An information technology company has been given £60,000 by the Government to develop new products after a tie-up with the University of Brighton.

e-DBA, based in Ship Street, Brighton, provides database and IT support services for clients such as The Economist, Friends Provident and Carphone Warehouse.

It applied for the funding through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, a Department of Trade and Industry scheme to encourage links between business and universities.

This is the first KTP grant to be awarded to a technology company in Brighton in four years and it will allow e-DBA to employ a graduate from the university for the next two years.

The main focus of the project will be to improve The Edge, a secure web site which gives e-DBA's customers a clear picture of what work is being carried out on their database by the company.

Justin Hudd, managing director of e-DBA, said: "Because we do most of our work remotely from offices in Brighton, it can be difficult for our customers to see what we are actually doing.

"We felt we needed a system which would track all the work we do on their database so there is absolute transparency and to ensure there are no arguments further down the line.

"The KTP scheme goes beyond the normal work experience relationship where companies let people come in and make cups of coffee. It's far more meaningful. While we get a bright graduate who can tap into the expertise of lots of other people at the university, they, in return, get practical and useful work experience."

He added: "This award will allow us to show real innovation in a marketplace where we compete with companies like Oracle, BT and Fujitsu. They may have the size but we're leading the way."

Phil Ashford, from the University of Brighton's KTP team, helped Mr Hudd produce the successful bid.

He said: "The KTP scheme is ideal in providing the research and development resource for technology SMEs without compromising their commitment to business development and customer service. E-DBA should be very proud to have put in such a strong application."

Bob Howlett, director for KTP at the university said: "A common problem with growing technology companies such as e-DBA is finding the skills and funds required to push the company forwards in terms of innovation and development. Working with the university through KTP can give companies a competitive advantage."

Wednesday, October 5, 2005