Knowledge News Autumn 2016

T HTEH U E NUI N V IEVRESR IT S IYT O Y FO O F POPPOPROTR UTNUI N T IYT Y A UNIVERSITY THAT MEANS BUSINESS

AUTUMN 2016

KNOWLEDGE NEWS Building opportunities at Springfield Campus THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON’S NEW SPRINGFIELD CAMPUS IS BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE HEART OF THE CITY.

The £100 million redevelopment of the former Springfield Brewery site will promote regional employment and engagement in the construction industry.

The derelict site is being transformed into a new home for the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, as well as the West Midlands Construction University Technical College.

The City of Wolverhampton Council has recently approved plans for the next phase of the redevelopment of the 12 acre brownfield site to move forwards.

NEW ELITE SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE REGION

Professor Geoff Layer, ViceChancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “With 80% of our students coming from the local area, it’s our responsibility to ensure that we work with partners to create jobs and provide a skilled workforce.

Springfield Campus is also set to open the Black Country Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) Hub in August 2017.

“The Springfield Campus project is at the heart of the £250 million Our Vision, Your Opportunity investment.

Our aim through the redevelopment of this brownfield site is for the new centre to act as a catalyst for wider economic and social regeneration of Wolverhampton, creating a skills pathway for construction education and training from the age of 14 through to senior professionals.”

The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has approved over £8 million of funding for ECMS, which will deliver training in areas identified as current barriers to growth in the region.

Additional investment from partners including Dudley College, the Confederation of British Metalforming, Cast Metals Federation, the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers and Thomas Dudley Ltd brings the total project value to £12.9 million.

Get the latest updates on Springfield Campus – visit: wlv.ac.uk/springfield

New Chief Executive Ian Fitzpatrick has recently been appointed to get the Centre’s manufacturing skills Hub and spokes off the ground.

Spokes in Tipton, Dudley and West Bromwich will help to improve productivity and growth in the high value manufacturing sector, specifically in: toolmaking; foundry; patternmaking; metalforming; forging; manufacturing management; and leadership and project management.

Find out more: theecms.co.uk

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SERVICE ARRIVES IN WYRE FOREST The University has extended its awardwinning business support service with the launch of a new Business Solutions Centre (BSC) in Kidderminster.

Wyre Forest Business Solutions Centre officially opened in October in the presence of local business leaders and partners, including Morgan Motor Company.

Offering support for local businesses, the new Centre follows the successful example of BSCs in Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Telford and Hereford.

Dedicated business-facing University staff will work in collaboration with the local authority to offer advice and guidance to growing businesses, as well as access to the University’s extensive resources.

Professor Ian Oakes, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “We will be offering a range of support to businesses in the region which will include start-up advice with

workshops and mentoring, access to technology from drone hire to cyber security support, leadership and development programmes, seminars, events and networking opportunities.”

Cllr Ian Hardiman, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration at Wyre Forest District Council, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the University of Wolverhampton on this exciting new venture which will act as a conduit between local businesses, advisors, consultants and key support organisations to help local businesses access funding and support opportunities open to them.”

For more information, visit: businesssolutionscentres.co.uk/ Cllr Ian Hardiman, Prof Ian Oakes and Cllr Marcus Hart

UNIVERSITY TEAM RACES INTO 2ND PLACE The University of Wolverhampton Race Team (UWR) were just one point away from clinching the top spot in this year’s national F3 Cup Championship, instead racing to success in second place!

The team took the runner-up spot with the distinction of being the only university competing against 17 other teams in this season’s MSC F3 Cup. The final race took place at the Snetterton 300 circuit, following outings at premier racing venues including Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington Park and Oulton Park.

The team’s success is testament to the University’s ongoing £12 million investment in engineering facilities and provision, the majority of which is enhancing engineering education at Telford Innovation Campus where students already work in specialist motorsport workshops on single seater race cars and the Morgan Plus 4 Babydoll.

GREEN SHOOTS’ SUCCESS CREATES 200+ JOBS

NEW EU PROJECT BOOSTS EMPLOYABILITY

278 jobs have been created, and 110 jobs protected, through the Green Shoots Plus scheme. The total exceeds targets, successfully promoting growth in advanced manufacturing and technology SMEs across the Black Country, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.

David Tucker, principal lecturer in Motorsport, said: “We have committed sponsors on board, students have their own car to work on and they are gaining hands-on experience and practical engineering knowledge with opportunities to compete in national competitions – providing a really attractive course offering for students who want to study engineering.”

Read more: wlv.ac.uk/telfordinvestment

UNIVERSITY HONOURS BUSINESS CONTRIBUTIONS

PHILIP BARNETT Chair of Wolverhampton Business Champions, Philip Barnett was presented with an Honorary Fellowship for his dedication to the city’s economic regeneration and his dedication throughout his career at Marston’s, where he was former Operations Director.

The University has been awarded £294,000 through the EU-funded Erasmus+ project, increasing international study and work opportunities for students and staff during the 2016/17 academic year.

SHIRLEY CRAMER CBE Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, Shirley Cramer CBE received an Honorary Doctor of Science for her extensive contribution to health care, in particular public health and her work supporting people with dyslexia and Alzheimer’s.

Throughout September, during its annual graduation ceremonies, the University awarded Honorary Degrees to a number of individuals who have contributed significantly to the regional and national business profile.

JEAN-ROCH GUIRESSE Jean-Roch was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Engineering in recognition of his contribution to science and engineering, particularly his role in transferring technological and organisational models from research to companies.

TREVOR LEEKS The Operations Director of Jaguar Land Rover’s world-class Engine Manufacturing Centre, Trevor Leeks was honoured for his contribution to economic development and upskilling the local workforce.

SUZI PERRY TV star and sports presenter Suzi Perry was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering, recognising not only her impressive record in broadcasting but also her passion for science, technology, engineering and maths.

GRAHAM WYNN OBE Shropshire businessman Graham Wynn OBE was presented with the Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, in recognition of his support for local businesses in Shropshire and the surrounding areas.

NEW ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR APPRENTICESHIPS The University’s brand new Apprenticeship Hub officially launched in September 2016.

The £500,000 investment, which includes a funding contribution of over £150,000 from the Black Country LEP, provides a one-stop destination for employers, parents and apprentices.

Wolverhampton Homes, Wakes Construction and United Living are the first employers to benefit from working in partnership with the University to deliver a Foundation Degree (Science) in Built Environment leading to a Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management.

UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION TO POWER UP THE MIDLANDS ENGINE Midlands Enterprise Universities (MEU) will combine the knowledge, expertise and influence of the partner institutions to provide a powerful economic resource for the Midlands Engine.

The University of Wolverhampton is joined by Birmingham City University, Coventry University, De Montfort University Leicester, University of Derby, University of Lincoln and Nottingham Trent University.

The consortium formally launched in October and will bring together a unique pool of skills, research and facilities to support jobs, create wealth and plug skills gaps across the East and West Midlands.

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NEW APPRENTICESHIPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM JAN 2017 – FIND OUT MORE AT: WLV.AC.UK/ APPRENTICESHIPS/

MEU will specifically target businesses and sectors key to the region’s growth, including: manufacturing engineering and transport technologies; creative and digital design; food and drink manufacturing; health and life science; and energy and low carbon technologies.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We’re delighted to be part of Midlands Enterprise

Universities. By bringing the strength, scale and expertise of seven universities from the Midlands, we are perfectly placed to help develop and drive the skills agenda and help business and communities achieve their potential.”

Collectively, the universities contribute over £3 billion to the region’s economy and work with major organisations including Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, PepsiCo, UNIPART and the BBC. By joining forces, they will work to develop plans to drive the Midlands Engine, which aims to maximise the benefits of the region’s location in the heart of the country. Prime Minister Theresa May has already pledged her support for the initiative.

The creation of MEU follows the recent launch of West Midlands Combined Universities (WMCU), detailed in the last issue, which will see the University of Wolverhampton – together with Birmingham City University and Coventry University – addressing the challenges facing the West Midlands economy.

LEADING THE WAY FOR INNOVATION pioneering projects spearheaded by the University are helping businesses in different, but similarly exciting, ways.

BECCI

WHAT IS IT? Built Environment Climate Change Innovations HOW CAN IT HELP YOUR BUSINESS? BECCI, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), helps SMEs across the Black Country and the Marches region to develop innovative climate change solutions within the built environment.

UPDATE: The project has secured £1.2 million in additional funding to help businesses develop low carbon products.

To date, BECCI has helped over 100 businesses and engaged with six of the largest housing associations in the West Midlands. Find out how BECCI can help your business at: wlv.ac.uk/becci

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IPSS WHAT IS IT? Innovative Product Support Service HOW CAN IT HELP YOUR BUSINESS? IPSS funds development work carried out at the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, supporting SMEs in their development of innovative products to launch on the market.

UPDATE: The University has secured £2.4 million of ERDF funding to continue delivery of the IPSS project. Part-funded by the ERDF, it is anticipated that over 200 companies will have been supported by the service by spring 2019. The project is now open for applications for support and will run until April 2019.

Find out more at: wlv.ac.uk/ipss

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FUNDED BY

KEEN WHAT IS IT? Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network HOW CAN IT HELP YOUR BUSINESS? KEEN helps SMEs maximise their potential by placing a recent graduate with them, recruited to work full-time on a commercial growth project. The £5.1 million project is part-funded by the ERDF and led by West Midlands Combined Universities.

UPDATE: This is the second phase of the successful KEEN project. Since its launch in 2012, there have been over 160 business collaborations with graduate project managers to date. Find out how you can get involved at: wlv.ac.uk/keen

3 The Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) – Your questions answered.

RECORD NUMBERS AT THIRD ANNUAL BUSINESS WEEK This year’s Wolverhampton Business Week, supported by the University, was a huge success.

The city's third annual Business Week attracted a record 3,500 attendees from Monday 26 to Friday 30 September 2016, helping to raise the profile of Wolverhampton to over 1 million people.

CITY CAMPUS UNVEILS NEW SANTANDER BRANCH As part of a new deal with banking giant Santander, the University launched a City Campus branch in October, offering a variety of banking services to University staff, students and visitors.

Branch staff will also provide information on the support Santander is offering for student entrepreneurship, employability and internationalisation through the three-year £120,000 partnership agreement with the University.

The programme featured a range of events for businesses of all types and sizes, providing opportunities to engage with potential investors, developers and other businesses.

TRAINING AND EVENTS LIVE AUTUMN STATEMENT EVENT Wednesday 23 November 2016, 12pm-3pm, Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT Join us at this special event to find out how Philip Hammond’s first autumn statement as Chancellor could affect your business.

The Chancellor’s statement will be broadcast on the large screen in the Visualisation Centre, followed by a networking lunch and the opportunity to discuss the new measures announced.

The University is a key partner and had experts on hand throughout the week to provide advice on available support through its Business Solutions Centres, Growth Hub and more.

This event is FREE but pre-registration is required.

Register at: businesssolutionscentres.co.uk/ events/

BUILDING UP TO BREXIT

SCIENCE PARK REDEVELOPMENT OFF THE GROUND The University’s £10.1 million investment in a new Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre is taking shape.

5-STAR RATING FOR CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATION Telford Conference Centre received a five star quality campus rating from VisitEngland for its new double executive en-suite bedrooms.

The four double bedrooms were created to complement the existing 250 three star rated, single en-suite guest bedrooms and are available all year round on a bed only or B&B basis.

To enquire or make a group or individual booking, visit: bookaroom.wlv.ac.uk

The main building is scheduled for completion in early summer 2017. The project, part-funded by the Black Country LEP, will provide capacity for up to 40 new science and technology-focused businesses in a state-of-the-art environment based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

The new Centre will feature a high spec ‘Fablab’ where businesses can access modern prototyping resources, with support from University specialists. It will be equipped with 3D printing, NC routing, CNC milling and turning, and small scale sheet manipulation and welding.

The Fablab is part-funded by the ERDF and can be accessed through the University’s Innovative Product Support Service at: wlv.ac.uk/ipss

TTH Y YO O F FO P HEE UUNNI IVVEERRS SI T IT O PP O PR OTRUTNUINT IYT Y

Friday 25 November 2016, 9.30am-4pm Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT What impact has the referendum had on business and the economy so far?

Join 'Walking Among Giants' for a fun, informationpacked workshop designed to help start-ups and small businesses to focus and make sense of the new business landscape unfolding post-Brexit.

For more information and to book, visit: businesssolutionscentres.co.uk/events/

THE ‘HAPPY AS LARRY’ BOSS Friday 02 December 2016, 9.30am-1pm Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, WV10 9RT Offering a practical guide to developing your emotional intelligence in and out of the workplace, this half-day course introduces you to some key strategies and techniques.

Learn how to take full responsibility and control for fulfilling your potential, increase your power to negotiate and win new business, keep stress at bay during challenging times… and more!

For more information and to book, visit: businesssolutionscentres.co.uk/events/

KNOWLEDGE NEWS TEL: 01902 321 272 EMAIL: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com VISIT: wlv.ac.uk/knowledge

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