A PARTNERSHIP between a Bolton-based conservatory manufacturer and a university has trebled the company's efficiency.

The scheme, known as a knowledge transfer partnership or KTP, was launched in October 2002 between K2 conservatories, Queens University Belfast and post-graduate students.

KTP partnerships aim to open new career opportunities to graduates, but also act as a means of strengthening the competitiveness and potential of UK businesses and academic institutions.

The company and the Government jointly fund a graduate or "associate" for a two-year research and development project, which allows the associates to apply their research knowledge to business issues.

In K2's case, the focus was on research into polymer processing and product development.

K2 currently employs three Queens postgraduates, with disciplines including polymer processing and mechanical engineering. The students are carrying out projects across the company, from research into recycling PVCU windows to designing new machinery.

In the past 12 months, K2 estimates that the partnership has made the company over three times as efficient, saving it both time and money.

Sally Fielding, managing director of K2, said: "The knowledge transfer partnership has brought immense benefits to K2, from research into new products to the introduction of machinery. It has allowed us to drive innovation in the industry and make a real challenge to become market leader in the conservatory market."

The associates have discovered that the scheme is helping them with their managerial skills, as they are able to apply their scientific knowledge within a commercial context for the first time.

Samee Ditta, one of the students on placement at K2, said: "All my background is scientific to PhD level, but until I came to K2 I didn't have the required management skills to fully achieve my career potential.

"The meetings and collaboration that are essential to the partnership have been very beneficial to me."