Could you afford to dedicate an employee to just one of the challenges facing your business for eight weeks? This year, nine Lanarkshire businesses found it was a luxury within their means.

They participated in the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) which saw 13 undergraduates pick up valuable work experience during eight-week placements. There were ample benefits for the companies, too. “Undergraduates can act as real catalysts for growth by contributing their bright ideas and technological know-how,” said Business Growth Adviser Hamish Primrose, of Small Business Gateway (SBG) Hamilton. “Every year our clients tell us how amazed they are by what a focused undergraduate can achieve in such a short space of time.”

The students were paid £150 per week with a 25 per cent contribution from the SBG which also provided induction and mid-term training. “STEP is a genuinely business-focused scheme,” said Ronnie Smith Managing Director of SBG Hamilton. “A student works on a challenging project - such as building a database or web site that the host company might not otherwise have the time or money to complete.”

The title of Most Enterprising Student for the Lanarkshire area was won by Kulraj Purewalafter he designed a new computer motherboard for electronic system designs company Nallatech, of Cumbernauld. Allan Cantle, chief executive of Nallatech, said, “Skill shortages remain a pressing issue for our industry. We have had great success with STEP as it has enabled us to recruit high-calibre staff.”

STEP is funded by the Government Small Business Service and Shell UK. Locally, the scheme is sponsored by South Lanarkshire Council, Bank of Scotland and Nallatech. The Council also hosted the Lanarkshire STEP awards ceremony at its Corporate Dinning Room in Almada Street, Hamilton. For further details or to register for next year’s programme contact Hamish on 01698 429425. More information on STEP is also available at www.step.org.uk.

Business South Lanarkshire - Winter 2001

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