A JOINT venture between a university and one of Kent's leading manufacturers is set to boost good business ideas.

Maruwa, a Japanese ceramic substrates company with a plant in Ashford, has teamed up with Canterbury Christ Church Unversity to found an innovation centre.

Based in Ashford, the Maruwa Business Innovation Centre aims to help new, technology and knowledge-based businesses off the ground.

It will also offer opportunities and support to existing small businesses.

A memorandum of understanding signed by Professor Janet Druker, the university’s senior pro-vice chancellor and Kunito Niwa, managing director of Maruwa Europe, sealed the enterprise.

The centre will offer subsidised premises for start-up businesses in new technology and the knowledge sector, as well as researchers in electronics and ceramics.

Support packages tailored to their needs will aim to bridge the gap between global businesses and small and medium sized enterprises.

University staff will run an entrepreneurship and business education facility on site.

There will be easy-in, easy-out rental deals, meeting rooms, free parking, support services, networking and learning events, and possible "investment" in worthwhile projects.

Prof Druker said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the university to build on our existing support for local businesses and to work with Maruwa Europe."

Mr Niwa added: "We are pleased to be working with Canterbury Christ Church University to create a dynamic start-up business, research and education environment."