Businesses in Sussex are turning to the academic sector for help with expanding their markets.

The latest to call on graduates' skill was once one of the biggest employers in Brighton.

In its heyday, Allenwest Electrical employed 3,500 people and the company has had its fair share of ups and downs during its 91-year history.

The Sixties saw the start of a long-term downward spiral for the firm. Problems continued on and off until a management buyout in 1999.

At that time, the workforce had fallen to just 70.

It has taken 18 months for the company to turn its fortunes round.

It now has around 100 employees and is expect-ing a £6million turnover this year, double what it was in 1999.

Now Allenwest is turning to the University of Brighton for help to expand its markets even further.

It plans to take on two graduates from the university under a project known as TCS, a Government-funded scheme that aims to make academic expertise available to small and medium-sized enter-prises.

Graduates on the scheme, known as TCS associates, who have the relevant skills work for a company on a two-year project and the Government pays up to 60 per cent of the costs.

The TCS associates will look at product development and market-ing.

Phil Hall, managing director of Allenwest, said: "We turned to TCS because it is available locally and gives us not just a person but a direct line into the experience of the University of Brighton.

"More importantly, what impressed us were statistics that show out of all the TCS associates who are in companies, seven out of ten get offered a job at the end of two years and three-quarters of the associates take it. We see that as a major plus.

"During the course of the TCS scheme we will also have access to the wide range of skills and expertise at the university.

"We are planning for growth and it is essential to have the right people with the right skills moving the business forward."

Bob Howlett, director of the TCS Centre, said he was delighted Allenwest had chosen to take advantage of the scheme.

"There is so much scope to advance a business through the top-quality help that it offers and so many advantages, too, such as £47,000 in Government funding per associate during the programme.

"We hope other small firms will see the benefits."

More information on the TCS scheme will be available at a conference where businesses can learn about current research in business techniques and manage-ment, and benefit from the experiences of other small businesses.

The event, at the Old Ship Hotel, Brighton, on June 28, includes a number of workshops.

Details are available from the TCS Centre, on 01273 642305 or email btontcsc@brighton.ac.uk