18.2 C
Manchester
Monday, July 7, 2025
EducationSystemPioneer moves through the gears with University support

SystemPioneer moves through the gears with University support

A young business owner has hailed the value of businesses and universities working together after launching his first product following collaboration with a University of Manchester Masters student.

21-year-old Gary Cheetham founded SystemPioneer, which creates innovative content management systems and websites for a range of businesses, in 2016.

With this wealth of experience behind them, Gary and his team of software developers have now created a website of their own, MotorbikeValuations.com, which aims to help its users to accurately predict the price of second-hand motorcycles they may be looking to sell or buy.

Gary needed specialist support to help bring the website to market, as it would rely on machine learning – a field of artificial intelligence that uses data and statistical techniques to ‘learn’ and improve performance around a task – to ensure the site’s price predictions were accurate. Therefore, he sought support from GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company.

Karen Dudley, an innovation advisor at the Hub, introduced Gary to the Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester. This led to a six-month collaboration with University student Anna Komodromou to create the algorithm that would allow the website to accurately predict the prices of motorcycles. Anna, who was able to use the research as part of her dissertation, was working towards an MSc in Business Analytics and was put forward by her tutors because of her expertise in the area.

Gary said: “Being able to access the expertise and knowledge of someone of Anna’s calibre goes to show that Manchester is a great place to do business – and somewhere where a world-class university can work with a small local business on a real-world business problem, and together create the technology that powers MotorbikeValuations.

“Now we have finally perfected our algorithm thanks to the help of the university, the sky’s the limit. No other company in this industry has a system like this.”

Anna said: “It was good to be given a chance to apply what I have learned at Manchester Business School as part of my dissertation and create a useful algorithm for a real company. It was very challenging for me to work and find an algorithm for accurately forecasting the price of used vehicles. The help of Gary and, of course, the guidance of my lecturers was invaluable in completing this innovative project.”

Karen Dudley of GC Business Growth Hub, added: “This is the start of an ongoing relationship between Gary and the University. As an organisation that continually innovates, keeping ahead of competitors by harnessing academic input into future projects will be key to business growth and maintaining a competitive advantage.”

Latest

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...

Left Behind by the Algorithm: AI Benefits Bosses, But Workers Struggle to Keep Up

• Senior managers are far more likely to use AI than junior staff, new study finds • 73% of leaders use AI each month, compared...

Craig Cornick Cleared of Hacking Charge in Long-Running ICO Case

A Manchester businessman has been found not guilty of computer hacking, following a lengthy investigation and prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Craig Cornick Cleared of Hacking Charge in Long-Running ICO Case

A Manchester businessman has been found not guilty of computer hacking, following a lengthy investigation and prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...

Left Behind by the Algorithm: AI Benefits Bosses, But Workers Struggle to Keep Up

• Senior managers are far more likely to use AI than junior staff, new study finds • 73% of leaders use AI each month, compared...

More News

University of Manchester ranks in top 5 universities for spinout generation

The University of Manchester has been ranked the fourth highest academic institution for the total number of spinout companies generated in the Spotlight on...

Funding approved to upgrade Rochdale primary schools

Primary schools in Rochdale are to receive a share of more than £2.9 million as part of an upgrade to local education facilities. This investment, funded...

Merlin’s Magic Wand Brings the Ocean to St Ann’s with New Playground

A brand-new ‘London Under the Sea’ Magic Space has been unveiled at St Ann’s School in Hanwell, thanks to the charitable efforts of Merlin’s...