18.09.06
Celebrating graduate success in Cornwall

Graduates and businesses which have benefited from Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP), Combined Universities in Cornwall's graduate placement scheme, gathered at the Tremough campus in Penryn today for a celebration event and awards ceremony. Since it started in April 2004, UCP has placed over 165 graduates with businesses in Cornwall to work on development projects. Today's event marked the successful completion of over 40 of those projects. All graduates and businesses attending were presented with certificates and six special awards were made in the following categories: Best Marketing Impact, Contribution to Business Growth, Contribution to the Knowledge Economy through Innovation, Best Use of ICT, Excellence in Project Management and Catalyst for Growth.

UCP Project Manager, Allyson Glover commented: "It has been a tremendous pleasure to work with all of the businesses and graduates whose hard work and creativity we have celebrated today. Since UCP started we have been stunned by the way Cornwall's business community has embraced the opportunity to work with graduates, and by the real desire our graduates have to build successful careers in the region. Thanks to the continued support and investment we have received through the Objective One programme we are now looking forward to helping many more graduates and organisations come together in the future."

Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) Coordinator, Gordon Kelly said: "Today's celebration has provided an opportunity to see how Cornwall's 'brain drain' is being addressed at close quarters. With the support of UCP, the businesses we have seen here have become more competitive in today's knowledge-based economy, and the graduates have gained invaluable opportunities to use their expertise in Cornwall. I wish them all every success for the future."

The UCP team works with businesses to identify development projects which could make a significant difference to their future success, but which they do not currently have the time or resources to pursue. These projects form the basis of graduate positions within the companies. UCP then carefully matches the skills and aspirations of graduates to the post and puts forward a selection of candidates for interview. Thanks to Objective One investment the company receives 30% of the cost of taking on the graduate for the duration of the project (typically between 6 and 12 months) and both employer and employee benefit from the support and advice of an independent mentor from the academic or business community. The fact that 70% of completed placements led to permanent job offers demonstrates the value of bringing graduate expertise into local companies. The project is managed by Cornwall College (one of the partners in the CUC initiative).

For further information please contact David Kirk of the Combined Universities in Cornwall on 01326 370471 or email: David.Kirk@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall project's Unlocking Cornish Potential scheme through the European Social Fund (ESF). The Programme 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 six special awards went to:

Best Marketing Impact
Hannabeth Johnson - Mill Valley Coffee/ Origin Coffee UK

Contribution to Business Growth
Dan Hinchliffe - Big Wednesday

Contribution to Knowledge Economy Through Innovation
Daniel Banks - Flann Microwave

Best Use of ICT
Ross Trewhella - PTT

Excellence in Project Management
Melanie Munialo

Catalyst for Business Growth
Graham Donaldson - Trac Services

The Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative and is managed by Cornwall College. UCP builds on 5 years of highly successful, ESF funded activity by the University of Plymouth. The UCP project seeks to measurably improve the efficiency, competitiveness and growth potential of SMEs in Cornwall through the placement of graduates in companies to undertake business development projects. These projects can last from 6 to 12 months.

The company employs the graduate to complete a project that is key to the growth and development of that business. With the help of the European Social Fund, UCP can provide up to a 30% subsidy towards the graduate's salary provide assistance with other project costs. The graduate receives support from a business mentor and the assistance of the project team to scope, plan and execute a successful business development project.

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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