MEDWAY firms have been urged to tap European cash to boost their business. Europe topped the agenda at the first meeting of the Kent and Medway Universities for Business Enterprise (KUBE) partnership.

The event, held at Chatham Maritime and run by the University of Kent with Business Link Kent, attracted more than 70 delegates. It highlighted European schemes to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Dr David Parry, director of the Invicta Innovation centre at East Malling, explained how the world-renowned Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) and organic fruit growers had benefited from European funding. He urged SMEs in Medway to take advantage of the opportunities.

Other speakers said big sums of cash were available to SME partnerships that commissioned research from universities into exciting new ideas. The application process might seem daunting but experts were on hand to help.

Chris Luton, business development manager running the Enterprise Unit at the University of Kent at Canterbury, said:" The KUBE event is an excellent example of what can be achieved by universities pooling expertise to contribute to development in Kent and Medway."

He added that KUBE partners had considerable experience of successful projects over a wide range of issues and were keen to help.

The Enterprise Unit can be contacted on 01227 827376.