This comes after the Prime Minister met with representatives from higher education to discuss the important role they can play in boosting the UK economy.
Action group Universities UK has produced a publication entitled ‘Standing Together: Universities Helping Business Through the Downturn’, informing businesses how they can gain help and advice from universities.
Professor Andrew Slade, pro vice chancellor research and development at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “We are keen to do everything possible to help maintain and boost the local economy.
"We have a well-established history of business support, which we will be continuing to grow and develop for the benefit of the local business community.”
The university’s Knowledge Hub offesr businesses the chance to develop through access to a network of leading experts and researchers, including one-to-one consultancy, supporting start-up companies, assisting fledgling businesses, Intellectual Property advice, business mentoring and support on projects.
The Knowledge Hub’s dedicated business networking group, the Knowledge Network, provides ample opportunities to meet contacts and attend seminars, training and gain support.
Businesses can also benefit from harnessing the advice of the university’s highest-calibre graduates through the government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme.
David Lammy (pictured), Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property, said: “I know that business leaders recognise that their enterprises are more likely to survive if they continue to invest for the long term but they need help.
"Higher education can support them through the difficult times to emerge in a stronger position.”
