That was the question posed by Uni-Bus co-founder Tim (Mac) McCaffrey at the latest Uni-Bus event at Swansea University on June 25th. Mac made it clear in his address to Uni-Bus members that while the network was flourishing by providing local businesses with an excellent networking opportunity, he still feels that not enough members are coming forward with business problems, to see whether Swansea University could help them to find an academic led solution.

One good example raised by Mac was that of Small Planet Technology. After two days access to University high-tech testing equipment, the Swansea based company was able to fully test a product that it is now successfully selling. This problem solving service is a key role of the Uni-Bus network so if you have an issue that's holding back your business get in touch with either founders, Mac or Mike Leahy.

The speakers at the event came from diverse backgrounds within the public and private sectors. First up was Hayley Dunne, Business Development Manager for Chwarae Teg that develops and expands the role of women in the Welsh economy. Hayley's presentation highlighted how Chwarae Teg can help engineer better a work-life balance for all staff, bringing benefits to both the individual (improved quality of life and better work performance) as well as the organisation (increased productivity and improved staff retention). For more information about achieving a greater work-life balance for staff at your business go to www.charaeteg.com.

Next up was Emma Nehemiah, Reaching Wider project co-ordinator. Every summer Reaching Wider runs a Year 12 Summer University four week residential course aimed at students aged 17-20 completing Year 12 in school or First Year Level 3 at Further Education colleges. The course provides young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with an intensive learning and social activities programme, and aims to encourage them to think about Higher Education opportunities that they wouldn't have otherwise considered. With excellent conversion rates of students attending the course going on to study at University, the scheme is now looking for sponsors of awards presented to the most deserving students on the scheme. Please email e.j.nehemiah@swansea.ac.uk, or call 01792 602 666 if you would like to be part of this exciting project and promote your business at the same time.

Then it was the turn of Wolfestone Translation director Roy Aitken to describe how Uni-Bus had helped the business to expand successfully through recruiting a Swansea University graduate, Lucy Williams, to work in the business. Lucy is now an integral part of the team at Wolfestone and commented on how useful she found Uni-Bus was for her in connecting her with the translation company at a time when she was actively seeking work as a translator.

Finally, internet marketing specialist consultant Nigel T Packer addressed the audience on how to make business websites more effective in order to increase revenues. After gauging the audience's views on what make a website ineffective, Nigel discussed tips for making websites more effective, and then talked about his up-coming book on internet marketing ‘Internet Marketing: How to Get a Website that Works for Your Business'. For more information on the book see www.businessforbusiness.co.uk/book.

The evening rounded off with a Chinese take-way buffet and enthusiastic networking and finished around 9.30pm.
Gavin Harris of GBH Marketing Communications