THE expertise of universities throughout the North West is now available to business and industry in East Lancashire.

And for go-ahead company bosses who want to grow their business substantially, there will be a free lunchtime seminar on Tuesday.

The event will take place at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, and will focus on the Government-funded TCS programme.

This supports the cost of a two-year development project, using highly-skilled graduates and leading researchers who work in partnership with a small business to help it expand.

The seminar has been organised by Business Link East Lancashire, which believes the knowledge base of the region's nine universities can have a dramatic impact on the growth and development of a business.

Companies can be helped to increase sales and reduce costs, improve product design and quality processes and find new markets.

Presenters from TCS North West will describe how the programme can help companies unlock their potential, improve their competitiveness and reduce risks while achieving substantial change within their business.

Simon McKenna, business development manager of the Manchester TCS centre, said: "We help businesses make strategic change and provide access to knowledge, skills and new technology, using the expertise of academics, researchers and high-calibre graduates."

Part of the presentation will feature the experiences of two East Lancashire businesses that have already tapped into the TCS expertise.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to put questions to the Business Link advisers.

Companies wanting more information should telephone 0800 696 696.