SALES at a family-owned cycle shop are running more smoothly thanks to the award-winning efforts of a York undergraduate.

David Clarke, 20, helped introduce a high-tech stock control system at Bob Trotter Cycles, in Lord Mayor's Walk, York, saving the shop thousands of pounds a year.

He spent eight-weeks at the shop as part of a UK-wide enterprise scheme sponsored by Shell, which aims to introduce small businesses to graduate expertise.

Company bosses were so impressed with David, who lives in Francis Street, Fulford, that they offered him a job at the oil company as part of their graduate recruitment drive.

David, who is completing a degree in politics and economic history at the University of York, said: "It was a fantastic experience and no-one was more surprised than me when it led to a full-time post."

The young businessman also won praise from Government Minister Nigel Griffiths who is responsible for small businesses.

The Minister's attention was brought to David's work after his final report won through to the national finals for STEP, the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme.

He said: "Not only can the scheme help small firms meet skills shortages, but small business owners also see the benefits of employing graduates and students are introduced to entrepreneurship."

Paul Trotter, of Bob Trotter Cycles, said: "David has been able to change people's attitudes to this new technology and the systems he implemented will save us time and money in the future."

Andrew Ferguson, a training manager based at the University of York, has been organising STEP placements for York and North Yorkshire for more than a year.

He said 40 students applied for similar positions last year, but organisers could not find enough small businesses to place them in.

If you can place an undergraduate student in your small business to tackle a dedicated project between July and September contact Mr Ferguson on 01904 432497 or email arf4@york.ac.uk

Updated: 10:34 Saturday, March 08, 2003