Knowledge Dock, the University of East London’s enterprise development and support service, was named ‘Shell Step Agency of the Year for London & South East’ for the second year running at the Shell Step regional finals held at Shell’s UK headquarters on 20th September.

This summer, 30 undergraduates from across the UK spent eight weeks researching, developing and delivering business and technical projects for enterprises across East London.

Shell Step is the UK’s leading creator of tailored work placement programmes that match bright, intelligent young undergraduates to specific business projects for small to medium sized businesses and community organisations.

Gareth Lewis, Enterprise Services Manager at Knowledge Dock, said: “I’m thrilled to win the award. The fact that this is the second year running that UEL has won this award makes it even more special.

“Shell Step is a fantastic programme for both SMEs and undergraduates alike. For companies the programme provides an excellent vehicle to obtain specialist knowledge on a short-term basis, and those projects that they don’t necessarily have the time or expertise to address.

“Undergraduates they get the opportunity to work in a company where they can apply the knowledge and skills they have learnt from their studies into a real work environment. More importantly, they gain valuable work experience which will help bolster their CVs and career prospects.”

The event also brought together all the winners and runners-up from the local finals held in early September. Patrick Hazard, winner of the East London local final, came second in the regional final.

Knowledge Dock, UEL’s enterprise development and support service which runs the programme, also won the prestigious award of ‘Best New Shell Step Agency in 2003’.

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For further information please contact Gareth Lewis, Enterprise Services Manager for Knowledge Dock, University of East London on 020 8223 2499 or email g.lewis@uel.ac.uk

For further information on Shell Step contact 0115 941 5917 or visit: www.shellstep.org.uk

Notes to editors:

The University of East London (UEL) is now a global learning community, with 20,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of our diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.  www.uel.ac.uk

The Shell Step programme began in 1986 as a Shell UK Community Investment Initiative, and swiftly became a nation-wide programme. It is funded by the Small Business Service (SBS) and Shell UK. As a Business Link service, Shell Step is now available through every Business Link operator. For further information or to discuss project ideas, please contact: Gareth Lewis on 0208 223 3321, g.lewis@uel.ac.uk

Shell Step is one of four areas supported by Shell Shell’s Social Investment:

Ø Since the 1950s Shell have been supporting the teaching of science in primary schools. The Shell Education Service aims to help teachers not only teach science but inspire children as to the endless possibilities of science. Its success speaks for itself - every year the 50,000 children's places are quickly filled.

Ø Shell Livewire helps young entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with free information and advice. Over 100,000 people across the UK now access online information from Livewire each year and over 20,000 ‘Start a business’ toolkits are sent out.

Ø Shell Springboard is a new programme that builds on Shell’s forty year investment in the ‘Shell Better Britain Campaign’. Shell hope it will be a catalyst for innovative small businesses that have grasped the commercial opportunity presented by climate change. Shell research shows that around 90% of small businesses accept climate change is being caused by the rise in CO2 emissions but only 19% see it as an opportunity. Springboard wants to change that mindset by recognising and rewarding small companies with great business ideas for tackling climate change.