record of successful project delivery:
- Newham College
- Loughborough University
- London Barnet Southgate College
- Richmond upon Thames College
- London South Bank University
- Goldsmiths, University of London
Innovation stories
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Final concept identity. Image credit: Muskaan Sethia, BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design. BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design students develop visual identity for Superarts Academy
Muskaan Sethia discusses taking inspiration from key words, capturing the dynamic nature of dance through design, and the importance of gaining industry experience.
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Poster identity concepts for 'Building Connections, Living Culture’ - Margarida Peixoto and Andreea Stan. Students channel creativity to support local businesses through Elephant Recovery Project
Margarida Peixoto and Andreea Stan share their experiences of supporting an initiative which aimed to connect creativity and community in Elephant and Castle.
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Image credit: Olivia Ortiz, BA (Hons) Animation. BA (Hons) Animation students develop ROCK PAPER SCISSORS shorts for Drawing Room
Olivia Ortiz explains how she was able to adapt texture, type and lines from children’s drawings into striking promotional shorts for a local gallery.
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Image credit: Still from 'Say NO to cancer' by Kaylah Ali. BA (Hons) Animation students develop campaigns with NHS South East CCG
Freya McArthur, Dan Pope and Kaylah Ali discuss how they were able to address sensitive health issues while empowering audiences through their creative practice.