University picks up industry accolade

The Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre is collaboration between the University of Wolverhampton, the City of Wolverhampton College, 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 shortlist had included some “very innovative and impactful initiatives” in teaching and community outreach, but that the Business Solutions Centre “demonstrated a highly collaborative approach among several institutions and agencies for the clear benefit of companies and economic development”.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “It’s a wonderful achievement for all concerned and testament to the hard work the University has done in conjunction with its business partners.

“It’s also recognises that we truly are business facing in all that we do and helping drive economic regeneration in the Black Country.

“We’ve worked very hard over a number of years to put ourselves in a position where we are helping meet the needs of industry, producing skilled graduates as well as helping upskill the region’s workforce.”

Other awards at the glittering black-tie event, which was hosted by Dara O Briain, included prizes for the Outstanding University Fundraising Initiative, ICT Initiative of the Year, and Outstanding Departmental Administration Team.

Wolverhampton’s victory was witnessed by over 800 people, who gathered in The Great Room at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel last night. Staff from Universities all over the UK, and influential figures from across the sector gathered to celebrate the extraordinary innovation, teamwork and commercial acumen of UK higher education institutions.

According to Times Higher Education editor John Gill: "Hard work, creativity and a steady nerve are essential qualities for those leading our universities, and the winners of our awards have all three in spades. Our universities are fortunate to have such superb individuals and teams leading the way, and it is a privilege to bring them into the spotlight at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards."

For more coverage of the awards and photos of all the winners, visit www.thelmawards.co.uk or pick up a copy of THE, available in newsagents from 27 June.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003 or Kerry Paige, email kerry.paige@tes.co.uk.

Times Higher Education is the UK’s most authoritative source of higher education news, information and analysis. Designed specifically for professionals working in the sector, THE was founded in 1971 and has been online since 1995. It is published weekly by TSL Education Ltd.

Date Issued: Friday 21 June 2013