Universities helping local business through the downturn?

In the UK, some universities have been quick off the mark to demonstrate their support for local (particularly SMEs) businesses in these straitened economic times. Certainly the PR aspect has worked in terms of winning accolades from government ministers. The perception that they are prepared to roll up their sleeves and play their part in the economic well-being of local communities certainly won't do them any harm in the continuing debate over the relevance of HE, funding cuts, etc.