Recession support from the University
Solutions for businesses
These initiatives have been developed as a direct response to the unique challenges posed to local companies as a result of the recession.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
The KTP programme is a subsidised, cost-effective way for companies to work together with the University and apply academic expertise and research results to their own specific business challenge. The criteria are:
- the company has to be innovative
- the company has to be looking for strategic change that will positively impact on its performance
The University has had another successful year in delivering these KTP projects with 18 KTP associates working in businesses, this makes Exeter one of the top performing institutions in the region for this scheme. Partnerships have been set up with a wide range of companies and involve academics from across the University’s departments. There has never been a better time for companies to get involved with a KTP, as the government’s funding body, the Technology Strategy Board, has just announced that it will meet 75% of the cost of undertaking these projects if the company is a small or medium sized enterprise.
Innovation Awards and Innovation Vouchers
The University has world-leading experts available to assist with research and development projects on technical or management issues for businesses. Innovation awards of up to £5,000 are available if matched by business investment to fund Innovation and Research projects. The Innovation Awards and Scholarships are designed specifically to help knowledge-based businesses continue to develop in this difficult economic environment, therefore, they are time-limited and only available until September 2010.
The Graduate and Student Taskforce
Student placements can be a valuable addition to any business and can supply expertise in practically every department. The University has set up a taskforce of students and graduates to work on essential projects during the recession. They will focus on providing help with the most vital areas, common to all businesses, including marketing and market research, cost reduction and process improvements. In order to reduce any additional payroll burden, this team will be employed by the University and seconded to external clients using a simple contract. Innovation Awards are available to cover 30% of the cost.
Fostering entrepreneurship
The University is building the LaunchPad scheme to help new graduates who want to start their own businesses, providing ‘hot-desking’ facilities for them in the Innovation Centre. Through this mechanism we expect to launch 10 new businesses which will in total employ a minimum of 25 staff.
Providing networking and knowledge sharing opportunities
The Innovation Centre provides the gateway for SME’s (Small and Medium Enterprises) to access business advice and networking opportunities. Business Link are on site during the week; and the Innovation Centre also plays host to the Devon International Trade Forum, Business Leaders Forum, various networks and many other one-off business related events.
You can also find out about Management and Leadership Skill training available at the University
