NO ONE can match Roger Benson for raising money for businesses in York and North Yorkshire.

The innovation and technology adviser for Business Link York and North Yorkshire has now guided small and medium sized businesses in the region to more than £4 million in awards.

Business Link was today celebrating the fact that since 1998, Mr Benson has helped 100 businesses with 90 per cent of the applicants approaching him, receiving DTI-sponsored research and development grants. This places Mr Benson's success rate at 30 per cent higher than both the regional (Yorkshire and Humber) and national averages of 60 per cent for companies seeking this type of award.

After discussing with companies the viability of their project for funding, Roger, offers them support on a wide range of issues including market analysis, developing a strategic business plan and guidance on the grant proposal.

Formerly entitled Smart awards, the grants have funded each of the businesses which have developed a technologically innovative project with between £9,000 and £150,000.

He said:: "While there is a lot of funding available for businesses across the country, research and development grants are non-bureaucratic and offer a good chance of winning.

"Furthermore, companies do not have to wait too long to find out if their application has been successful or not; the entire process - from start-up to achievement of the award takes just three months."

He is still excited by the "incredible variety" of projects he has come across, developed by a wide diversity of companies including seafood, horticultural, technology, martial arts and medical.

Andrew Brown, director of Boroughbridge-based Aircraft Design Bureau, received a Smart award in 2002 to fund the development of an unmanned vehicle with vertical take-off and landing abilities.

He said: "I owe a lot to Roger for his guidance on my Smart award application.

"Without his substantial expertise, I doubt I would have stood as good a chance of achieving the award."

For more information on the help and advice services provided by Business Link York and North Yorkshire, contact the Information Centre on 01904 686000 or visit www.here4business.co.uk.

Updated: 10:01 Wednesday, February 25, 2004