In our increasingly competitive business world, the companies which succeed are those which go that extra mile.

Whether it's showcasing innovation, demonstrating excellence or launching pioneering services, one thing is certain – you can't afford to stand still.

Businesses are increasingly becoming aware of the outstanding support available right here in the city.

Birmingham City Business School has the expertise to assist SME growth, innovation and productivity improvement.

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We've helped thousands of businesses of all sectors and sizes to develop and achieve their potential through research, consultation and collaborative projects.

Whether you're a start-up company, or well-established but looking to expand, we have the right support package to help you succeed.

Our expertise, experience and various support packages have the potential to make a substantial difference to the competitiveness of SMEs, at little or no cost.

One of our latest initiatives, the University Employer Bursary Scheme, even offers local employers the opportunity to access £850 lump sum bursaries, subject to terms and conditions, for each time a graduate is recruited.

Free front-end graduate recruitment is included in the scheme to help you find the right talent for your business.

We can source high-calibre graduates in many areas including marketing, social media, IT, engineering, graphic design, project management, finance, and general business support.

Our services for business are very diverse, covering a range of areas and offering various tailored solutions.

We understand the challenges businesses face and, with our knowledge, skills and facilities, help to drive innovation to make a really positive impact on your organisation.

Placements benefit both students and companies.

With courses designed in collaboration with industry which meet the exact needs of the current marketplace, our business students and graduates are well prepared for the world of work.

They are equipped with skills valued by employers and have the motivation, enthusiasm and drive to take forward crucial projects.

By taking on a placement student, you'll gain benefit from new ideas and advances within your chosen business area.

You can also evaluate the student as a potential recruit over the six- to 12-month period.

Hosting an internship gives you the chance to provide short-term work experience for one or more students.

Lasting anything from a week to several months, internships are mutually beneficial, especially if linked to a company project.

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd has been taking marketing placement students from Birmingham City Business School for the last ten years.

Karen Preston, marketing manager, said: "The strong support we receive from the Business School Placement Office is also very welcome and makes the whole process very easy to manage."

Our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTPs) and Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) projects could also have a far-reaching impact for your company.

We have extensive experience and a proven track record of success in delivering these initiatives, which are nationally renowned for encouraging innovation and improving profitability within businesses.

You collaborate with us to solve a strategic challenge where you currently lack the skills or resources to address it.

Part funded by the Government or the EU, they involve a business partnering with us for between six and 36 months.

You'll have the skills of a recently qualified graduate who will then spearhead your project, alongside academic support and expertise.

Many companies have seen significant benefits. Colin Povey, chief executive, Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: "Working with Birmingham City Business School through a Knowledge Transfer Programme has opened up real opportunities for us.

"We have gained new insights into innovative ways to market the ground and enhance our relationship with the local community and we are already seeing huge benefits from the project."

Previous KTP projects have included product design, manufacturing, engineering, business process improvement and IT.

The opportunities do not end there. You may also be interested in our BA (Hons) Leadership and Management Practice (work based) course.

This in-company degree is tailored to fit your organisation, with students who are your employees, earning while they learn.

Assignments are all work-based projects within your organisation, with clear links to your business aims and priority areas.

In addition, Birmingham City Business School Management Consultancy projects can be a cost free way of evaluating your company.

Previous work has covered areas such as stakeholder management, employee engagement, business systems, training and the introduction of new technology.

You'll have access to dedicated graduates or postgraduates and the university's academic experts who have industry experience and insight.

* With so many options available, get in touch today and find out what will work for you. Call us on 0121 331 6550 or email bcbsbusiness.services@bcu.ac.uk