INTERPRISE 2001, Technologies for the Future, organised by County Durham Development Company (CDDC), promises to be next year's biggest business partnering event in the region.

The event will focus on scientific innovation, medical technology, biotechnology, ICT and software, new materials science and nano industries.

The support services sector will also be well represented by legal and financial companies. The event at County Hall, Durham, next March, will provides the ideal forum for Small to Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) to develop new contacts and partnerships.

Every delegate will be provided with a pre-booked schedule of 30 minute meetings with potential commercial partners, and among the latest delegates to register for the event is a new resource established to provide environmental assistance to SMEs in the region.

The North-East Centre for Environmental Science and Industry (NECESI) is based at the Mountjoy Centre on the University of Durham Science Park.

Co-funded by the University and the European Regional Development Fund it can call on the skills, knowledge and experience of more than 40 academic staff and has access to the University's world-class scientific facilities.

NECESI forms a vital link between the needs of industry and the expertise of the University, allowing companies in the region to source a solution to their environmental concerns at a time when such issues are high on the political agenda.

The unit is managed by Dr Tim Hammond who seesnext year's event as an ideal chance to develop contacts.

"The projects we are involved with can range from short term evaluation of environmental performance to multi-disciplinary research exploring detailed issues and options," he said.

"We are keen to meet individuals and small companies who might have an innovative idea but who are unable to take it further."

"Interprise 2001 provides NECESI with an ideal opportunity develop new contacts, exchange ideas and explore new partnerships.

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