Combining academic knowledge with business know-how can lead to some fantastic results, something the many businesses which have benefited from the government's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships scheme will testify to.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme is a government-backed initiative that enables companies of all sizes to utilise the scientific and business knowledge of UK universities to further their organisation, whilst providing graduates with the opportunity to develop their skills in a real life working environment.

Now it's even easier to access the KTP scheme, and not such a significant time and resource commitment to begin with, thanks to the launch of the new shorter KTP. Starting from just ten weeks long, as compared to six months for the full KTP, the new shorter KTP can act as a stepping stone for organisations making their first moves in collaborative partnerships with higher education or research institutes. They follow the traditional process of appointing a recently qualified KTP Associate to work within an organisation and can make an economic alternative for businesses looking for short term gains.

Since the launch of the KTPs, hundreds of businesses have used the initiative to develop new product lines, streamline procedures or improve operations, and now potential partners have an even greater choice of options with the new shorter KTPs designed to address more short-term, tactical business issues.

Businesses are eligible to run more than one short KTP at any time, with the option to lead into a full length collaboration at a later date. All projects are part funded by the government with the typical cost for a ten week project being around £9,500, of which the partner organisation is only required to pay between 40 to 60 per cent, depending on their size.

Sheffield Hallam University have long been advocates of the programme, both managing the initiative within the Yorkshire and Humber region, and participating themselves in an ever expanding list of successful partnerships.

In one of the first ever human resource KTP projects, associate Sarah Carmody spent two years helping Barnsley-based family bakers Fosters to develop a complete HR function from scratch, turning around the firm's reoccurring problems of staff disciplinary action and absenteeism, and significantly reducing staff turnover.

Sheffield based engineering firm Advanced Engineering Techniques (AET) were another beneficiary of the knowledge transfer scheme. Traditionally subcontractors, the firm had ambitions to reposition itself as a producer of end-user products, and with the help of associate Tom Slater identified the golf industry as a viable avenue. As a result of ongoing work into the industry, a new range of turf treatment tools was launched along with a stand alone business, Advanced Turf Techniques (ATT) which achieved a turnover of £1.3 million in its first year of operation.

As the UK's sole manufacturer of light and medium vehicle-mounted lifted equipment, Penny Hydraulics hold a 50 per cent share of the UK market. However, many of their product designs were becoming dated and so KTP associate Ian Pillay was tasked with enhancing the business' design capabilities. Following a full evaluation of available solutions, Ian successfully presented his recommendations to the board and was awarded a budget to implement his ideas. As a result of newly installed 3D CAD facilities, Penny was able to win significant contracts with national organisations such as Royal Mail.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships aren't simply a work experience programme. By working together, the participating organisations and individuals each gain benefits that have a lasting influence on their future. They give businesses access to highly qualified people and experts who can help take an organisation forward, and the opportunity to develop innovative solutions to help your organisation grow.

The 2007/08 KTP Annual Report indicated that businesses that took part in the programme could expect to receive significant financial benefit, including an increase of over £220,000 in annual profit before tax and the creation of three new jobs.

To find out more about how a KTP could benefit your business, get in touch with the University's Enterprise Centre.