TECHNOLOGY and design do meet.

That is the lesson understood by a new generation - and it is being taught avidly to them by GSPK Design Ltd, based at Knaresborough Technology Park, in Manse Lane.

The firm, which was established seven years ago as an electronic design team specialising in helping firms with new product development has a large learning programme aimed at young people.

Now the company, which has 15 employees, is seeking the title for Best Business And Education Link in The Press Business Awards, 2007.

GSPK Design has contacts with the design and technology department at York College. At the University of York the company is helping various departments to find and nurture "spin out" companies from which both sides could benefit.

GSPK Design is also involved with Young Enterprise, the charitable initiative, giving young people the chance to experience running a company.

Managing director Paul Marsh and technical sales director Steve Henderson have both donated their time and expertise to the ventures started by pupils of King James' School, in Knaresborough.

Meanwhile, Apollo Creative, a division of GSPK Design, is working with North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership on inventions for children with disabilities and for mainstream schools.

Mark Hildred, the creative director, has worked with children at Luckwell Primary School, helping them to design an interactive fountain in the school playground. It should be in place and spouting by the end of the year.