19.07.04
Plugging Cornwall's Businesses Into the CUC Powerhouse

The Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) has announced the creation of a new business support team to help local businesses get ahead in the twenty-first century economy.

The Business Support Team provides a 'one-stop-shop' for businesses, making it much easier to find out about the full range of resources offered by the universities and colleges which make up the CUC partnership. CUC Business Support Manager, Peter Castell explains, "I know from experience that when you are running a business there is rarely time to sift through all the help that might be available. When a business contacts us we seek to gain a good understanding of their requirements. We then put forward what we consider to be the best set of solutions from the tremendous resources our partners can offer. One enterprise might need access to specialist expertise in a specific field, or assistance with a research and development project. If the potential to take the business to the next level is there, we'll do our very best to help."

Peter held senior roles with some big names in the food industry before being drawn from London to Cornwall in 1989 to take up the post of marketing director with Ginsters. Peter has since run his own marketing and management consultancy firm and held a senior position with newspaper publisher, Westcountry Publications. Working alongside Peter is Project Officer, Catriona Bell. Catriona grew up in Helston and has returned to Cornwall following six years working in London where she has recently been providing research consultancy for blue-chip clients. The team is completed by Business Support Administrator, Nikki Sterratt. Nikki was brought up in Penryn and studied Business Administration at the University of Plymouth.

The CUC is the first collaborative higher education initiative in the UK to have economic regeneration and business support at the heart of its programme from the outset. CUC Coordinator, Gordon Kelly said, "Cornwall is truly leading the way in developing a new kind of higher education partnership. The £65 million we have received from the Objective One Programme, the Regional Development Agency and our other funders is helping to bring about a fundamental shift towards the 'knowledge-intensive' industries that will provide the sustainable growth and well-paid employment that Cornwall's economy needs. Our new business support team has a key role to play in delivering this vision."

Businesses can contact the CUC Business Support Unit or request a brochure on 0800 7313870 or by email at business@cuc.ac.uk.

back to top

Editor's notes:

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Falmouth College of Arts, 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 funded through 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.

For more information, please contact:

David Kirk, CUC PR & Communications Office
Tel: 01326 370471
Mobile: 07834 676942
Email: david.kirk@cuc.ac.uk

back to top

Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01579 370991
lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

back to top