Indian trip to strengthen special relationship

The trip will be led by the Chancellor, the Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone PC and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer.

The aim is to raise the profile of the University on the Indian subcontinent and build and strengthen key relationships.

A delegation will travel to Delhi and Mumbai to meet business leaders, education providers and Government officials before moving onto Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

In Delhi there are due to be meetings with the British High Commissioner and UKTI, the British Council, education partners and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. (FICCI)

A business networking event will be held in association with FICCI which will focus on how universities can work closer with business to help economic growth. Both Lord Paul and Professor Layer will address an audience of invited business guests.

University of Wolverhampton Alumnus Prashant Dubey, who completed an MBA with the University, will talk about his experiences of studying and going on to set up a successful business.

There will be further meetings with partners in Mumbai alongside a recruitment day, which is being held in conjunction with the Podar School, one of the providers which delivers University of Wolverhampton programmes to students in India.

The Mumbai visit will be rounded off with a business event with the Confederation of Indian Industries.

In Bangladesh a networking event is being held for University of Wolverhampton and the Centre for International Development and Training alumni.

University of Wolverhampton Chancellor, the Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone PC said: “The UK and indeed, Wolverhampton, has a special relationship with India and our visit will help further nurture that relationship.

“There are strong links in terms of education, business and trade and a history or friendship as part of the Wolverhampton India Project.

“The University of Wolverhampton is a truly global university with access to world leading research which welcomes Indian students.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “As a university we seek to provide opportunities not only for people in the UK but also around the world.

“For us, it is all about creating sustainable communities. What we mean by that, is by helping people obtain the education and the skills they need so they can then contribute to their own communities, whether they be in Wolverhampton, India, or another country in the world.

“We believe universities should be and are at the heart of economic regeneration. This was highlighted by the recent Universities UK report which showed that universities in the West Midlands contributed £2.9 billion to the region’s economy.

“At a time when India is seeking to develop its infrastructure we can play a role in sharing knowledge and expertise to help provide the skilled workforce to be the driving force in its growth.”

The University of Wolverhampton has regional offices in Delhi and Bangalore. The trip takes place between April 21 and 27 2014.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.

Date Issued: Thursday 17 April 2014