Time running out for Essex & Suffolk's businesses to get in Step

Time is running out for businesses in Essex and Suffolk to take advantage of Shell Step's summer placement scheme, which places university students into small and medium-sized firms all around the UK.

Last year 44 of businesses in Essex took part in the Shell Step programme and 96% said it had a positive impact on the future of their business. More than two thirds of businesses involved enjoyed a boost to their profits of at least £1,500 during the placement period alone.

With just three weeks left until this year's application deadline, James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK, is urging small and medium-sized businesses and students in Essex and Suffolk to sign up and get involved:

"UK undergraduates are an untapped pool of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm, which can be highly valuable to small and medium-sized businesses. For students the scheme offers hands-on work experience that textbooks can't provide.

By matching students' skills and ambitions with companies' goals and needs, Shell Step delivers tangible benefits to all involved. I'd urge both students and businesses in Essex and Suffolk to consider the significant benefits they could realise from the scheme."

Now in its 21st year, Shell Step continues to provide a boost for the small business sector by raising its appeal among university leavers. Three quarters of students (75%) who took part in the scheme last year said they're more likely to work for a small or medium-sized firm in future.

To find out how to get involved in the scheme students and businesses can visit www.shellstep.org.uk

Download a flyer here

For further information contact Freya Wallis or Glynis Argue on 01268 591436 or  email freya.wallis@exdra.co.uk or Glynis.argue@exdra.co.uk

• Shell Step is a direct response to the challenge that faces tens of thousands of UK graduates when they move from the world of study into employment. Shell Step places undergraduates into small and medium sized businesses to undertake a specific business or technical project, driven by the needs of the host business.