AN Edge Hill University professor has been shortlisted for a prestigious European Triple E Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship in the North-West region.

Professor Simon Bolton has been nominated in the Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year category for his visionary work in developing the SME Productivity and Innovation Centre (SME PIC) at Edge Hill.

Under his leadership, the government-funded centre has earned national and international recognition for its innovative approach to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and addressing economic challenges.

With over 25 years of experience in higher education and industry, Professor Bolton is known for bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaboration, and delivering measurable economic and social impact.

His strategic initiatives, such as the Innovation Sprint Programme, have helped businesses across Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region scale up and grow, earning the University the prestigious ScaleUp Institute endorsement – the 1st in the North West to secure the award.

Professor Bolton said:- “I am honoured to be recognised in this year’s Triple E Awards. Higher education faces significant challenges, such as bridging the gap between academia and industry and preparing students for the future workforce. These challenges have inspired the creation of initiatives that deliver real-world impact. The success of these initiatives is a testament to the dedication of my teams, who have developed and implemented innovative solutions that benefit the University, businesses, and the wider community.”

Through initiatives like the SME PIC Professor Bolton has also enhanced student employability, providing over 6,000 students with valuable work-related learning opportunities that align with the needs of the regional economy.

His community-focused projects, such as Leading Lancashire, have supported the professional development of women, ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals, benefiting over 800 local employees.

The Triple E Awards are a global recognition of excellence in entrepreneurship and engagement within higher education. The European Awards ceremony will be held today:- 19 September 2024, at Nova University of Lisbon.

For more information about the SME Productivity & Innovation Centre go here.