The programme, which launches this month, will give specialist support to help technology and knowledge companies to gain a business edge and achieve their full potential.
Funded by Bedfordshire County Council and provided by academics at the University of Bedfordshire, it offers businesses the opportunity to develop new products, create more jobs and grow their business to compete more successfully in the national, European and global markets.
Cllr John Scott, Bedfordshire County Council cabinet member for planning and economic growth, said: “Bedfordshire’s high-tech and knowledge-based industries are on the up but they can soar through this innovative programme. We can target industry through a programme of intensive support, so they can thrive in a highly competitive business world.
“Bedfordshire is set to grow in the future and we need successful businesses to provide more jobs. This scheme is a good example of how a forward-thinking council, working in partnership, can build economic success for the future.”
Eamonn Keenan, associate director of business development at the University of Bedfordshire, added: “One of the new university’s key aims is to focus on boosting the local economy and this project is a good way of embedding the university in the county and building on existing partnerships.”
Bedfordshire businesses with high growth ambitions should contact the university’s knowledge exchange manager Sue Whittaker on 01582 743941 or email sue.whittaker@beds.ac.uk
