Knowledge News Issue 1 by University of Wolverhampton

A University that means business

KNOWledGE NEWS

Issue 1

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.

Educating tomorrow's scientists

Plans for a new £25m University science centre have been submitted to Wolverhampton City Council for approval. The contemporary structure will involve the redevelopment of current buildings fronting onto Stafford Street to create six storeys of facilities featuring state-of-the-art laboratories for over 2,500 students. Home to around 150 staff and covering more than 6,000 square metres, the building will extend the impressive line-up of University architecture in the city centre. The new building will open in phases, with anticipated completion in December 2014. It will include an area from Stafford Street through which the public can view the inside of the building and see experiments and teaching in action.

Driving business growth and competitiveness

The project is part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the University’s City North and South Campuses.

Building plans mean business

• • • • •

“Alongside our partners the Express and Star, we are delighted to be bringing this level of prosperity into the region which will enable businesses to thrive. It is particularly significant at an exciting time for the region, with the i54 development and new Jaguar Land Rover engine plant on the edge of Wolverhampton.

Work will soon begin on a new home for the Business School. Built on land between MN and MH, the new building will be a purposebuilt space for undergraduate, postgraduate and research student learning and teaching, and the focus for management development. It will become the heart of the Business School and connect directly with MN, where Business School staff are located.

Pre-launch registration has opened for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Black Country to apply to the Green Shoots Fund – and yours could be one to benefit.

“The scheme is focused on improving the competitiveness of SMEs and creating opportunities in the region. SMEs that can demonstrate they are high growth companies in terms of their ability to create jobs, develop their business and be sustainable will be able to bid for funding when the scheme launches.

The vision for the new building is that it will provide an inspirational setting for our community of staff and students. Formal and informal learning spaces will sit side-by-side, allowing the fluid movement of people and ideas. It will feature areas tailored to students' level of study, learning spaces that accommodate the latest technology, a café and venue space, as well as being a comfortable and welcoming environment to meet colleagues and friends.

The Green Shoots Fund will run for 18 months, starting in April 2013. SMEs will be provided with expert mentors drawn from local business who will provide coaching to maximise the benefits of the investment. Companies interested in the scheme can register interest at: www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/greenshoots

It will open during the 2014/2015 academic year. Students will be invited to contribute ideas and comment on the design of the new building to ensure it provides the right environment for future generations of students.

The Fund will support 50 SMEs in the Black Country and create a minimum of 75 jobs. Businesses will be able to supplement their own investment by applying for an award from £10,000 up to £50,000 to support investment projects. Priority will be given to businesses from the following sectors identified by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as having the most potential for growth and maximising impact for the local economy.

Advanced Manufacturing Building Technologies Transport Technologies including Aerospace Environmental Technologies Business Services

Professor Ian Oakes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the University of Wolverhampton, said:

This represents a major investment in the Business School and is a reflection of its success and importance to the University.

lights • Business Highlights • Business Highlights More businesses move onto our Telford Innovation Campus A new Business and Technology Centre will open on the Telford Innovation Campus in May 2013 and will be home to some 30 businesses.

University responds to STEM demand

Live Budget Update event success

Brush up your language skills

Responding to increasing demand for graduates in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subject areas; the University of Wolverhampton is launching a new specialised School of Science and Engineering in June.

Economics experts shared their views on how the Budget will affect West Midlands enterprises in a free live panel discussion at Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre. Explore future events: www.wolverhamptonbsc.com

Practise your language skills in an informal setting at The Language Café, 5pm-7pm on the first Wednesday of every month at the University of Wolverhampton’s Arena Theatre. Keep in touch at: www.facebook.com/wlvlnfe

Helping business innovate Spencer Kelly, well-known technology enthusiast, broadcaster and journalist, joined the Innovation 1st team for the opening of a brand new Visualisation Centre at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park on Wednesday 13 March, 2013.

Businesses were invited to meet the Innovation 1st team and explore the ways improved technology could transform their companies. The Visualisation Centre incorporates modern technology such as one of the largest Windows 8 touchscreens in the West Midlands, varied 3D capability and a WOW vision box.

Stimulating enterprise in our schools

Celebrating business success

A roaring success – this two-day business challenge event welcomed 150 young people from across the region, who showcased their creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills to five local businesses. Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/thepitch for more info.

Calling all businesses! The University is proud to be launching its achievement awards, to recognise outstanding excellence and growth from local businesses. Closing date for applications is Friday 3 May 2013. Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/ businessawards for more info.

Spencer stayed for the whole evening to talk to businesses about technology in the workplace and pass on handy hints and tips for using technology to enhance everyday working practices. The Visualisation Centre is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is open to businesses which would like a tour of the facilities and explore how the University could assist their organisation. To book, contact the University of Wolverhampton Business Solutions team on: 01902 321272 or email: if@wlv.ac.uk

The University of Wolverhampton is recognised nationally for its work with industry, business and the professions. We play a leading role in influencing regional innovation and competitiveness and are committed to continue building vibrant and productive business partnerships. In 2013, we have an exciting opportunity to lead regional enterprise and competitiveness through the Green Shoots Fund. The result of a joint bid from the University and the Express & Star, £1.4m Regional Growth funding has been secured to enable regional businesses to grow and create new jobs. Up to 50 small to medium-sized businesses will have the opportunity to benefit. With graduation fast-approaching for many of our students, we continue to have an unprecedented impact on the injection of high-quality skills and knowledge into the local economy. We ensure that all our graduates are prepared for the realities of the world of work – many undertake work placements to gain hands-on experience in the workplace, while we also encourage the next generation of innovative and extraordinary thinkers with schemes such as the Student Entrepreneurs in Education programme. Our impact on the local environment stretches back 170 years to the birth of Wolverhampton’s Mechanics Institute, which provided education and training for working men. Upskilling the next generation and supporting the local economy remain key parts of the University’s ethos. We look forward to celebrating excellence and recognising successful alumni and business partnerships at our inaugural Business Achievement Awards in June 2013. We believe they will provide an ideal platform to showcase the University’s drive, enterprise and entrepreneurship. Professor Ian Oakes Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise

Preventing another horse meat scandal A tracing system developed by the University of Wolverhampton and partners could help prevent future food scares such as the recent horse meat scandal. The Farm to Fork project developed and utilised technologies including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to identify and trace foods across Europe from producer to consumer, providing consumers with detailed product information. A range of meat, dairy, fish and wine products were successfully tested in countries including the UK, Spain, Italy and Slovenia. Consumers scan the product’s code with a smartphone, tablet or in-store scanner to see detailed information such as where it originated, was processed, packed and stored, how it was transported and at what temperature and how many miles it's travelled. Professor Bob Newman, from the University’s School of Technology says: “The Farm to Fork project bridges the gap between the supplier, retailers and the consumer. It ensures proof of origin and production history, which can be used if product tracing is ever required.”

Business Highlights • Business Highl KEEN to support West Midlands SMEs

Manufacturing showcase success

Stylish new function venue opens

Product designers and innovators hailed a recent public showcase at Telford Innovation Campus a success. Explore West Midlands Manufacturing Club: www.westmidlands manufacturingclub.co.uk

A contemporary new 250-seat capacity function suite, bar and coffee lounge have opened for private hire at Telford Innovation Campus.

Develop your export capability with a six-month business improvement programme from KEEN.

Call: 01902 321 259.

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/keen

Forthcoming events at the University of Wolverhampton The University runs a comprehensive range of events, including those tailored to support local businesses, so here are some dates for your diary.

Step into summ

with a summer Step pla Enterprise and employability showcase Wednesday 8 May 2013, from 12 noon

New business venturesWednesday 27 February 2013 One of a range of free events to celebrate 21 years since gaining university status, businesses are invited to attend this special event at Telford Innovation Campus with speakers from Google, Pebble and Bronze. Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/21andproud

(followed by ne New Wolverhampton-based company, VoiD Games, is celebrating the successful launch of its first app, Guess the Game. A group of University of Wolverhampton graduates formed VoiD thanks help from the of business ThetoUniversity Wolverhampton is proud to be hos start-up project, SPEED Plus, which gives students and graduates the Developing an launch of the summer Step placement programme… Entrepreneurial opportunity to launch a business idea and receive financial support, together. Mind-set Conference access to business facilities and mentoring.employers, graduates and students Graduates Chris Carter (Computer Science), Jake Rogers (Games Design), Neil Cooper (Interactive Media and Web) and Adam Talbot (current parttime Computer Science student) set up VOiD Games in June with the aim of developing apps and games for iPods and iPhones. The quartet have been delighted by reaction to their first creation, Guess the Game, after

With the first app completed the company is now looking forward to creating more products from its city base.

www.voidgames.co.uk

Green light for innovation The launch of a million pound project is set to benefit West Midlands companies within the green technology sector – and yours could be one of them. The University of Wolverhampton is working with small and medium enterprises to develop innovative climate change solutions within the built environment, particularly products associated with the retrofitting of housing. The three-year regional project, Built Environment Climate Change Innovations (BECCI), invites businesses to develop new or improved energy efficient products by providing access to the latest information and knowledge on low carbon technologies. The project is being run in collaboration with Coventry University and more than £500,000 of funding has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). BECCI will use the facilities of both universities to offer free support to at least 85 companies from across the West Midlands during the project. Norman Price, Deputy Chair of the West Midlands ERDF Local Management Committee said: “This project offers a real opportunity for businesses to learn about and get involved in the developing area of energy efficiency within the housing market. It is crucial that we support businesses to expand and break into developing markets which will help boost profits and improve the local economy.” If your business can benefit from this opportunity, get in touch on tel: 01902 321 272.

Bringing Business & Graduates Together

Getting graduates into jobs A national placement programme was officially launched at the University of Wolverhampton. Companies were invited to find out how a student or graduate placement can help their business at the launch of the national Step placement programme, which was held on Wednesday 27 February, 2013. The programme is a cost effective, risk-free way for companies to hire and try out recent graduates or current students on shortterm placements. Companies can access expertise in sectors ranging from engineering to communications. The University of Wolverhampton has an impressive track record of connecting talented students with host companies, with 93% of placements resulting in full-time employment. Simon Brandwood, Head of Careers and Employment Centre at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Students and graduates have made a key contribution locally, regionally and nationally to the economic growth of the UK. Step is a cost effective way of trialing future graduate employees, and it is a great mechanism to bring individual growth to an organisation.” For further information visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/step or tel: 01902 321 688.

KNOWledGE

For more information

NEWS

Email: enquiries@wolverhamptonbsc.com

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

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Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May 2013 exciting event which

You are invited to attend this will giv Join in the discussion with key local and international speakersplacements. on enterprise, the programme’s successful short-term Hea innovation, economic development and The SPEED Plus programme is part-funded knowledge transfer at this freeabout two-day by the European Regionaltheir Development companies and placement graduates the ben conference. Explore the economic drivers Fund (ERDF). supporting successful and competitive in the scheme. economies. Create an entrepreneurial

its recent launch on the Apple app store. Chris Carter, managing director of VOiD Games, said: “The feedback since the launch has been amazing. We've had people from all over the world downloading and playing our game. We've had people contacting us through Twitter and Facebook to give us feedback on how it plays and any other features they'd like to see.”

mind-set to see the benefits it can bring to education and the economy in the global marketplace. Visit: www. wolverhamptonbsc.com/events

Places areQRlimited, so bo NFC – the new code? Breakfast event Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/s Tuesday 21 May 2013, 7.30am-9.30am Change the way customers interact with your business and marketing campaigns: find out about near-field-communication (NFC). Explore creative ways your company could use this contactless technology and ingenious ways to adopt it into business processes – saving time and money. Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/business

Business Achievement Awards: Nominate now! Wednesday 12 June 2013, Molineux stadium As part of the University’s 21 and proud celebrations, the Business Achievement Awards are searching for the most successful business the University has worked with in the past 21 years – could it be yours? This black-tie event will culminate in an awards ceremony at Molineux stadium. Make your nomination today! Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/businessawards

Scifest 2013: fun for all the family Saturday 22 June, 10am-4pm Explore a wide variety of exciting workshops, events, activities and stalls at this free science and technology event at the University’s Wolverhampton City Campus. Find out what’s on offer at: www.wlv.ac.uk/scifest