Future-Proofing Lincolnshire SMEs
Guest speaker at our Caffeine Club networking event, which we run in conjunction with the University of Lincoln Enterprise and Innovation Chang Ge is our guest blogger this month. As a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of Help to Grow: Management Course at the University of Lincoln, Chang Ge has first-hand knowledge of the struggles Lincolnshire SMEs face and what it takes to be successful…
I have been invited to contribute this blog piece to shed light on the critical juncture at which Lincolnshire’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find themselves. The year 2025 presents a mix of transformative opportunities and pressing challenges. While rapid technological advancements and growing support for SMEs pave the way for growth, concerns such as the widening skills gap and productivity pressures cannot be ignored.
This is a pivotal moment for Lincolnshire businesses – a chance to innovate, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing environment.
2025: A Year of Opportunity for SMEs
From the Help to Grow: Management Programme we can see many of Lincolnshire’s SMEs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability over the years, often finding innovative ways to drive growth and community impact. From family-run businesses embracing digital transformation to larger organisations tackling innovation and supply chain challenges, the region is filled with stories of progress that can inspire others. Over the last couple of years, the Help to Grow Management Programme offered by the University of Lincoln has supported and empowered businesses across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, hospitality and construction, to address skills gaps and build meaningful connections.
Recent insights from the SME Skills Horizon 2025 report highlight several positive trends that business leaders can harness to drive growth and resilience. Although the report does not directly mention the Help to Grow: Management programme, its findings closely align with the programme’s objectives and benefits, making it an ideal companion to SMEs’ growth journey. By equipping SME leaders with practical tools for strategy, leadership and innovation, the programme offers a roadmap for Lincolnshire SMEs to build resilience, embrace technology and drive sustainable growth – turning insights from the report into actionable strategies for success.
Addressing the Challenges of 2025
While the future is bright, the SME Skills Horizon 2025 report also highlights critical areas of concern that demand urgent attention:
Pain Point 1: The Widening Skills Gap
East Midlands businesses are grappling with an alarming skills shortage. The report reveals that nearly two-thirds of SMEs lack the expertise needed in digital transformation, leadership and data-driven decision-making.
Pain Point 2: The Productivity Challenge
Productivity remains a thorn in the side of UK businesses, and Lincolnshire SMEs are no exception. The Productivity Institute points to underinvestment in technology, fragmented processes and outdated business models as key barriers.
Pain Point 3: Navigating AI and Ethical Concerns
The rise of agentic AI and automation raises questions about the balance between efficiency and human-centred decision-making. While AI offers immense potential, concerns around ethics, workforce displacement and trust must be addressed.
Why Now Is the Time for Action:
The combination of challenges and opportunities in 2025 creates a pivotal moment for Lincolnshire SMEs. Businesses that act now to address skills shortages, boost productivity and embrace AI will position themselves as leaders in their industries. Those who fail to adapt risk being left behind. The 12-week Help to Grow: Management Programme provides SME leaders with a structured yet flexible framework to address key challenges. Covering everything from innovation and market penetration to embedding sustainable practices, the programme provides a comprehensive roadmap to help SMEs overcome these hurdles and thrive in a fast-changing business environment.
Modules such as Strategy and Innovation and Employee Engagement and Leading Change provide actionable tools to help you manage change effectively, develop your team and close gaps in digital and operational expertise. To optimise efficiency, modules like Effective Operations and Finance and Financial Management guide you in streamlining processes, adopting automation and making the most of your resources—all while preserving the personal touch that defines your business.
As AI and advanced technologies reshape industries, modules like Digital Transformation and Building a Brand and Developing a Marketing Strategy help you adopt these innovations ethically and strategically, aligning them with your core values and long-term goals. With this programme, businesses can develop their confidence in embracing innovation and balance human-centred approaches with technological advancements towards responsible and sustainable growth.
Join the Movement: Take Control of Your Business Future
👉 Email to register now (helptogrow@lincoln.ac.uk) to join the Help to Grow: Management Programme and take your business to the next level.
👉Once registered, connect with the Alumni Network https://helptogrowalumni.org/ to collaborate with like-minded business leaders and innovators.
The future is bright for Lincolnshire SMEs but it requires proactive, bold steps today. Let’s work together to tackle the challenges of 2025, seize the opportunities and build a thriving future for our businesses and communities.
For more information email cge@lincoln.ac.uk or follow Help to Grow: Management on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helptogrow-university-of-lincoln/?viewAsMember=true and via https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/lbs/executivedevelopment/help-to-grow/
CG
