A local employer has described Oldham College’s Innovation Hub as an “incredible asset”, crediting it with helping to improve services, develop future talent and explore new ideas.
The Innovation Hub, based at Oldham College’s Business Centre, is a dedicated space for businesses to engage in innovation and idea sharing through workshops, events and one-to-one support. It is funded by the Further Education Innovation Fund (FEIF), a Greater Manchester-wide initiative delivered in partnership with GMColleges and Innovate UK. The project supports collaboration between colleges and businesses to drive productivity and innovation in the region.
Personal Home Care Services Ltd, an award-winning company supporting adults with a range of needs, including dementia, physical disabilities and mental health conditions, is one of several employers working closely with the Hub since its launch in November 2024.
Personal Home Care is run by owner Iffat Parveen, with support from Nawaz Ahmad, who helps manage the business. Together, they have attended every Innovation Hub event to date. They say the experience has helped them create new partnerships, trial innovative ideas, and engage directly with local students through T Level placements.
“Working alongside T Level students from Oldham College has been a fantastic experience,” says Mr Ahmad.
“Not only have these students supported our team with real, hands-on contributions, but they’ve also benefited from genuine work experience that prepares them for their future careers. It’s a win-win for both parties, and we’re proud to support the next generation of talent.”
Mr Ahmad
Beyond student placements, the College’s Innovation team is now working with Personal Home Care to solve a key operational challenge. A referral has been made to Barclays Eagle Labs, a national initiative that helps small and medium-sized businesses grow through digital innovation, mentorship and technical support. The goal is to help the company review and replace its outdated IT system, exploring options for a more reliable and efficient solution to improve service delivery and reduce costly errors.
“Each event at the Innovation Hub has offered us practical tools and inspiration, which we’ve successfully implemented across our operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery,” Mr Ahmad added.
In recognition of her commitment to the Innovation programme, Ms Parveen has recently been appointed Chair of the Innovation Hub Advisory Board, becoming the first female business owner to hold the position.
Ms Parveen said, “I am proud to help lead the College in embracing forward-thinking ideas, nurturing creativity, and turning bold visions into real-world solutions that empower both our students and community.”
“It continues to be a driving force for growth and collaboration in Oldham, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
Ms Parveen
If your business is looking to innovate, develop new services or connect with future talent through placements or apprenticeships, the Innovation Hub team is here to help. contact the team directly on innovation@oldham.ac.uk
