Knowledge news issue 3

A University that means business

KNOWledGE NEWS

Issue 3

Lord Digby Jones inspires businesses to innovate The University of Wolverhampton Science Park was buzzing on 25 February when Lord Digby Jones delivered a speech entitled “Doing it in a different way”. The event was hosted by Innovation 1st, a University project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, which offers free advice, guidance and support to companies in the West Midlands around the use of innovative technology for their business.

A partnership between the University of Wolverhampton and the Express & Star has successfully bid for £1.4million funding from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to enable regional businesses to grow and create new jobs.

Joining up for army training

Welcome to the latest issue of Knowledge News.

The University received a memorable visit from Lord Digby Jones, when he addressed a business audience at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

The University has become one of the first institutions to offer staff and students military training with its own army reserve platoon.

In characteristic style, Lord Jones pulled no punches when he delivered his talk, Doing it in a Different Way. We were delighted that he was able to share his vision with us. Those present will no doubt agree that his address gave us all many reasons to reflect and re-evaluate our current thinking.

The

itch

There can be no dispute that universities make a valuable contribution to the regional economy and UK as a whole. Thanks to a new report commissioned by Universities UK, we are now able to see what this means in real terms. The sector generates £73 billion in output and 2.8 per cent of UK GDP. This translates very favourably to the regions, where both job creation and regional GVA benefit.

As a University which champions knowledge, innovation, enterprise and opportunity for all, Wolverhampton’s influence has become far reaching. I am delighted to report that our knowledge exchange programme with the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria, which focused on the development and growth of SMEs, won best International Project at the Guardian University Awards 2014.

Building on the popularity of last year’s event, The Pitch 2014 once again tested the leadership, team building and problem solving skills of 150 school pupils as they devised and pitched their innovative solutions to six real life business tasks. This year, the excellent business challenges provided

by Lego Education, the Black Country Living Museum, Capital FM, Star City, Ultra Furniture, and the charity Promise Dreams helped make the event a resounding success.

I hope you enjoy reading Knowledge News and continue to find our events of benefit to your business.

Professor Ian Oakes Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and External Engagement

Funding tips for businesses Staff from the University’s Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre shared their knowledge of securing business funding.

The Centre’s Gary Dimmock and Bernadette Shenton passed on their top tips, with Gary giving an overview of the Green Shoots project which can provide successful small to medium size businesses in the Black Country with up to £50,000 of funding.

Further insight was provided by Richard Lowe from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) who detailed their Business Innovation programme, Growth Accelerator, Winning Moves and a dedicated helpline for businesses.

Big ideas from

Lord Jones, who has a prominent role in British industry as Chairman of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd as well as being the Corporate Ambassador for Jaguar Cars and JCB, toured the Visualisation Centre and was given a demonstration of its video conferencing capabilities, the 3.5m x 2.5m Windows 8 touchscreen and smart near-field communication (NFC) capabilities. Lord Jones also saw how 3D printing technology is becoming more user-friendly and accessible.

Lord Jones gave a passionate and sometimes humorous speech about the need for innovation in the business world, now more than ever, and reflected that the UK is justly famous for its inventors. His speech focussed on a number of areas including private and public sector working and how he sees a need to approach things differently, if the UK is to remain competitive and the economy is to grow. The speech was filmed and streamed live for those who could not attend in person.

Universities boost the economy The report, commissioned by Universities UK, shows that the sector generates £73 billion in output – an increase of 24 per cent compared to 2009 when the last report was published – and 2.8 per cent of UK GDP. In the West Midlands, where there are 12 Universities including the University of Wolverhampton, higher education institutions contributed £2.9 billion in total regional GVA (Gross Value Added – an industry measure of GDP) in 2011-2012.

Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and External Engagement, said:

It was a pleasure to welcome Lord Jones to the University and show him what we can offer to businesses.

We not only provide a range of technology services to companies but also venue, office space and facilities hire. This was a great opportunity to showcase all these in one day to visiting organisations from across the West Midlands.

Lord Jones also signed copies of his book, Fixing Britain, with all proceeds going to one of his sponsored charities, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer. Arun Singh, a Wolverhampton graduate now working for the Project Support Office, also raised £1,500 for the charity by having his head shaved.

You can view Lord Jones’ speech online on YouTube, search for “Digby doing it differently’: www.youtube.com

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton said: “At the heart of what we do is economic development and sustainability. We contribute and shape that by providing opportunities for people in the region, whether that is through education, research, training, providing jobs, helping people start their own business or providing spaces where new businesses can flourish.

Commitment to opportunity for all

“I very much welcome the report and it is clear that Higher Education is still a hugely significant player in the wider UK economy.”

The report highlights that the University has increased the number of students who complete their studies.

For every 100 jobs created in Higher Education, a further 107 jobs were created in the UK, 82 of them in the region.

More students are completing their studies and getting degrees at the University of Wolverhampton, according to new national figures.

Data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for 2012/13 reveals that the University has seen an increase in students from working class backgrounds starting degrees, alongside an increase in students from lowparticipation neighbourhoods.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The progression and graduation statistics are a testament to the hard work of our students, lecturers and support services, and will provide long term personal, economic and social benefit for students, their families, employers and the region.

budding minds

Schools Pitch-ed into battle

of Opportunity and has a fantastic record in A two-day residential business University supporting entrepreneurship and enterprise among its challenge run by the University students, graduates and the business community.” of Wolverhampton saw 30 teams from local schools work on a live brief from industry, It’s events like ‘The Pitch’ culminating in a real-life pitch that remind us why we extend these opportunities to wider to company representatives.

This year, Lego Education, the Black Country Living Museum, Capital FM, Star City, Ultra Furniture, and the charity Promise Dreams got involved in challenging students to devise an innovative solution to their real life business tasks.

During the two days, 150 year 10 and 11 pupils gained key skills in leadership, team building and problem solving before making their final pitch to a panel of judges at the University’s Telford Innovation Campus.

Raman Sarpal, Head of Marketing at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Wolverhampton is known as the

audiences and encourage the entrepreneurial aspirations of the younger generation.

Winners of this year’s challenge were; Kings C of E for ‘Promise Dreams,’ Heath Park for ‘Star city,’ Newport Girls High School for ‘Capital FM’, Wrekin College for ‘Ultra Furniture Pitch’, Abbots Bromley for ‘Lego Pitch’ and the overall winners Cardinal Wiseman for ‘Black Country Museum.’

Praise for ‘essential’ new course Leading businesses from the Black Country’s manufacturing industry have welcomed the University of Wolverhampton’s newest engineering course.

The BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering, is an accelerated two-year, work-based degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

As the sector enters a new era of manufacturing driven by technological change, the winners will be those companies that show adaptability and flexibility to change as well as the ability to attract, retain and develop the talent required for this new era.

For employers in the manufacturing and engineering sector, the BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering can help them to fast-track their employees’ training, with a qualification designed to address specific skills demanded by the company.

Richard Baker, regional director of Walsall-based Bullock Construction, who completed a degree in construction engineering from the University in 1986, said: “These courses give an employer the confidence that an individual not only has the academic knowledge, but also, with the practical side to the course, the experience.”

The employer-sponsored degree programme was developed with the industry. Its flexible delivery allows learning to be fully integrated with the employees' working patterns, causing minimal disruption to employers.

The University, together with the 143 (West Midlands) Brigade and 4 Mercian Regiment has developed the University of Wolverhampton Reserve Platoon to allow members to learn new military skills, complete civilian qualifications or just develop in confidence.

For more information visit www.wlv.ac.uk/uowreserveplatoon

Industry award for work in Nigeria The University of Wolverhampton has won a prestigious industry award in recognition of its work in stimulating enterprise overseas.

It received the award for best International Project at the Guardian University Awards 2014 at a ceremony in London.

Judges picked out the University’s work in Nigeria helping to develop business and entrepreneurship as the outstanding entry. The University’s Business Solutions Centre worked with the University of Maiduguri in Northern Nigeria to develop a knowledge exchange programme focused on the development and growth of SMEs. A joint team was set up between both Universities which engaged with the Nigerian Banking sector to develop a Greenhouse Investment Fund (GIF) utilising their Corporate Social Responsibility Funds.

The team are currently working with four Nigerian banks in relation to GIF as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria regarding second round funding to create sustainable £250,000 financial support fund for future business start-ups.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Affairs, Professor Ian Oakes said: “It’s a great acknowledgement of the hard work that has gone into developing what is a unique partnership and the commitment of our staff. We are extremely proud of our achievement.

“The University has a 25 year history of knowledge transfer activity in the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises and the project aligns perfectly with our strategy of championing knowledge, innovation, enterprise and opportunity for all.

“This was all done against a backdrop of violent terrorist insurgency, communication blackout zones and regular daily utility power cuts. The relationships we have formed transcend that of a normal partnership.”

Events Schedule We have a number of great events coming up.

If you would like to attend please book at: www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/events

Protect Your Company’s Future Thursday 8 May 2014 Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, WV10 9RT 9.30am-11.30am The future wellbeing or existence of your business depends on the financial and legal plans you have put in place. Taking the right advice is essential. Rachael Tyrrell, an Independent Financial Adviser with Gold IFA, will provide an overview on protecting your business should you or one of your key personnel suffer a critical illness or die. Peter Savage, a Partner with Deedsafe Wills & Legal Services, will show you how to protect your family and assets from unexpected circumstances.

Local House Builder Breakfast Club Friday 9 May 2014 Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, WV10 9RT 9.30am-11.30am

Sustainable Seafood Certification

The University’s chefs at the Telford Innovation Campus have achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Chain of Custody certification, becoming one of the first universities to do so.

The comprehensive certification programme ensures that seafood served at the Campus can be traced back through the supply chain to a fishery that has been certified as sustainable. The MSC certification is another milestone for the University, which has an active food sustainability policy.

Could your business benefit from having a Eureka moment?

Workplace trust is key to pay satisfaction Researchers from the University of Wolverhampton have found that employees who trust their bosses are less bothered by pay cuts.

Tuesday 20 May 2014

The University of Wolverhampton is working in partnership with Shropshire Council on the Eureka project, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim is to help businesses based in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire to innovate.

By looking at how much each employee trusted the managers of the company they worked for, researchers found that those who consider that managers kept their promises and treated workers fairly are less affected by pay cuts in terms of their overall job satisfaction.

12.00pm-2.00pm

Who can benefit from Eureka?

• Small to medium enterprises • Social Enterprises • Community interest groups Businesses can receive free consultancy support and have an in-depth business review to identify new opportunities for growth. Grants of £2,000 - £10,000 may be available to assist with implementing actions from your review and to help your organisation grow.

To find out more, email: nigel.jordan@wlv.ac.uk

KEEN to Grow Your Business?

Village Hotel, Walsall, WS2 8TJ

They also found that this effect was more marked during the recession than in previous times of economic growth.

Dr Wen Wang, who led the study, said: “A pay cut at a high trust workplace has no effect on labour productivity and the quality of work produced during recession. High trust in management can link, through job satisfaction, to reduced sick leave – which reportedly cost the UK economies £12.2 billion in 2004 – and staff turnover rate during economic boom.”

University tops ecofriendly league table The University of Wolverhampton has been ranked as one of the most environmentally-friendly universities in the country.

It was given a First Class Honours award – the highest possible grade – in an annual eco survey by People and Planet, a large student organisation dedicated to ending world poverty, defending human rights and protecting the environment.

The University’s 2013 grade is a marked improvement on its 2011 rating, when it was given a 2:2 classification and demonstrates the significant progress made in just two years.

It is now ranked joint 39th out of all universities in the country, having soared nearly 100 places.

KNOWledGE

For more information

NEWS

Email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com

Tel: 01902 321 272 Web: www.wlv.ac.uk/knowledge

MAC2052

The Black Country needs thousands of new homes to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population. If you are a local house builder, your help is needed to build new homes for local people on the many small sites that are available throughout the area. This new Breakfast Club will highlight the opportunities that are available to build homes in the Black Country.

Tap into knowledge and expertise by working with regional universities on the Knowledge Exchange & Enterprise Network (KEEN). KEEN works by putting a recent graduate (known as an Affiliate) into a small to medium sized enterprise to work on a strategic growth project, with ongoing support from university experts.

Organisations benefit from part funding by the European Regional Development Fund.

Manufacturing the Future Thursday 19 June 2014 University of Wolverhampton, Telford Campus 8:00am-11:00am The world of manufacturing is on the edge of a major transition. If you are involved with manufacturing, it is time to take a look around, see what is happening, and prepare for a new paradigm.

This unique seminar by the University of Wolverhampton in co-operation with IngPro Ltd will explain the drivers for change as well as how we can shape our future manufacturing strategies to take advantage of this new Industrial Revolution.