Investment and Regeneration | Top Performer Kent Business School at the University of Kent provides the tools to help local companies improve their performance. S eeking necessary business advice can often be daunting; however the University of KentÕs research centre and Business School are well positioned to support businesses through projects and placements, executive education and continued professional development. The SchoolÕs centre for Employment, Competitiveness and Growth (ECG) aims to develop world-class research and knowledge transfer activities to improve business performance. A leading project currently delivered within the centre is Promoting Sustainable Performance (PSP). PSP provides businesses, particularly SMEs, within the Kent and Medway region with the opportunity to share ideas and learn from academics, practitioners and other businesses. To date the project has worked with over 500 businesses and a range of local and national social partner organisations. A particular advantage of PSP is the ability to promote the transfer and exchange of knowledge between all the parties involved. Through support provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), businesses are able to develop and review their operational and management practices through a range of methods, including: ¥ Easy to understand reports identifying the key processes involved in sustainable business and productivity growth. Businesses are provided with an insight into performance within the region and learn how the better performing businesses operate. ¥ Workshops giving an opportunity to learn from and put into practice the latest management thinking. A key output of such sessions is the design and delivery of further programmes to support business growth. ¥ An opportunity to build networks with like-minded professionals, to learn more about how to manage the longer-term growth process and develop internal systems to meet the tough demands of todayÕs competitive environment. ¥ Advice and consultancy. Businesses that take part in PSP will be able to draw upon a significant knowledge base and have access to a range of staff and student expertise. For further information contact Dr. Mark Gilman at the Centre for Competitiveness, Employment and Growth. Tel. 01227 823797 www.kent.ac.uk/kbs/ecg Kent Business School