THE Department of Trade and Industry is encouraging North-west organisations to consider the development of innovative partnerships.

The DTI's four-year Partnership Fund programme offers awards of up to £50,000 to design and implement improved methods of working.

The Partnership Fund is designed to help:

Foster partnerships between employers and employees at individual organisations, addressing training, development and business issues.

Disseminate best practice at local, regional and national level.

Applications can be made from the private, public and voluntary sectors and from unionised and non-unionised organisations.

Projects can vary from smaller firms looking to set up new partnership arrangements to larger organisations undergoing major changes. Mr Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said: "We need to build consensus in the workplace and get away from the days of conflict."

He added: "Partnerships can benefit all of those involved -- workers get greater job satisfaction and a share in the success of the business while business reaps the rewards of improved productivity and a sharper competitive edge."

Successful bids announced earlier this year include one from BNFL Fuel Group in Preston designed to improve business performance by improving employee relations.

Behavioural skills training will be provided for line managers and employees.

A programme of "understanding change" workshops will be carried out.

Also, H.J. Heinz Co Ltd at Wigan intends to develop a partnership approach in conjunction with the North-west office of the TUC and Wigan Borough Council.

The process will draw in other local bodies including trade unions colleges and the Enterprise Council.

The proposal includes the establishment of an Open Learning Centre.

People interested in finding out more about the Partnership Fund should ring the Helpline on 020-7215-6252.

The website is www.dti.gov.uk/partnershipfund