A NEW initiative is set to drive business development and regeneration in the Thames Gateway.

Launched in London, KnowledgeEast is a consortium of eight universities, including the University of Greenwich.

Using internationally renowned expertise in every major field from the arts to biosciences, KnowledgeEast will provide business with easy access to experts, support and state-of-the-art facilities at acknowledged university Centres of Excellence.

It will help businesses tap into a wealth of opportunities, and will work with organisations across the private and public sector to create new projects that stimulate innovative thinking.

KnowledgeEast’s director, Martin Davies, said: "KnowledgeEast will be a major boost to economic development in the Thames Gateway.

"It will bring knowledge and innovation to regeneration programmes and creating the conditions for a vibrant and creative economy to thrive."