More than 170 delegates attended the launch of the free support service, which aims to help south-eastern firms stay abreast of the technological innovations within their sector, and speakers included CBI director-general Sir Digby Jones.

IAS project director Treve Willis said: "Our aim is to create a knowledge supply chain and market place so that firms can access world-class research and expertise with a minimum of bureaucracy."

The IAS was awarded 3m by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and offers businesses with more than 30 employees 10 days of free advice on how to apply for funding, secure new business opportunities, investigate new technologies and access to the latest research.

Visit: www.iasse.co.uk.