Patron Focus

patron focus Patron status helps UWL build business skills

Matt Snowden, head of research & enterprise operations at the University of West London (UWL), discusses the benefits of being a Chamber patron…

Why did UWL become a patron of the local Chamber of Commerce?

We’re incredibly proud to have such a longstanding link with the Chamber and the huge benefits it brings to our university community.

Given the university’s focus on employability, strong relationships with local employers are essential. Working closely with the Chamber and its members provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reach out, engage with and support the businesses in our community.

We know that many of our students work in the area after graduating or set up businesses themselves, so we want to work closely with members to develop the talent and provide the support to help our business community thrive.

What benefits do you get from being a patron?

There’s a reason we’re known as the career university – we equip students with the skills and expertise they’ll need in the workplace. Our relationship with the Chamber enables us to provide work experience placements, internships and live projects that see students tackle problems head on by coming up with solutions to real-world business briefs.

As well as helping us to train students and apprentices with the skills employers are looking for, connecting with local businesses allows us to remain a central

University of West London

part of our community. We offer businesses access to our expertise, resources and facilities.

Through our Westmont Enterprise Hub, we back brilliant business ideas and help pre-startups grow – from the flicker of something smart through to proof of concept and on to market.

How has UWL managed to climb the influential Guardian University Guide?

Climbing an impressive 23 places, UWL is now ranked 34th nationally in the Guardian University Guide 2021. This is a huge success and in part is down to our industry focused teaching and high graduate employment rates.

The secret to our success is that we listen. We listen to our students so that we can deliver on the things that matter to them such as great teaching, excellent student services and a wide range of extracurricular activities. However, we also listen to the needs of employers so that we can ensure our students have the skills they need to build a successful career and help our economy grow.

Over the last few years, more than £150 million has been invested in our campus to create an inspiring social and learning environment for students. As well as modern social spaces and a new library, UWL is jam-packed with specialist facilities.

How is UWL managing to cope with the effects of COVID-19?

Given the needs of our students, the industry-focused nature of our courses and the wide range

of specialist facilities, we are continuing to deliver the majority of our teaching face-to-face. We have put in place comprehensive measures to make our campus COVID-secure, including the introduction of one-way systems, a limit on numbers of people on site at any one time and the delivery of enhanced cleaning.

All large-scale lectures and seminars will be available online only. The university has invested in a whole range of tools, resources and content that enables students to continue their studies if they are unable to attend campus.