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21 Dec 2006 17:07:41
The key
role of the University in helping to shape the county’s economic development has
been highlighted.
Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon spoke to businesses at the Bedford Business Breakfast Club last week and revealed the University of Bedfordshire contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy and has helped thousands of businesses to expand.
The University offers companies a whole host of services to help them to grow including:
· The University’s Knowledge Hub, which is committed to improving the quality, quantity and survival rates of start-up companies in the region, and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs
· The Centre for Women’s Enterprise, which was set up to ensure that women gain access to the skills, support, inspiration and contacts needed to succeed and
· The M1 Knowledge Exchange, which is the University’s vehicle to drive innovation and boost business competitiveness, combining its business support services with those of advanced technologies partner Cranfield University.
Since the new University was created in August, it has also developed the Business Growth Plan with Bedfordshire County Council, to support 50 small, ambitious companies wanting to expand, while maintaining a Bedfordshire base.
Professor Les Ebdon explained: “As well as the economic benefits to the county, the educational advantages of the new University are unprecedented, as we open up opportunities to those who want to study and achieve their life goals, in a supportive and inspiring environment.”
He was also asked to address a recent conference on regeneration and housing, organised by MP for Luton South Margaret Moran, held at the University’s Putteridge Bury campus, to speak about the important role a University plays in the regeneration and development of towns and cities.
MP Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing and Planning, attended along with a host of other speakers, to examine the Government’s Milton Keynes and South Midlands Growth Strategy, which outlines the development plans for the region over the next two decades.
The Vice Chancellor spoke about the millions of pounds the University is investing in the region, the state-of the-art facilities being built and how the institution is creating a well-equipped workforce which responds to meet the needs of local employers, as well as creating jobs.
He emphasised the importance of organisations working together when considering redevelopment, including the East of England Development Agency, local authorities and private developers.
Professor Ebdon said: “The University is pleased to be playing a major part in the regeneration of the county, by undergoing major expansion and development. By next year will have completed £45 million investment over the two campuses, with a further £25 million to come in the Luton campus, which could not have been achieved without building strong partnerships, which are the key to successful planning and regeneration.
“We created the new University of Bedfordshire to see further growth in the county and to create an institution with more students and more opportunities. We are pleased to see our vision is fast becoming a reality.”
Latest news» 2006» Dec» University plays key role in shaping county’s economic regeneration
