Companies in the north are being offered a last chance to get extra help in tapping into a government-run development scheme.

The TCS programme aims to help companies progress by providing them with access to new skills and technologies. Run by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) it has an impressive track record of helping businesses throughout the country boost productivity and profits.

In a bid to help more north companies benefit from the programme Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) secured funding for additional consultancy support - this helped the local businesses to prepare their bids for support under the national scheme.

Now this extra assistance is coming to an end, companies in Ross and Cromarty, Inverness and Nairn and Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey areas are being urged to think carefully about what the TCS programme can offer their business.

These areas are being targeted because the programme has already met with success elsewhere. A number of companies have already taken part in the TCS programme across the Highlands and Islands since HIE began its two year initiative, tapping into the funding and expertise available.

Under the TCS programme companies take on a high quality graduate to help them achieve some specific progress, with up to 60 per cent of the costs covered by the programme. This attachment usually lasts for two years, although it can be longer, and covers a whole range of skills from process enhancement to quality issues, or management and marketing skills. It also involves the companies linking with a university, college or other relevant research organisation.

Across the UK the average increase in individual company profits for businesses involved in the programme was £138,000 with an average job creation of three staff per business.

The HIE consultant covering the Ross and Cromarty, Inverness and Nairn and Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey areas is Brian Wilson. He says: "Most companies can benefit from a little extra skills or knowledge at times. TSC gives small companies the chance to have research into new products carried out specifically for them, under the supervision of a specialist academic. If anyone woulf like to discuss any ways they can use TSC to benefit their company, I would urge them to call me urgently."

Further information on the TCS programme is available from their website at www.tcsonline.org.uk or contact Brian Wilson on 01667 451012 or 07798 934 920