UWL supports the modern needs of business

We sit down with Professor Graeme Atherton, who is the new Associate ProVice-Chancellor for Regional Engagement at the University of West London, and also serves as VicePrincipal of Ruskin College, Oxford.

An international leader and researcher in social mobility, Graeme has led regional, national and international initiatives to increase opportunity in higher education and frequently comments on social mobility in the UK and internationally.

Professor Atherton’s portfolio includes deepening the university’s impact across West London — with a particular focus on supporting the ambitions of its home boroughs of Hounslow, Ealing, and the wider region as set out in the London Growth Plan.

“I have been working in the field of education research and management since 1995. Having founded and led regional and national networks that bring universities, schools, colleges and businesses together, I’m keen to help our local partners in bringing ‘Good Growth’ to our region.”

The government’s commitment to devolution and growth creates new opportunities for regions and sub-regions to collaborate. West London is ideally placed to maximise these opportunities. Universities have a key role to play as local anchor institutions. They are large employers, the main providers of skilled labour at Level 4 and above as well as incubators of research and innovation. However, it has often been the perception that universities are inward-looking, slow to react to the needs of business and less focused on their own localities and more on national or international priorities. UWL is committed to countering these perceptions.

In 2024 UWL received recognition for our effective business interactions across the West London region. Being shortlisted for three awards by West London Chambers of Commerce, including ‘Business Enabler of the Year’ marked the progress UWL is making, but we know that more can be done. Part of this desire to enhance our work with the business community in West London is creating the new role of Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Regional Engagement. As Professor Atherton states: “UWL is putting a focus on place and partnership in its work going forward. Universities have to change and evolve if they are to continue to serve students and society. We can’t afford to be isolated in an ivory tower anymore.”

The University’s new approach to regional engagement will work across its departments. UWL wants to be the university in our region that is the industry partner of choice, supporting the modern needs of business and the economy. West London boasts an economy larger than those of Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds combined, and UWL wants to be at the heart of this economy.

“There are a range of ways that businesses in the region can work with us. This includes business scale-up support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs); the UWL Graduate Talent Bank which is a bespoke graduate recruitment support for West London employers to recruit talented UWL graduates; innovation funding for West London businesses to do a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with UWL; award-winning degree apprenticeship provision and as well as specialist facilities and event spaces.”

It is also crucial that local universities work with businesses to advocate and lobby policymakers. There will be announcements on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) coming this year, the shift from the Apprenticeship Levy to the new Growth and Skills Levy as well as a new Inclusive Talent Strategy from the Mayor of London. Universities and businesses working together can be a powerful voice. UWL wants to ensure this voice is heard and we welcome conversations with businesses and others across the area to make this happen.

“The future for universities is in closer collaboration with businesses, local government and the stakeholders in the regions they serve. UWL has a long track record in connecting with the local community, but we know we can do more. We are looking forward to welcoming more businesses onto campus, unlocking funding that can make partnerships happen and supporting economic growth in West London over what will be some vital years for the region.”