The Graduate Academy 14th November 2007, CityLab Knowledge Business Centre

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Introduction to the KBC Background of the Graduate Academy Presentation by the Graduate Academy Introduction

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Who / Where is the KBC? What does the KBC do? Academic Departments KBC - Graduate Academy Team KBC - Business Development Team Knowledge Business Centre The Knowledge Business Centre

Overview Knowledge Business Centre What does the KBC do? Knowledge Business Centre 2-way gateway between academia and business Supporting the growth and competitiveness of regional business Aiding collaboration – joint applied research, academic and student placements Supporting ICT Clusters within the North West Providing funded projects to assist regional enterprises ICT Focus State of the art and accredited Microsoft and Cisco training facilities Resident companies Start ups, spin outs and research departments Student Projects Computing and Communication Systems MSc

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Graduate Academy Support: Structure 11 Project Assistants, 3 Project Technical Officers Aims Providing quality specialist ICT support for regional SMEs Providing vocational experience and skills for Graduates Delivery Two projects – KEI and IGA Supporting digital and none digital companies Primarily for ERDF fully eligible companies* Aimed at supporting high growth companies ERDF project run til summer 2008 * See last slide for information on ERDF eligibility

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Part of the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy (I.G.A.) Team The Graduates… Stuart Mackie Mike Mead Elizabeth Phillips

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Intro to the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy What is it? 12 to 18 month internship (ends June 2008) Team of 10 graduates Free support to Objective Two eligible companies

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Intro to the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy Types of work we do Software development I.T. Appraisals and Strategy development Requirements Analysis and documentation Network reviews Custom database creation and review Mobile applications development Website design and implementation

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Computer Science at Lancaster University Awarded PhD in Computer Science – Feb 2007 Worked part time for KBC on student projects Wanted to expand breadth of knowledge/abilities particularly in a business environment Worked on a wide range of projects: Web development Development of in house content management system Mobile games, animation applications Career Development Elizabeth Phillips // Project Assistant

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Web and Database construction Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network Web development EnviroBoat Developments Ltd GPS data display Elizabeth Phillips // Project Assistant

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Stuart Mackie // Project Assistant Graduated from Lancaster University Degree in I.T. & Media Communications. Joined KBC in December ‘06. Worked on a wide range of projects: Web development: CSS, XHTML, PHP, MySQL Bespoke web application development Career Development Web development

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Stuart Mackie // Project Assistant Web development for House of Trix, a brand design company based in Blackburn. Some examples of work produced during internship:

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Graduated from Edge Hill University BSC Information Systems Employed as an IT Systems Administrator Joined KBC in December 2006 Expand skill set into new IT areas e.g. Web Development Further career opportunities Gain recognised qualifications for ‘on-the job’ skills Manage small projects in a ‘safe’ environment Mike Mead // Project Assistant

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Skill set development in: PHP/MySQL and other web based languages Project and client management Enterprise and Commercial Awareness training Networking and Systems Administration Business Analysis and Systems Appraisals Database Design and Construction Career Development Project Management Mike Mead// Project Assistant

Overview Knowledge Business Centre IT Strategy Reporting and Investigation Mike Mead // Project Assistant

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Training and Personal Development Project Management Course Formal training leading to accredited qualification (equivalent of 1 st year degree) ASP.net Development training NASA Networks and Systems Administration Informal Courses

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Training and Personal Development Personal Development Plans (P.D.P’s) Internal training and monitored development Transferable skills People skills Communication Project manage delivery to clients Teamwork and Collaboration Joint projects Internal tool development

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Testimonials “We would like to thank Infolab21 for all their help in the production of what is going to be a very helpful and effective sales tool. With our new CRM system, our business will now be more efficient and productive leading to bigger and better sales.” Claire Chestnutt, Director of Business Development, Oriental Blend of Interiors Ltd “Very good service, fast turnaround. Provided lots more help than could have imagined. Knowledge was amazing!” Jo Vincent, Director, Jo Vincent Glass Design “The service is excellent for a small business such as Hubbard Architecture Ltd and I am grateful for the production of a website I could not have achieved otherwise.” Phillip Hubbard, Director, Hubbard Architecture “Speed and response to brief was spot on.” Megan Henshall, Company Director, Cinnamon Ltd “We have all been very impressed by Lancaster University staff and expertise and are very pleased with the results.” Lucy Barden, Membership Secretary, Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network

Overview Knowledge Business Centre Contact Details Graduate Academy Team Sarah Bennett / Stuart Mackie / Mike Mead / Elizabeth Phillips / Business Development Team Nick King / Colin McLaughlin /

Overview Knowledge Business Centre SME Definitions < 250 employees < €50m/£34m turnover or < €43m/£29m balance sheet Reference parent company details Objective 2 Fully Eligible Areas Website: Trading or registerred address Business Activity Ideally Business to Business None “retail” in nature ERDF Funding eligibility: