Management experts at the University of Leicester are seeking to work with SMEs in the creative industries in order to add value to their businesses.

The University of Leicester welcomes expressions of interest from SMEs that are actively developing novel and innovative technologies which have the potential to capture U.K. or world market share.  

Industries that have a commercially exploitable innovation which requires further expert advice can now partner the University on a consulting project lasting between 4-18 months (up to £50,000).

A key feature of the project involves the company’s ability to fund the project up front. Grants can only be paid against real costs incurred and defrayed against the project in question.   

Dr. Ming Lim, Lecturer in Marketing and Management at the University and member of the Efficiency and Productivity Research Unit, said:

“This Call is a unique opportunity for SMEs in the creative industries to grow their business capabilities. Leicester is one of the U.K’s leading research and teaching universities with a number of departments across different faculties gaining the 5 or 5* ratings that indicate internationally significant work.

Participating companies will accelerate time-to-market, gain commercial viability and  knowledge that will increase productivity and profitability in a fiercely competitive market.

For more information please contact:  

• Dr. Ming Lim
  School of Management
  University of Leicester
  LeicesterLE1 7RH
  
  Ph: (0)116 2523999
  Email: m.lim@le.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 18 April (Friday), 2008.

* Creative industry refers to business activities that fall under one of the following 13 sub sectors: art & antiques; architecture; design, music, computer games & video, film, advertising, TV & radio, publishing, performing arts, crafts, software, designer fashion.