WHY READ THIS?

• Lean more about a successful working model linking business and education
• To understand how that model developed over time
• To form the basis for the formulation of similar projects
• To adopt a methology for meeting small business needs whilst providing valuable work experience for undergraduates
• To explore the impact such a model can have on the regional economy
• To see the benefits of the project towards businesses, and learning that takes place, through case study analysis

BACKGROUND

Merseyside was granted Objective One status in 1993. At the behest of Peter Bounds, the Chief executive of Liverpool City council, a group of representatives from HE (Higher Education) and other interested bodies were asked to advise on how HE could assist with the economic regeneration in the region. The BB (Business Bridge) model began in 1995 as the product of the HE elements of that group, designed from its inception to help SMEs to grow and innovate. Since then the project has developed and achieved many major milestones along the way, which are illustrated on the BB timeline on pages 4 and 5.