A University that means business
KNOWledGE NEWS
Issue 2
University picks up industry accolade
Welcome to the latest edition of Knowledge News. During the summer, the University of Wolverhampton celebrated an important milestone. On 17 June 2013, Wolverhampton held the title of ‘University’ for 21 years. We were proud to mark this anniversary and our 180 year heritage rooted in the development of the city and region. I hope many of you were able to join us for some of the commemorative events held throughout the year, especially those aimed at business.
The University of Wolverhampton celebrated winning the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year category at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2013 for its role in the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre.
The Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre is a collaboration between the University of Wolverhampton, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Wolverhampton City Council. By sharing contacts and using a single customer relations management system, the centre, based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, has opened up partners to a much wider business community, linking academics and research to local small business organisations, supporting commercial needs, boosting skills and increasing market opportunities. The judges said the Centre “demonstrated a highly collaborative approach among several institutions and agencies for the clear benefit of companies and economic development”.
The University has continued to consolidate its work with a variety of sectors across the region in order to influence regional regeneration and competitiveness. Our latest initiative addresses the urgent need to improve skills, competitiveness and profitability within the manufacturing industry. The BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering is a twoyear degree programme designed to fast-track employee training. After just one year of operation, the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN), has benefitted over 50 regional businesses. We are delighted with the number of productive partnerships formed between the business and academic communities and look forward to supporting further business growth and graduate opportunity through the scheme. Our business focus has also attracted national attention. The University won the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year category at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards for its role in the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre. I am delighted that the impact our knowledge transfer activities make to business competitiveness, productivity and graduate employability has been recognised. In addition, we were presented with the Athena Swan Bronze Award for our promotion of the role of women in science, engineering and technology. I hope that you are enjoying our Wolverhampton Business Champions Innovation Series and will continue to benefit from these fascinating insights into product and process innovation, pioneered by local organisations. Professor Ian Oakes Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and External Engagement
Prestigious equality award for University The University of Wolverhampton has received a national award for helping promote the role of women in science, engineering and technology (SET). The Athena Swan charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women in the SET subject areas in higher education and research. The University has successfully gained an Athena Swan Bronze award, which can help fulfil the organisation’s gender duty commitments and work towards sustaining equitable working environments, as well as identify the University as an employer of choice to staff, students, funders, research councils and industry.
Accelerated degree addressing industry needs The first cohort of students on an innovative degree are due to start their studies in January 2014. The two-year accelerated BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering is an employersponsored degree which allows employeestudents to gain a Bachelor’s degree in an accelerated two-year time frame. It provides businesses within the sector the chance to up-skill their workforce, giving their employees a career-enhancing qualification in an area designed to address specific skills demanded by the company. Sponsored employees attend the University one day a week as well as 12 Saturdays during the year. Direct experience in using the University’s comprehensive engineering facilities provides employee-students with practical skills to complement their learning and increase their effectiveness in the workplace. The University collaborated with a number of high-profile partners including UTC Aerospace Systems, Caparo Tube Components, TRW Automotive, Moog Aircraft Group and Caterpillar UK in the development of the course. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Oakes, said: “The BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering course has been specifically designed with the needs of industry in mind, and will support a sector where a significant proportion of the learning happens in the workplace. To find out more, visit: www.wolverhamptonbsc. com/ or email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc. com
PM’s green light to armed forces’ dependants’ scheme A University of Wolverhampton scheme to provide opportunities for service dependants has been funded by the Government. The Prime Minister announced the details of successful bids to the Armed Forces Covenant (LIBOR) Fund as part of Armed Forces Day. The 'Supporting the Unsung Hero' project intends to offer a business start-up programme for the dependants of serving Armed Forces personnel, Reservists and Veterans to enable them not only to financially support their family but integrate them into the local civilian community. The 10-month programme offers information and advice on self-employment, a business start-up course and individual and group mentoring with business consultants. For more information on the programme, visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/supportingtheunsunghero
Wolverhampton Business Champions Free Sessions Learn from the success of local organisations that can prove you don’t need large budgets or R&D facilities to achieve outstanding results. University of Wolverhampton staff will also be available to identify support programmes that may help you realise your own business innovation. Location: Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, WV10 9RT.
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start.
Energy reduction, Thursday 21 November 2013 Increasing energy bills led Caparo to undergo a company-wide energy reduction initiative. A clear strategy, cost reduction targets and a team of 'Energy Champions' were put in place to tackle the organisation's energy consumption. Having now exceeded their targets, Caparo share the secrets of their success.
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.
Business bursary available to employ graduates A new scheme from the University of Wolverhampton allows businesses and charities to benefit from cash bursaries of up to £850 when employing a University of Wolverhampton graduate. Available on a first-come-first-served basis and funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the initiative is open to private sector small and medium-sized enterprises in the West Midlands, as well as registered charities and social enterprises in the region. A maximum of three bursaries per company is allowed. Helene Turley, Head of The Workplace at the University said:
The University is committed to helping organisations in recruiting graduate talent. We would recommend organisations to get in touch as early as possible to take advantage of this scheme.
House of Lords reception marks University’s 21st The University marked the end of its 21st anniversary celebrations with a glittering evening at the House of Lords. Dignitaries, including alumni, honorary graduates, politicians, and leaders in business and education were invited to Westminster on Tuesday 8 October for the occasion. Speeches were given by the University’s Chancellor, Lord Paul of Marylebone; Vice-Chancellor
For more information, e-mail: theworkplace@wlv.ac.uk or contact Kunal Swani, Employer Liaison Officer on tel: 01902 321 692.
Brand new Business School building
Professor Geoff Layer; Michael Elliott, Chairman of the Board of Governors; and graduate Sofina Islam, who is now head teacher at Stanton Bridge Primary School, in Coventry. Guests included former alumni like Marcus Wareham, global account manager for Facebook; honorary graduates like soul singer Jaki Graham; international ambassadors, politicians, and leading education figures. The event marked the culmination of a series of celebratory events that took place throughout the year to mark the 21st anniversary of the University of Wolverhampton gaining university status.
Business programme celebrates successful year Over 50 regional businesses have benefitted over the last 12 months from a scheme led by the University of Wolverhampton. Launched in July 2012, the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) gives local businesses the opportunity and resources to increase profitability and achieve growth.
Rachel and Charlotte-Anne are now part of the team!” Fellow local businesses are being urged to take advantage of the programme before funding subsidies run out. Emma Pearson, KEEN project manager, said:
Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the programme develops a relationship between a West Midlands-based small to medium sized enterprise, a regional university and a graduate.
Given the current economic climate, innovative collaboration is needed to help businesses move forward. KEEN provides regional companies with real return on investment by combining business and academic minds to great effect.
Ultra Furniture Ltd from Kingswinford employed two graduates to work within the company. Director, Glenn Aston, said: “I was very impressed by the support provided throughout the recruitment process by the University of Wolverhampton and we are very pleased that graduates
For more information about the KEEN programme visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/keen or phone: 01902 321 272.
A new building to house the University of Wolverhampton Business School has been given the go-ahead. Wolverhampton City Council has approved plans for the £18m project to build a new flagship building at the City Molineux campus designed by Sheppard Robson. The six storey structure aims to reflect the Business School’s growing reputation and engagement with the business community in the region and will include tutorial, workshop and seminar rooms, an IT suite, meeting rooms, learning zones and a central social space and café. Dr Anthea Gregory, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences which incorporates the University of Wolverhampton Business School, said: “The plans demonstrate the University’s commitment to supporting and driving economic regeneration in the region. We want to contribute to the creation of jobs and providing a ready and skilled workforce as well as helping businesses develop existing staff.” Led by project managers Gardiner & Theobald, work on site is due to start in early 2014 with a delivery date of May 2015.
Innovation Series:
Book your place now at www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/wolverhampton-business-champions
Moog actuator, Thursday 16 January 2014
Virtual engineering, Thursday 20 February 2014
Social media, Thursday 20 March 2014
Process innovation, Thursday 17 April 2014
From concept to first flight in just 20 months, Moog Aircraft Group's electric actuator was a well-calculated innovation at a time of significant growth in the sector. This presentation will describe the advanced product design and development techniques used in its development.
The search for more cost effective ways to develop new products has done much to stimulate innovation. Eliminating the need to build costly prototypes, computer simulations help engineers to design, modify, analyse and optimise their designs. Discover how virtual engineering has benefitted the aerospace industry.
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are fast becoming mainstream in the business world. Social media can be a low cost, highly effective tool to get closer to your customers. Understanding this changing media and communications landscape could be good for your business - find out how.
Following a devastating fire in 2012, the building supplies company Carvers not only rebuilt their physical premises but completely re-engineered their business by automating their processes. This presentation will focus on process innovation covering customer engagement, sales, order processing, inventory management, storage and logistics.
Grow your business – tools and techniques Business success can have unexpected impact – you may need more staff, better understanding of finance or to focus more on marketing. Small businesses can find accessing the right advice and knowledge challenging. A series of one-day workshops, led by industry and academic experts has been designed to provide valuable information and insight into key areas.
Successful Tendering Wednesday 20 November 2013
Universities link Malaysia and Wolverhampton The University of Wolverhampton is celebrating being formally linked with one of Malaysia’s top universities: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). A Memorandum of Understanding was agreed between the universities which will see developments including academic programmes around oil and gas, nursing, banking and finance as well as research opportunities. Teaching, anticipated to begin in September 2014, will be delivered at UMS. Both institutions are also exploring opportunities for student and staff exchanges. The agreement was signed in London at the House of Lords by Vice-Chancellor,
Professor Geoff Layer from the University of Wolverhampton and Deputy ViceChancellor, Professor Dr Shahril Yusof from UMS. Sabah’s Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar bin Haji Mahiruddin is also the Chancellor of University Malaysia Sabah and a former graduate of the University of Wolverhampton where he studied law. Professor Layer said: “I’m delighted to have signed this agreement with UMS and I look forward to working closely with
University opens Brussels office The University’s new office in the home of the European Union ensures it is at the heart of Europe’s decision-making processes and ideally places it to forge a network of contacts throughout the EU.
them to develop academic programmes in the coming months. “Agreements such as these are very important. Higher education is important the world wide and collaborating with partners overseas can provide huge benefits in terms of research, sharing of knowledge and joint work and the exchange of staff and students. “It’s even more pleasing that the UMS Chancellor and the Head of State is an alumnus of the University of Wolverhampton.”
Growing student satisfaction University of Wolverhampton students are more satisfied than ever with their courses, support and resources, according to the results of the ninth annual National Student Survey (NSS).
The EU is launching its new 2014-2020 programmes, and its approach to research is particularly interesting to the University. A Brussels presence will be able to share some of the University’s most successful initiatives in research, business knowledge and enterprise with academic collaborators and industrial leaders. A successful opening event of the office has already resulted in a number of new partnerships examining scientific and industrial opportunities in the new EU programmes yet to be launched.
Nigerian project success
Overall satisfaction at the University rose by 3% compared to last year, to a score of 83%. Scores for Wolverhampton in all of the seven categories saw an increase compared to last year’s results.
The University is celebrating the success of an international knowledge exchange programme, developed between Wolverhampton and the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria.
Simeon Chandra, President of the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union, said: “The satisfaction with the Students’ Union has gone up. We are happy it has risen but we want to make sure it goes even higher next year.”
The programme has resulted in the establishment of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (CEED) at the University of Maiduguri – the first successfully established within Nigeria, in response to a declaration by the Nigerian Federal Government.
A number of individual subject areas scored particularly high rates, with 100% of BA (Hons) Animation students being pleased with the quality of their course; 100% of BA (Hons) English students going on to work or further study; and 100% of BA (Hons) Fine Art students being happy with the library and resources.
KNOWledGE
For more information
NEWS
Email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com
Tel: 01902 321 272 Web: www.wlv.ac.uk/knowledge
MAC1850
Be guided through the perils and pitfalls of tendering led by Roy Casey, Success Train Ltd.
Marketing, Innovation and Quality Wednesday 22 January 2014 Effective marketing and innovation can have an impact on your business, led by Dr Robert Harris, Principal Lecturer, University of Wolverhampton Business School.
Employing Staff and Talent Wednesday 26 February 2014 Recruiting and retaining talent for your growing business can be perilous, led by Dr Andrew Hambler and Steve Rogers, University of Wolverhampton Business School.
Finance for non-Finance Managers Wednesday 26 March 2014 Interpret your accounts and get a grip on your finances, led by Lorraine Morris, University of Wolverhampton Business School. Each workshop costs £50, including lunch, course materials and certificates. Location: University of Wolverhampton Telford Innovation Campus, TF2 9NT. Time: 10am- 4pm For more information, call: 01902 321 272 email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com visit: www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/events
Agility training for businesses The University of Wolverhampton, together with the European Regional Development Fund, is helping to fund the Agile Office Demonstrator Scheme to show companies how to take advantage of wireless and mobile technologies to operate out of the office and on the go. Designed to help regional small and medium enterprises make use of remote working practices, help them break free from the traditional office environment and work in a more flexible and agile way, the project showcases a range of new technologies, like smartphones, laptops and tablets, and Cloud-based software, which stores information online and can be accessed wirelessly from anywhere. For more information on the Agile Office Project, call: 01952 288 206 or email: agile@wlv.ac.uk.
Welcome to the University of Wolverhampton Science Park New companies on site are: Stone’s Throw Media Classroom Medics WebGringo Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group