BUSINESSES in West Devon may be missing out on support packages worth more than £6,000 according to Devon Renaissance, the rural regeneration partnership organisation for the county. So far 29 businesses in the eligible areas — North and West Devon, Torridge and the South Hams — have signed up for financial support through the defence-related Technology Transfer Project. But there is still funding available for more small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to join the scheme. Participation in the Technology Transfer Project gives SMEs a golden opportunity to access free professional consultancy to identify relevant new technologies, and support in testing and implementing them. The project is relevant to all businesses with a material or technological product, and has attracted most interest from manufacturing businesses. Jon Vernon who manages the Technology Transfer Project for the North Devon and Exmoor Regeneration Company, said: 'This programme is about helping Devon businesses to grow by taking advantage of technology opportunities they might not be aware of.' Liz Abell, programme co-ordinator for Devon Renaissance which partly funds the project, said: 'This is a project that can make a real difference to businesses in Devon. 'The idea is to stimulate them into thinking "what if?" about their most intractable problems, and then put them in touch with the people who can help solve them. 'We have been pleased with the response from the region already, and would be delighted to welcome more local companies into the scheme. It can give a real boost to their productivity, and to the economy of the county as a whole.' Businesses joining the project fill in a questionnaire to identify their most challenging problems. This is followed by an interview with a DDA consultant to identify the business's needs and prioritise areas to help. The DDA searches the Defence Science and Technology database to match technologies with individual business needs. The DDA will also identify sources of technology within regional businesses. Results are presented in a technology opportunity study (TOPS) report, indicating short, medium and long-term business opportunities to introduce new technologies, knowledge and know-how. The business decides which, if any, of the development opportunities it wants to pursue. The project also offers ongoing support to participating SMEs and to help them overcome technical, financial and logistic barriers to implementation, in conjunction with local business agencies. The Technology Transfer Project has been operating in Devon since April 2005. Many businesses have received completed TOPS reports, are well into the implementation phase and are already pleased with the process. Businesses interested in the programme should contact John Vernon on 01237 420662; [email protected]">[email protected]