UoG’s impact on regional business growth is highlighted in new report

University of Gloucestershire’s important role in supporting regional business growth and regeneration has been highlighted in the latest release of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

The KEF, which is published by Research England, reflects the impact that UK universities are having on building community engagement and promoting growth in their local areas, with universities arranged into cluster groups of institutions of similar size and focus.

The University achieved the top rating of ‘Very High Engagement’ for the provision of quality training, including through the growth of its apprentice degree provision, CPD and graduate start-ups, and an above average rating in its cluster of ‘High Engagement’ for its work with the public sector and the third sector.

The University also attained an above average rating of ‘High Engagement’ for its role in boosting growth and regeneration, including by developing career-ready graduates to help businesses succeed and thrive and through the services provided by its award-winning Growth Hub.

Since the Growth Hub was launched at the University’s Oxstalls Campus in 2014, its team of business professionals has propelled thousands of local businesses towards their growth aspirations, resulting in an economic boost estimated at £21.5 million, set to increase to £48.4 million by 2025. 

Alex Cottrell, Head of External Relationships at the University, said: “We’re pleased that our track record in helping to drive economic growth in the region has been recognised in the latest  Knowledge Exchange Framework.

“We’re immensely proud of our partnerships and collaborations with the business community and the public sector to support the prosperity of our region, including through the range of services provided by the Growth Hub and by adapting our course portfolio to meet the skills and recruitment needs of employers.”

Practical work experience to support academic learning

Recently, the University reaffirmed its commitment to supporting economic growth in its longstanding role as a key driver of jobs, investment and prosperity in the region, after welcoming a groundbreaking paper setting out how higher education institutions can play an important role in powering the UK government’s economic growth strategy. 

Alongside the work of the Growth Hub, the University provides a range of services through its Student Futures team to prepare students for their careers, including placement and volunteering opportunities, Career Studios in Cheltenham and Gloucester, networking events to connect students with employers, and a professional mentoring programme.

Nick Oxlade, Director of Student Futures, said: “We’re committed to providing our students with the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the local, regional and national workforce, including through degree apprenticeships and undergraduate degree and postgraduate study opportunities. 

“Relationships with local, regional and national business continue to grow throughout the University, through course-level links with industry partners and wider partnerships with employers. 

“Many students would like to work in paid employment while they study, which is supported through the Student Futures team actively working to find opportunities for them with local employers.

“In addition to providing students with income, this gives them valuable practical work experience to support their academic learning, and enables them to build their CV and awareness of career opportunities prior to graduating.”

Images: The University’s wide range of programmes, including in engineering, are providing students with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of employers and support regional prosperity