Last updated 15:45, Friday, 27 June 2008

SUBSIDIES of up to £700 are available to Cumbrian businesses to help them access the talents of University of Cumbria graduates and develop the knowledge base of their business.

The University’s School of Business and Enterprise has a number of services to assist businesses available with financial support on offer as an incentive.

Working in partnership with Copeland Borough Council and Eden District Council, the University is able to offer up to £700 to help fund access to its Business Placements programme and Graduate Recruitment and Retention Service.

The funding is only available to businesses in Copeland and Eden.

In addition, Eden District Council is offering £700 subsidies to businesses in its council area for the University’s Get Qualified scheme and the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme.

Jo Valentine, project officer from the School of Business and Enterprise, said: “The University of Cumbria is committed to reaching out to businesses in the region and sharing the expertise of our graduates and staff. By offering these subsidies, we want to make it easier for businesses to benefit from these services and become more successful and effective as a result.”

Information about the full range of business services provided by the University of Cumbria can be found at www.cumbria.ac.uk/business or by calling 01524 384166.

The Business Placements programme works with businesses to find reliable students and graduates to complete short-term business projects.

The University’s School of Business and Enterprise maintains a close relationship with the business throughout the placement to ensure that the student achieves their best for the business concerned.

The Copeland Borough Council or Eden District Council subsidies will cover 50 per cent of the allowance paid by the business to the student or graduate up to £700.

For more information, call 01228 616175 or visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/business/BPP

THE SCHEMES ON OFFER

• GRADUATE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SCHEME: this scheme is designed to help small businesses in Cumbria attract and keep hold of highly qualified graduate employees. The Copeland Borough Council subsidies of £700 can be claimed after the first eight weeks of the new graduate’s employment. Call 01228 616170 or visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/business/GRRS
  
  GET QUALIFIED: this scheme subsidises training courses for employees or volunteers in sports organisations in Cumbria and Lancashire. The funding can be used towards a range of recognised sports qualifications. Call 015394 30275 or visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/getqualified
  
  KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS (KTP): These are part-funded by a Government grant which enable businesses to employ one or more recently qualified graduates. The associates work on a project central to the strategic development of the business. Call 015394 30278 or email ian.corrie@cumbria.ac.uk