The recently completed evaluation of the Lincoln Be Smarter programme has confirmed its significant impact on supporting City of Lincoln businesses to adopt digital tools, harness artificial intelligence, and strengthen long-term productivity and growth. Funded by the Be Lincoln Town Deal Programme and delivered by the University of Lincoln, Lincoln Be Smarter engaged Lincoln businesses with digital adoption through grants and a comprehensive workshop programme.

The £2.34m Towns Deal-funded project has helped create over 28 jobs, delivered more than 40 workshop sessions, and approved approximately £900k in match grant funding. The evaluation of the project, led by Heather Frecklington and Ben Haigh of Focus Consultants, shows that businesses reported measurable improvements in turnover, profitability, digital capability, and employment. Grant recipients in particular reported strong outcomes, with many attributing increased performance directly to the support provided through the programme. The level of private sector participation was also notable, with SMEs contributing around 70 per cent of the co-funding secured, demonstrating strong confidence in the programme’s value and impact.

Focus were appointed by the University of Lincoln to independently evaluate the programme including assessing how the support delivered through Lincoln Be Smarter translated into real business benefits. Through consultations with participating businesses and stakeholders, alongside analysis of survey evidence and monitoring data, the team provided a clear, evidence-based assessment of the programme’s impact and its value to the local economy. Focus brings long-standing expertise in evaluating business support, innovation, and skills programmes nationwide, helping clients demonstrate success and shape future investment.

Focus Partner, Heather Frecklington who led the evaluation said:

“Working on the evaluation of the Lincoln Be Smarter programme has been a genuinely rewarding experience. Our discussions with stakeholders and participating businesses made clear just how valuable the programme has been in supporting digital adoption and innovation across the city, helping businesses build their digital capability and plan for future growth. The programme has been responsive to changing business needs and demand including in subject areas such as AI and cyber security. It is clear there is a continuing and developing demand from businesses in Lincoln for digital adoption support and advice.”

The findings come as preparations are finalised for Lincoln Be Smarter presents: Igniting Innovation Through AI & Partnerships, a major showcase event taking place on 3 December in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Industry Day.

Hosted in the Isaac Newton Building, the event will bring together business leaders, researchers, and innovators for a day of talks, networking, and guided tours of cutting-edge facilities. The keynote address will be delivered by Gerard Grech CBE, founder, advisor, and former Chief Executive of Tech Nation, who played a central role in the development of the UK’s £1 trillion digital technology ecosystem.

The event will highlight the achievements of the programme, share insights from participating businesses, and explore future opportunities to strengthen AI adoption and innovation across the region.

Lincoln Be Smarter has now concluded its delivery phase, but the programme’s legacy continues through strengthened partnerships, increased business capability, and ongoing collaboration between industry and the University of Lincoln.

To find out more about our evaluation services and how they can help your next project visit our website here:  https://www.focus-consultants.com/services/create/research-and-evaluation/