If as a small company you want help to fix a technical product or develop a new service then a regional development programme might be right for you. Originally funded by the European Union, Regional projects have been available for many years across much of the United Kingdom. Their aims are to develop businesses, generate and safeguard jobs and develop new products and processes. You will generally have to fill out quite a few forms to demonstrate that the project you propose fits the programme and that your company is eligible. However, this is relatively small effort in return for well resourced and often free technical support.

If you find out that you are eligible and wish to proceed important factors to look out for include: the responsiveness and helpfulness of the University research team and the relationship you strike up with the academic or student intended to deliver the programme. As with KTPs it is important to remember that very many Universities have several staff capable of delivering a programme. Younger University staff are often keen to develop relationships with companies to generate research grants and progress their own careers.

To access one of these schemes you have to chase up your local Universities to see what is available – you might be pleasantly surprised at the results!

In addition to Regional Development schemes there are several different types of initiatives common to Universities and regions. Some common ones are:

• Placement projects
• Employability programmes
• Degree apprenticeships