Loughborough College Group has secured the Education and Business Partnership of the Year title at the prestigious East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, recognising their pioneering AI+ programme in collaboration with Graffio Arts.
The award was presented by Dr Robert Hyland and Maria Siddiqa from category sponsors, Scholars School System at the ceremony held at King Power Stadium, Leicester, as part of an event celebrating outstanding collaboration between education and industry across the region.
Funded by Innovate UK, AI+ is a unique 12-week industry-education collaboration designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the East Midlands to bridge the gap between emerging AI technologies and real-world business application. Since launching in 2024, the programme has supported 120 SMEs and non-profits across eight cohorts, delivering 96 digital innovation sessions and upskilling more than 200 employees, with knowledge cascading to a further 600 individuals.
The partnership was commended for its agile, business-led approach. AI+ was co-developed with SMEs to ensure content remained relevant, practical, and adaptable to a rapidly evolving landscape, and over 80% of participants have already implemented changes in their workplaces as a direct result of the programme.
Alongside supporting businesses, AI+ has also delivered tangible benefits for students; further and higher education students have engaged in enterprise-focused taster sessions linked to the programme, gaining real-world insight into innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
Chris Hawkins, Business Development Manager for Loughborough College Group, shared: “This award recognises the power of true collaboration between education and industry. Our partnership with Graffio, and support of their team, especially Managing Director, Steve Barradell, has made AI+ such a success.
“I’m so pleased the programme has created such meaningful impact across the East Midlands, equipping businesses and students with the confidence, critical thinking and adaptability needed to thrive in a fast-changing digital world.”
The programme’s impact has already led to further Innovate UK growth funding to expand delivery across 2026.
Continuing on this partnership, Graffio will host a showcase on Technology, AI, and the Future of Work at Loughborough College Group’s upcoming Skills Unlocked event in March, hosted at Stephenson College in Coalville. Part of the Leicestershire Innovation Festival, this event brings together leaders from businesses, education, and the local community to shape the future of regional talent through a focus on Apprenticeships, inclusive employment, and digital innovation. Find out more and register for this free event.