Events to help businesses benefit from knowledge transfer scheme

Organisations can find out more about the programme by attending one of a series of lunch-time events being held around the region in the upcoming months; in areas including Worcester, Oldbury and Walsall.

Led by the University of Wolverhampton, the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) works by putting a recent graduate into small and medium sized enterprises to work on a strategic growth project, with ongoing support from experienced university experts.

Organisations benefit from part funding by the European Regional Development Fund, enabling them to recruit talented graduates and access cutting edge university knowledge throughout the duration of the project.

These events will provide businesses with the opportunity to hear first-hand from organisations and graduates who have been benefitting from KEEN.

One of these will be taking place on March 28 in Oldbury. Glenn Aston, Finance Director at Ultra Furniture Ltd will deliver a presentation on how recruiting two graduates through KEEN has allowed the company to reinforce its Design and Development department in order to meet the rapidly changing demands of its customers.

Emma Pearson, KEEN Manager, said: “We are looking to engage with organisations that have an idea for a business growth project but lack the time or specialised knowledge to execute it. We are hopeful that by reaching out to the business community through these informative and thought-provoking events, the programme can continue having a positive impact on many SMEs throughout the West Midlands.”

KEEN was launched in 2012. Due to the diversity of projects, there is a wide scope for SMEs from many different fields to get involved. Areas have included marketing, software development, furniture design, construction and engineering.

To find out more about the events and to register visit www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/keen or phone 01902 321272.

ENDS

For more information please contact Emma Pugh in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Date issued: Monday17 March 2014