A MARKET research company is helping staff at a North- East university turn business ideas that begin life as academic research into reality.

Newcastle-based Marketwise Strategies was one of five experts chosen to advise entrants in this year’s Northumbria University Staff Business Competition, which looks to transform moneymaking ideas into thriving ventures.

The winning entry will go forward to the regional finals, which involve the North- East’s five universities.

Marketwise managing director Jacquie Potts was involved in the business plan clinic offered to finalists, which also included advice from a top lawyer and financial advisor.

“Part of the role of academic staff is to carry out research so, as a result, academics often develop product or service ideas that could be commercialised,” she said.

“This competition presents one way they can begin to test out the commercial potential their ideas have, and investing in strategic market research is vital for new businesses to test the waters.”

The final of the Northumbria University Staff Business Competition was held last night.