13th July 1999

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The University of Ulster has been awarded £100,000 by British Telecom for a project to help the province's farmers develop their businesses.

It is believed that there are currently 200 farmers in Northern Ireland who do not have access to appropriate opportunities for business development.

The project, which will be managed by the University in conjunction with five Further Education colleges in the province, will aim to help access to on-line training and support for farmers.

It will host a business development programme for eleven agricultural development advisers.

The Award is one of five made in this year's BT Higher Education Awards. Sandy Walkington is BT's Head of Corporate Affairs:

"The University of Ulster's project impressed our judges, since it addresses the business education needs of SMEs in Northern Ireland's agriculture industry.

"With the wider challenges of the European single market a reality, an improvement in the productivity and profitability of the sector will be vital to the future economic success of the province."

The award was presented to Professor Lord Smith of Clifton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster at a ceremony at BT's Headquarters in London.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk