£2.4m bid to support small firms

The University of Bradford has launched a £2.4 million scheme to support university collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises.

The largest initiative in the scheme will promote innovation in new media and digital technologies and provide companies with access to expertise in computer-generated imaging in the university. It is known as Simula and will offer companies input during development stages as well as working with clients to explore software product-innovation strategies.

The second initiative will work with the region's textile manufacturers to improve their efficiency and eliminate error in textile manufacturing.

The third will provide assistance to local manufacturing firms working on product and process development. This initiative provides a help desk to assist firms in defining problems and identifying solutions, and a technical advice service providing support for product and process innovation and development. There are also consultancy, technology transfer and collaborative research and development solutions on offer.

Business development manager Andy Duley said: "SMEs are an increasingly important part of the economy. The university has developed a range of specialist support services for them in the manufacturing, textiles and digital sectors that are designed to help West Yorkshire companies to increase their competitiveness by providing access to the knowledge, expertise and facilities of the university."

The projects are part of the University of Bradford Gateway, a service that works to develop the university's links with businesses and the community.

Details: business@bradford.ac.uk