UNIVERSITIES are the keepers of the nation's treasure chest and must pass the key out to East Lancashire if the area is to secure future prosperity.

That was the message from Ian Aitcheson, managing director of Blackburn-based Riva and Denise Fabrics, to universities and higher education establishments throughout the North West at a special conference held in Preston.

The conference was held to raise awareness of the skills needed in the region's businesses and the role that higher and further education establishments could play in helping to meet them.

Topics covered included graduate recruitment and retention and the need for greater involvement in specialist higher level skills programmes like the government funded Teaching Company Scheme.

Ian Aitcheson talked about his experiences of various higher level skills programmes and how they have helped his firm improve business planning, boost performance and increase profit.

Eltec's training and education director, Andy Fawcett, said: "In order to compete in worldwide markets and secure long-term success, local companies need to exploit technology, innovation and knowledge management techniques.

"Managers of small and medium-sized enterprises must embrace the concept of lifelong learning and make the most of external help from further and higher education establishments."

Pictured (from left) are Fran Hulbert (NWRDA); Ian Aitcheson; Dorret Conway (Higher Skills Brokerage); Andy Fawcett (ELTEC).