A University that means business
KNOWLEDGE NEWS
University unveils £250m investment generation plan The University of Wolverhampton has announced ambitious plans to generate £250million of investment over the next five years.
Left: Ian Powell, PWC receives his award from Prof Geoff Layer Top right: Miceal Barden, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Julia Speed, Enterprise Rent-a-Car Bottom right: Prof Ian Oakes with Gareth Prosser and Laurie Dalrymple, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Celebrating big business achievements The University of Wolverhampton was proud to honour the region’s most innovative businesses and entrepreneurs at its recent Business Achievement Awards. On 1 July, the University hosted a prestigious awards ceremony at the Molineux, celebrating individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in business.
at Fabweld Steel Products Ltd; while, Ian Powell and Lisa Potts were named Alumni of the Year, recognised for the Leadership and Contribution to Society awards respectively.
A winner from each shortlist of nominees was decided by a judging panel of University representatives and businesses. However, one winner was decided on the night when the audience voted Sensory Wise as winner of This was the second time the bi-annual awards Graduate Start-up of the Year. have been hosted, nominees demonstrating business excellence in a number of areas, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, from business innovation and partnerships Professor Ian Oakes said: “The Business to graduate employment support and Achievement Awards are a celebration of contribution to society. collaboration between the University and its business partners, as well as a recognition of Among the winners on the night were Odour the successful achievements of our talented Services International Limited (Business finalists, who have all made enterprising Innovation of the Year), Wolverhampton and innovative contributions to the region’s Wanderers FC (Strategic Business Partner of businesses. the Year) and Enterprise Rent-a-Car (Graduate Employer of the Year). “Many of our graduates are employed in the region and an increasing number are now University graduate achievements were also starting their own businesses and creating jobs recognised on the night: Leirom Puno was for others… we have been able to celebrate awarded Graduate Employee of the Year many of these successes with the Business for his outstanding product design work Achievement Awards this year.”
The Our Vision, Your Opportunity programme outlines the University’s bold vision to make the most significant investment in its history, driving economic growth for the benefit of students and the wider region. The multi-million pound plan will include investment in world-class new buildings and facilities, as well as investment in teaching, research and skills training. Flagship projects already agreed include the University’s new £18m Business School, and the £65m jointlyfunded redevelopment of the city’s Springfield Brewery site to create a construction and built environment super-campus. The aim is to enhance the student experience, develop the region’s skill base and ultimately produce new jobs and economic regeneration. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer said: “We see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest and grow. We are confident and serious about the future and these are ambitious plans, but this is also a considered approach. “We will be working closely with local authorities and local enterprise partnerships to maximise the investment potential we have. We want to help raise the aspirations of the whole region.”
SUMMER 2015
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