18.12.06
CUC reaches out to businesses at CADI launch

Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) Business Development Manager, Peter Castell, brought the vision of "R&D and Innovation for Cornwall's Knowledge Economy" to local businesses and entrepreneurs at the launch of the Cornwall Aerospace Defence Initiative (CADI) at The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth on Thursday.

Peter spoke to delegates about the importance of research and development to the growth and success of Cornwall's businesses and how the CUC Business Development Team is keen to encourage synergies between small businesses, larger corporate bodies and higher education providers to fuel economic regeneration for the region.

He commented afterwards: "The CUC wants to be a driving force in enabling Cornwall to become commercially more competitive and achieve a vital and innovative knowledge based economy. It is hugely encouraging to see businesses in aerospace and defence sharing expertise under the CADI umbrella and I am confident that Cornwall's universities and colleges can play an important role in supporting the development of this exciting sector."

Peter outlined options for funding R&D such as the Cornwall Research Fund, backed by Objective One and administered by the Business Development Team in association with the University of Exeter, which encourages the generation of new knowledge and collaborative partnerships.

The CUC's highly successful Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) graduate placement scheme - which enables graduates to use their knowledge on specific projects within local businesses and improve their competitive edge in the market - was also highlighted as a key resource.

CADI, being itself a strategic partnership, shares many of the aims of the CUC as endorsed by Peter in his talk. The initiative links industry, local community, university, aerospace and defence sector interests in order to promote their services world-wide, encourage collaboration and reinforce the South West's position as an area of global excellence.

Peter concluded: "The launch has been very successful and it is truly encouraging that so many like minded people have had the chance to share their thoughts and visions. The CUC looks forward to working closely with CADI in the future."

For further information contact Emma Stallard at the Combined Universities in Cornwall on 01326 370446 or email emma.stallard@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's economic renaissance. This partnership cobines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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