The key objective of WestFocus is to promote commercialisation of the knowledge base of the Consortium. 

The principal aim of WestFocus Business Creation (WFBC) is to create a continuous pipeline of investable business propositions capable of delivering equity injections of typically <£0.5m from investors such as Close Venture Management, the business angel community and so on.

WFBC also encourages non-technology 'not for profit' ventures in which the local community can attain sustainable advantage or improvement from the transfer of academic knowledge and know-how.

With a total of around 125,000 students, 3,500 academics, 50 enterprise staff, and 54 research units that were rated 4, 5 or 5* in the 2001 RAE, the Consortium represents a rich source of technology and ideas with commercial potential.

Member institutions each have their own action plans to replenish the commercialisation pipeline. The most research intensive institutions have systematic programmes of 'mining' which continue to identify opportunities with great promise.  The focus is on near-to-market opportunities and joint ventures with local businesses.

Overall, WestFocus Business Creation aims to:

• Provide access to seed funding at various stages of business development.
• Recruit suitably qualified commercial managers to develop the new businesses according to planned milestones.
• Make available incubation facilities for spinouts.
• Share expertise in technology transfer, licensing, spin out, and contract management.
• Nurture the enterprises of the future, bringing benefits to the region and to the UK economy.