Students and Business in step

Why not secure a dynamic committed team member for a summer placement project to help you develop your company's potential. Access the talent of the UK's undergraduates through Shell Step.

The importance of small businesses to the UK's economy has now been recognised, with the SME community heralded as the country's centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. However, the core difficulties of running a business remain the same; namely time restraints, skills development and access to finance.

One way in which many small businesses are now addressing these challenges is by tapping into an ever-flowing source of skills, enthusiasm and ambition is through university students. These undergraduates are keener than ever to undertake work placements during their university careers.

"The Shell Step programme helped us to push forward with new ideas, research and development," said Greg Davie, Managing Director, Zenith Oilfield Technology Ltd, Inverurie. "The students bring different skills and abilities and an enthusiasm to learn and investigate, which we have harnessed towards achieving a commercial goal.

If you manage a small business, there are many opportunities to test out how well an undergraduate placement might work for you. Internal projects that have been left unfinished, or that need kick-starting, can be tackled – anything from web design, to marketing or accounting. For small businesses, this could allow access to specialist fields of knowledge for a fraction of the cost of professional providers.

Through Shell Step businesses host a student with the specific skills and aptitude to manage a project that will help the business in terms of growth, development or sustainability – 94% of employers say their Shell Step project will have a positive effect on the future of the business.

To participate in Shell Step 2007 apply online at www.shellstep.org.uk.