The University of Brighton is in with businesses of all shapes and sizes every day, helping them find the right solutions to a wide range of issues.

This is through services that include research and consultancy, education and training, access to skilled students, graduates and specialised facilities.

The university has a strong emphasis on vocational courses, continuing professional development and practical solutions to problem-solving.

An MSc in Digital Interactive Media And Production was recently launched in collaboration with Hewlett Packard and the award-winning, local new media firm Victoria Real.

With further funding from the South East England Development Agency, the university can now also offer a range of leading-edge short courses to the new media industry.

The Teaching Company Scheme (TCS) has continued to be a popular initiative for business since the Brighton TCS Centre - the first singleuniversity TCS Centre in the country - was set up in 1993.

With the aim of supporting the development of SMEs, TCS is a government-supported scheme that helps companies make major advances in their business operations through partnership with universities.

Projects are carried out by TCS associates working in the companies on a minimum two-year programme, which is part-financed by a government grant.

The University of Brighton has 22 such programmes underway with local businesses and is looking forward to beginning initial discussions with more companies during the Roadshow.

Kevin Nicholson, Business Development Manager for Hastings and East Sussex, and Julie O'Sullivan, Business Development Manager for the Creative Industries and Culture, have been recently recruited by the university as part of a further £0.5m investment from the Higher Education Innovation Fund.

The aim is to extend the university's work with business and public services.

Kevin Nicholson says: "The new university centre in Hastings provides the opportunity to address the local business and community needs of the area.

"The university, working closely with local colleges, offers a range of courses and services including continuing professional development in business, finance, health, social and public sectors."

Julie O'Sullivan says of the creative industries sector: "This sector advances our local economy on many levels.

"Combine this known talent with the University of Brighton's international reputation in the arts and its proven track record of working in collaboration with the innovative and we have the potential to secure good results and build creative capability."

To find out more about the various services provided by the university or to discuss opportunities for collaboration, contact the Business Services Information Desk (BSID ) on 01273 643222 or email business.services @brighton.ac.uk