AUEE Knowledge Transfer Event A Presentation by Simon Daly, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Anglia Ruskin University

What is STEP? Shell created STEP (Shell Technology Enterprise Programme) in 1986 as a cost effective programme designed to help develop and support SMEs across the UK 1000s of the UK’s brightest undergraduates manage projects for 8 weeks during the summer to help improve the business performance of SMEs We manage the STEP programme in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire and with UEA, we also cover Norfolk

Type of projects There are no real restrictions to the type of project that can be set for a student, although most businesses will have a specific project for a student to work on Typical projects include: Researching New products, niche markets, competitor behaviour, consumer behaviour, business development ideas…. Improving Information management systems, internal communication systems, administrative capabilities, operational procedures, IT systems… Creating Marketing strategies, promotional materials, Internet initiatives, e-commerce facilities… Innovating Dynamic new ideas and perspectives

How much does it cost? Students are paid a weekly training allowance of £210 which is free from Tax and National Insurance contributions Businesses pay £210 a week plus one-off management fee of £200 to support the delivery of the placement

STEP…the benefits Of the Businesses that took part in 2008: 98% said their expectations were met or exceeded 96% said it would have a positive impact on their future business performance 98% said they were willing to offer further opportunities to students in the future A quarter of students added more than £15,000 worth of value to their host company’s business, while two thirds added at least £5,000!

And there’s more… STEP is just one of our business support programmes specifically designed to benefit businesses in the East of England. Others include: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) sKTPs and Low Carbon sKTPs Anglia Ruskin University’s Graduate Internship Programme – high calibre graduates on work placement schemes for up to 12 weeks. The cost to companies is only £175 per week and the graduate receives £250 per week which is except from Tax and National Insurance contributions.

In summary STEP – 8 week student placements, company contribution £210 per week Internship – 12 weeks graduate placement, company contribution £175 per week sKTP/low carbon sKTP – weeks, company contribution £380 per week KTP – months, company contribution 33% of project costs

Want to know more? Please or call Any questions? Thank you