The network is ideally placed to bring together regional, national and international organisations from both the commercial and academic arenas. With membership free for the first year, members are obviously keen to capitalise on the numerous benefits available including the opportunity to build relationships with researchers and entrepreneurs as well as organisations at all stages of the business process such as manufacturers and financiers. The network also offers a series of events covering a variety of training and development issues including presentations, lectures, seminars and workshops.
Julian Turner, of Mott MacDonald the engineering, management and development consultancy, summarises the benefits available: "The Bristol Enterprise Network is a convenient way to keep abreast of relevant news and to stay in touch with scientists and business people in the various fields."
The issue of universities' interaction with business is currently hot news, getting increasing support from Gordon Brown. Only last week the government published figures showing that universities such as the University of Bristol are generating more wealth and creating more jobs than ever before.
Science and innovation minister Lord Sainsbury said: "UK universities have risen to the challenge of transferring their knowledge into industry and are becoming increasingly entrepreneurial."