Digital project to support small firms

Date: 7th January 2009

An innovative project designed to help small firms make the most of new technology has been given a major financial boost.

The Digital Placement and Knowledge Transfer scheme - which has in the past helped small businesses recruit talented graduates - has received £733,000 in new funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

As part of the projects work, the money will help closer align the north-east's business community with academic institutions to address specific technological issues.

Herb Kim, chief executive of Codeworks, commented: "Our placement schemes have helped the region's digital sector to grow by giving businesses access to the fresh new talent they need to develop and compete."

He added that because of this funding, the project would continue to help small businesses identify areas for improvement in "efficiency and technological development".

Elsewhere, small businesses - such as limited companies and partnerships - up and down the country are busy preparing for January 31st's self-assessment tax return deadline.