Sunday 11 May 2014

Brighton University to help green SMEs boost growth

The University of Brighton (pictured) is to launch a new £3 million platform aimed at supporting small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) that produce green goods and services in Sussex.

The Green Growth Platform, a five-year scheme, will act as a catalyst for growth and innovation and provide a range of services to SMEs.

They will include one-to-one business coaching, research and development support, product and service development, tailored training, intern and graduate recruitment as well as funding support and networking events.

The programme will specifically target SMEs working with sustainable buildings and retrofit, renewable energy, recycling and waste and water.

The scheme has been funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, part of a £50 million funding round announced last summer that aimed to encourage universities to work closely with businesses.

It will be launched next month and is inviting businesses working in the environmental sector in Sussex.