A University that means business
KNOWLEDGE NEWS
Multi-million pound manufacturing funding approved The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has approved £7.6 million funding for the flagship Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) which will open for business in August 2017.
Prof. Geoff Layer and George Clarke at graduation ceremony
George Clarke visits Springfield campus
Honorary Graduate praises new Springfield Campus Architect and TV presenter George Clarke was among the inspirational people honoured by the University of Wolverhampton at this year’s graduation ceremonies. Awards were presented to individuals in recognition of their significant achievements in various fields. George Clarke, presenter of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. George praised the University’s plans to develop the Springfield Campus as an international centre of excellence for training in the field of construction, including the West Midlands Construction University Technical College. Following the September ceremony at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, George visited the former Springfield Brewery site, where the £70 million project is underway to transform the derelict site into a home for the University’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment. Upon receiving his honorary award, George pledged his support for the initiative: “It was
AUTUMN 2015
fabulous when I was told I’d be given this award. I will help and support in every way that I possibly can to inspire the next generation of construction-passionate people. “The University has great plans and ambitions for architectural and construction education. I think it’s brilliant the University has secured this site. To make something stack up economically and fund the purchase of something like this to bring it back into use is just amazing. “I’ve seen far too many breweries and historic sites being demolished and lost forever. This is a place that means a lot to a huge amount of people and the City of Wolverhampton.” Director of Engineering Dr Paul Lister said: “George is an inspirational figure and a genuine ambassador for architecture and the built environment.” Among those honoured alongside George Clarke at this year’s graduation ceremonies was Danella Bagnall, a leading engineering director at Jaguar Land Rover, in recognition of years working to promote careers in engineering to young women. For more information on Springfield Campus developments, visit: wlv.ac.uk/springfield
The ECMS will function as an employer-led training facility for the Black Country, designed to improve productivity and growth in the high value manufacturing sector. Training will be delivered in areas such as toolmaking, metalforming and project management, all identified as current barriers to growth in the region. The LEP has brought together partners including the University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College, Confederation of British Metalforming, Cast Metals Federation and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers. Funding has been allocated through the LEP’s Growth Deal, with the partners’ additional £4.15 million investment bringing the total project value to £11.75 million. The project, led by the University, will regenerate two brownfield sites and install equipment and facilities across four sites in the Black Country, including the former Springfield Brewery site in Wolverhampton. Geoff Layer, the University’s ViceChancellor, said: “The project is a key strategic project in linking employers, further education and higher education in the Black Country.” For more information on the ECMS, visit: blackcountrylep.co.uk/ people-skills/elite-centre
NEWS
Science Park celebrates 20th anniversary
Business highlights Accreditation for MBA diploma Take your management career to the next level. The University’s Master of Business Administration has been officially accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for its extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
Major new Mander Centre partnership Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre and the University have announced a long-term partnership to create learning opportunities for students during the shopping centre’s £35 million refurbishment.
Inspiring placements for graduates The University of Wolverhampton is boosting employment opportunities for graduates in the city with a new placement scheme part-funded by the City Council. Inspire Wolverhampton will place 50 graduates with city companies.
Crystal Lecture 2015
The site's first ever tenant, Paul Kalinauckas with Nigel Babb, Commercial Director
Original architect plan for the first development
Businesses recently gathered to celebrate 20 successful years of the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, as it prepares to enter its latest phase of development.
New business support in Sandwell
On 3 November, tenants and University business support staff gathered together to celebrate the site’s development over the years. Among the participants was the site’s first ever tenant, Paul Kalinauckas, who continues to run his business BCRS Loans from there. He said: “The Science Park brought high-quality, professional accommodation into the city. I was proud to be the first tenant – it really was a beacon for Wolverhampton, showing that it was on the way up.” At the event, original plans for the site were showcased, alongside plans for the latest hi-tech development. The new £10.1 million science, technology and prototyping centre will provide high specification laboratory and workshop space for science and engineering businesses in the Black Country. Planning permission was granted for this development in November and construction will begin in the new year. The Science Park is currently home to over 80 businesses, with capacity for up to 40 more at the new facility. The project is funded by the University of Wolverhampton and a £4.8 million grant from the Black Country Growth Deal.
The University’s annual keynote business lecture was delivered by Mike Clasper, President of the Chartered Management Institute. Mike discussed the development of the next generation of management and leadership.
A new Business Solutions Centre has opened in Sandwell. Businesses in the area can access support and services including training, events and workshops. Tel: 01902 321 272 or email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com
A warm welcome to Black Country Chamber of Commerce The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has moved into new business premises at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park. Now based in the Creative Industries Centre, Black Country Chamber of Commerce is committed to its aim of doubling the size of the Black Country economy by 2023 through its own high growth programme, a revolution in skills development and enhancement of the local transport infrastructure. For more information on the University of Wolverhampton Science Park and latest developments, visit: wolverhamptonsp.co.uk
Green Shoots Plus hands out £500k The grants fund, administered by the University, has allocated £515,000 in grants to local firms. In total, £4.2 million is available through a bidding process open until March 2017. To find out more and apply, visit: wolverhamptonbsc.com/greenshoots
Volunteer Central nominated for award The University’s Volunteer Central, which places students in voluntary roles, was shortlisted for the Community Champion Award at November’s Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Business Solutions Centre launched in Hereford The University’s award-winning business support service has launched in the heart of Hereford’s Enterprise Zone.
The Hereford Business Solutions Centre, based at Skylon Park, offers local businesses based in the Marches (Hereford, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) a wide range of support services and activities to help them achieve sustainable growth. The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Oakes, officially opened the Centre in November to over 70 guests from the Herefordshire business community. During the launch event, the Centre’s facilities were showcased and an upcoming programme of business events was announced.
Marc Fleetham, Prof Ian Oakes, Cllr David Harlow and Gary Dimmock open Centre
Professor Ian Oakes said: “I am delighted that we have extended our support for businesses into Hereford. The Centre is operated on the highly successful model which has worked so well at the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre. It will be run by the same team, who have won a string of national awards for their work with over 1,500 businesses.”
Bill Jackson, chairman of the Enterprise Zone Board, said: “We're absolutely delighted to welcome the University of Wolverhampton's Business Solutions Centre to Skylon Court. It is very apt that the first tenant will be a facility Guest speakers included Paul Stephens from cider dedicated to encouraging businesses to achieve company Newton Court Cider and Councillor David their potential.” Harlow from Herefordshire Council, who introduced the services that will be provided by the Marches The University of Wolverhampton also runs Growth Hub Hereford from within the Centre. Business Solutions Centres in Telford and Sandwell, in collaboration with local Support on offer includes start-up advice, partners. workshops and mentoring, development programmes, seminars, events and networking For more information on Hereford opportunities. Incubation space for enterprising Business Solutions Centre, please visit: businesses is available, as is guidance on key wolverhamptonbsc.com/hereford business growth areas such as intellectual property, building information modelling, and knowledge transfer opportunities.
40 years Racing success for engineering students of KTP The University of Wolverhampton hosted a celebratory event in September to mark the 40th anniversary of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). The successful KTP scheme boosts businesses through academic collaboration, linking companies with graduate and academic experts to improve competitiveness, productivity and performance. The University of Wolverhampton has a very successful track record with KTPs. The milestone anniversary helped to highlight the initiative and encourage businesses to find out more about what’s on offer. The event, held at the University’s new state-of-the-art Rosalind Franklin Building, included networking opportunities and a poster competition open to previous and existing KTP Associates and affiliates from its sister programme KEEN (the Knowledge and Exchange Enterprise Network). Clare Mackinnon, KTP manager, said: “The KTP programme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to explore innovative initiatives that will give them a competitive edge with the support of not only a graduate but also the expertise of a University academic.”
The University of Wolverhampton Racing team celebrated a podium finish at the end of their first season competing professionally. The team, comprising University engineering students and staff as well as professional staff, raced at circuits including the world-famous Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park as part of the 2015 Mono2000 Championships. Driven by pro-driver Shane Kelly, the Formula Renault car is based at the University’s Telford Innovation Campus and gives students real life experience of working as part of a motorsport team.
It forms part of the University’s motorsport and automotive engineering course portfolio, launched in September alongside plans to invest £12 million in engineering facilities and course provision to help create the next generation of skilled engineers. David Tucker, principal lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased – the last rounds of the season represent a significant achievement for students and staff. The benefits students receive from these types of events contribute greatly to their employability, personal development and life skills.”
Growth Hub to help businesses flourish The new Marches Growth Hub Telford, based at the University's Telford Innovation Campus, will drive business growth in the region, helping businesses to flourish in the process.
University Centre Telford business Members of the local business launch community were welcomed to
More than 180 business representatives attended the opening of the state-of-the-art facility for business support in Telford. Telford Business Summit hosted the inaugural event, which included tours of the facility at the Campus. The Hub will support businesses across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin by operating alongside the virtual hub, a business support website and a dedicated enquiry phone line. Graham Wynn, chairman of the Marches LEP, told businesses: “The Marches Growth Hub is one of 30 developed across England to simplify and streamline the support offered to businesses. Telford and Wrekin Council has developed a fantastic space here with its partner, the University of Wolverhampton.”
A partnership between the University of Wolverhampton and Telford College of Arts and Technology, University Centre Telford has been supported by Telford and Wrekin Council and includes a business support function, as well as offering a variety of courses for potential students. Developing skills and professional development to aid economic growth in Telford came under the spotlight at the business launch, which took place at University Centre Telford’s home at Southwater One. At the event, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Geoff Layer, invited businesses to support, use and shape the Centre for the needs of industry and the region.
Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, added: “The University is proud to play a leading role in this scheme and we recognise the importance of attracting government funding into our region to support local business growth.
He said: “The input from local businesses into what courses the Centre should be offering to address professional skills development across the region is essential; the outcome is more courses will be developed and delivered in line with local need.”
For more information visit: marchesgrowthhub.co.uk
For more information on University Centre Telford, visit: wlv.ac.uk/uctelford
Businesses feedback on engineering plans At a special event in November, leading engineering companies were briefed on the University of Wolverhampton’s plans to invest £10 million in engineering.
Businesses benefit from careers fair
Companies from Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin’s engineering industry gave feedback on plans to provide advanced new engineering facilities and courses at Telford Innovation Campus. At the event, delegates from companies including GKN Structures and Grainger & Worrall were informed of the University’s response to the regional and national shortage of qualified engineering graduates. Professor Ian Oakes, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “Telford Innovation Centre’s investment plans have so much to offer engineering companies in the region. Engaging with the sector early on is important to ensure we shape our campus investment around their needs. “By working with the industry, we’ll ensure graduates leave us with the skills needed in the workforce and the professional development requirements of engineering employees will continue to be met.” For more information on engineering developments, please visit: wlv.ac.uk/engineering
The Annual Recruitment Fair enabled leading employers to promote their graduate jobs, part-time positions, volunteering and placement opportunities to University of Wolverhampton students and graduates. Held at City Campus on 21-22 October, the event hosted over 90 organisations and was attended by over 1,000 students and graduates. Among the exhibiting businesses were HMRC, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Wolverhampton City Council, HomeServe, Irwin Mitchell LLP, Compton Hospice, Age UK Wolverhampton, British Red Cross and many more. More than 1,000 job and 600 volunteering opportunities were advertised at the event. Attendees could also access advice from the Careers Clinic, where careers advisors offered advice on writing CVs and application forms.
KNOWLEDGE
For more information
NEWS
Email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com
Tel: 01902 321 272 Visit: wlv.ac.uk/knowledge
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a launch event for University Centre Telford.
Are you ready for Building Information Modelling? This introductory three hour workshop, organised by Business Solutions Centres, will help you understand the benefits and dispel the myths of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The Government target of BIM implementation by April 2016 is getting closer; organisations in the construction industry unable to deliver BIM services will be at a major disadvantage. The workshop will cover benefits and technology, plus key topics surrounding BIM. For more details, including upcoming dates and how to register for your free place, visit: wolverhamptonbsc.com/events