Data Catalyst

A collaborative initiative designed to help Preston businesses unlock the full potential of their data

Good Growth Preston partner logos which include: Funded by UK Government, Levelling Up and Preston City Council

About the Data Catalyst

You're already collecting data—now it's time to turn it into a strategic asset.

The Data Catalyst can help forward-thinking businesses like yours transform underutilised data into actionable intelligence. Whether it's improving customer retention, optimising operations, or making smarter, faster decisions, your data holds the key.

We have a limited number of places available for businesses to apply to join dynamic peer network and access academic expertise to unlock the value of your data.

Designed for senior decision makers from established Preston-based business from all sectors. This initiative would ideally suit businesses with 10+ employees.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Data Catalyst is designed and delivered by Lancaster University as part of the Lancashire Universities Innovation Programme in partnership with Preston Council and supported by the Lancashire Combined County Authority.

Apply Now
Business delegates during a Lancashire programme workshop.

What's Involved?

The start of the Data Catalyst is flexible around your needs and timescales, however we expect to close applications in mid-December or once all funding has been allocated. We will carry out an initial diagnosis of your needs and data challenges in order to align to our academic expertise and provide dedicated resource to work on your project until March 2026. There will be progress checkpoints over the course of the project to be arranged at mutually convenient times and there will be opportunities to keep in touch with your student consultant throughout before the final conclusion and project presentations in March.

Benefits to Business

The design of the Catalyst draws on our extensive expertise and success over the past 20 years in facilitating business change and transformation. You will have access to university expertise and introduced to further opportunities for future collaboration.

Drive Profits & Sales

Use predictive insights to identify new opportunities and improve existing products.

Enhance Efficiency

Spot bottlenecks, reduce waste, and streamline operations.

Make Confident Decisions

Move from guesswork to evidence-based strategies.

Boost Customer Experience

Deliver personalised, data-driven interactions.

Stay Ahead

Identify market trends and adapt before your competitors do.

Dr Amjad Fayoumi, Lancaster University Management School

"In today’s data-driven business and economic environment, organisations are increasingly turning to the data they collect to gain valuable insights that drive strategic decision-making, optimise operations, improve customer experiences, and enhance overall business performance. By analysing data more comprehensively, they can identify trends, understand customer behaviour, predict future outcomes, and make informed decisions to achieve their objectives.

However, none of this would be possible without appropriate data architectures, robust governance frameworks, and strong data quality measures in place. Combining this critical area with our analytical capability is exactly what we do at LUMS to support the growth of local businesses.''

Dr Amjad Fayoumi

Key areas where data drives business value

accordion

Tim Bloomer, Co-owner, Fell Brewery

"Our data project has had an immediate impact—broadening the level of analysis and accelerating access to insights that can be turned into opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability."

Read full case study

Tim Boomer, Co-owner from Fell Brewery

Costs & Eligibility

The Data Catalyst is fully funded and available to businesses who are eligible under the Shared Prosperity Funding criteria, as follows:

  • Business based in Preston city council local authority district
  • Received less than £315,000 of subsidies in the last 3 years

Find out more about how and why Lancaster University and our funding bodies holds your information.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2026. 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. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Person typing on laptop

Linked icons