Background to KESW 1

Started in 2002, KESW 1 was a three year £3.7 million Regional Development Agency funded programme designed to increase productivity, profits and jobs in the South West of England. 
 
The project was a partnership between the South West RDA and HERDA-SW and drew on the vast knowledge resources of the region's universities and colleges. 
 
The three-year programme outlined detailed proposals to help higher education and South West businesses work together by: 

• Helping businesses to gain access to specialist expertise and new technologies developed in the region's universities and colleges, which will help them increase productivity and expand, so creating new jobs.
• Supporting the development of 'knowledge entrepreneurs' - people who develop higher education 'bright ideas' to create new businesses and jobs in the region.

KESW 1 Results

The first phase of the project exceeded all of its targets, creating 29 new businesses, 114 jobs and over £5.3 million value added to businesses. This was done through in-depth projects and providing individuals with small grants to develop their business ideas.

KESW 2

The project aims to ensure that the Region's economy gains from the knowledge produced by our Higher Education Institutions through encouraging entrepreneurship among staff and students; improved links between businesses and Higher Education Institutions; and building regional links between sector specialists in HEIs to support the region's priority sectors.

Expert Solutions

Part of the project aims is to redevelop the K4B (Knowledge for Business) website. k4b.co.uk has now been replaced by the more comprehensive project www.expertsouthwest.com, a website providing easy access to the expertise, facilities and services of the Higher Education Institutions of the region.  
 
If you are a business looking for HE expertise then Expert Solutions South West can give you the information you require.  
 
For further information have a look on the HERDA website www.herda-sw.ac.uk or contact Robin Bower, project manager, on 01392 454102.