KEEN to take off at RAF Cosford

Businesses looking to grow by working with universities in the West Midlands are being invited to attend the launch of a new scheme.

The University of Wolverhampton is leading the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until July 2015.

KEEN helps small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to realise their potential through working with a recent graduate, known as an Affiliate, who is recruited to work full-time on a commercial growth project, developed in association with the University.

The programme can run between six months and two years, giving the Affiliate the opportunity to make an impact and embed the positive outcomes of their project within the company. They are mentored throughout the process by a University expert and are able to access the University’s resources and expertise.

KEEN is being launched at the RAF Museum at Cosford on Wednesday 4 July by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, during an evening reception.

Amongst the historic exhibits, companies will have the chance to network and hear more about why working with a university can help them to achieve sustainable growth and increase their profitability.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening is motivational speaker Mike Pagan who will share his wisdom on personal productivity with the guests.

West Midlands universities have worked in partnership over the past two years on the highly successful West Midlands Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Advantage West Midlands and the Technology Strategy Board.

Representatives from universities will be on hand to talk to guests.

For more information, and to register for this free event visit: www.eventelephant.com/keenlaunch

Find out more about KEEN on: www.wlv.ac.uk/keen

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003