Details of how universities and colleges are able to help businesses during the economic downturn were published in a brochure called Standing together by UUK and GuildHE at the end of 2008.

We followed this in July 2009 with From recession to recovery which describes how universities are helping students, graduates and employers survive the recession.

This section of the website showcases some of the great ways in which your local university can help you through the downturn, forming part of a major UUK campaign for 2009.

• Universities can help your business raise capital
• Universities can offer advice on developing patents
• Businesses can engage through work placements and similar schemes
• University business schools can improve leadership and management skills and develop programmes to improve the customer experience
• Consultancy services can help improve your company's practices

Some further examples from the report can be found in a number of case studies.

"The Government has made it clear that we will do whatever we can to respond to the current economic challenges. Higher Education can play a central role in supporting businesses and individuals with skills, advice, knowledge and know-how.

I know that business leaders recognise that their enterprises are more likely to survive if they continue to invest for the long term but they need help. Higher Education can support them through the difficult times to emerge in a stronger position."

David Lammy MP
Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property