TURNING knowledge into profit is the focus of an event being staged at Northern Technologies in Nelson on Thursday.

'Knowledge 4 Profit -- Open your Business to Ideas' is the first in a series of five seminars organised by the Centre for Environmental Research and Technology Transfer in Lancashire this year.

The seminars aim to show businesses the lucrative opportunities now available in the rapidly-developing environmental technologies market.

Over the past decade, universities, the Ministry of Defence and the NHS have gathered masses of publicly-funded knowledge and technology, which CERTT say remains under-exploited by commercial companies.

CERTT business development director Dr Bill Walmsley said that acquiring the knowledge and technology to produce higher value products and services was easier than many people think.

"The government is supporting the transfer of these resources into the commercial sector," he said.

"Our Knowledge for Profit programme will show companies how to use this technology and knowledge to meet market opportunities." The pioneering seminar will feature a line-up of speakers, showing practical models of innovation and ways to apply these new opportunities.

Directors, managers and any others with strategic responsibilities for business development are invited to the free seminar, which includes a buffet and refreshments.

The event will take place between 4pm and 7pm.

To register for free places phone 01282 877100 or email events@certt.co.uk

Other events developing the 'Knowledge for Profit' idea further, will take place throughout the year in Blackburn, Leyland, Preston and Bolton.