News

Friday 18 November 2005

Businesses gather for knowledge network launch

A new initiative aimed at improving business performance and contributing to the growth of the local economy was launched on Thursday, November 17. The Nottingham Knowledge Network is a unique partnership between Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham and Business Link Nottinghamshire, with support from Greater Nottingham Partnership.

About 115 representatives from small and medium sized businesses attended the event at BioCity Nottingham to learn how their companies could benefit from greater interaction with the two universities. The initiative aims to show how resources within both institutions could be of value when developing products, services or processes for businesses.

The event – which tied in with national Enterprise Week 2005 – featured a joint introduction from Nottingham Trent University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Business Development, Professor Peter Jones and the University of Nottingham’s Director of Research Innovation Services, Dr Richard Masterman.

A presentation was given which showed the significant potential that both universities have for Nottingham companies.  It was highlighted that the two institutions undertake more than £100m of research in Nottingham, attract students from over 160 countries and have supported the creation of over 100 businesses in Nottingham.

Pennine Healthcare Ltd and Broadway Cinema and Media Centre gave case studies on their experiences of collaborating with both universities, and how this had helped in the development of their businesses.

The presentations were opened by Dr Martin French, the Director of Innovation East Midlands, the regional science and industry council established by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). They were brought to a close by Helen Hurman, the Head of Regional Business Development at The University of Nottingham's Research Innovation Services.

After the presentations there was a lively question and answer session and chance for businesses to get together to discuss specific issues. This was hosted by Nottingham Trent University’s Business and Regional Development Manager, Jeremy Hague, and the University of Nottingham’s Business Development Officer Steven Hardy, with contributions from staff at both institutions.

Professor Peter Jones said: “This important project symbolises the joint intent of the universities to develop long-term relationships with regional businesses to explore new and productive ways of working effectively together.”

Dr Richard Masterman said: “The knowledge network will increase partnerships and links between business and universities in ways that will ensure that our world-changing research brings benefits to companies and contributes to regional economic development.”

Manny Gatt, Managing Director of Business Link Nottinghamshire says, “We are delighted that businesses took advantage of this unique opportunity to find out how they could tap into expertise from the two universities to improve their business performance and contribute to the growth of the local economy.”

ENDS

Notes for editors: Business Link Nottinghamshire is part of a national network of business links, funded by government to support small businesses. Its mission is to help make the East Midlands a top 20 region in Europe by 2010, putting it amongst the top performing areas in the country for new business creation, survival and SME productivity.

The next event by the Nottingham Knowledge Network is being held on Thursday, January 26, 2006. Details will be announced nearer the time.

Pennine Healthcare Ltd is one of the leading, privately owned manufacturers of single use, sterile medical devices and custom procedure packs.

Broadway is the East Midland ’s flagship cinema and production house with an established national and international reputation for film exhibition, production and festivals.

Nottingham’s two universities – some facts:

•   Combined business activity of £33m.
•   56,000 students.
•   More than 6,000 international students from over 160 countries.
•   Over £100m worth of new research activity awarded in Nottingham each year.
•   Over 100 businesses created (spin outs, staff start-ups, graduate companies).
•   Over 3200 academics in virtually every area of enquiry.
•   We have world-class experts in:
  •   Business
  •   Science
  •   Technology
  •   Art andDesign
  •   Law
  •   Medicine and Health Sciences

For more information please contact:

Dave Rogers, Press Officer, Nottingham Trent University, on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2650 or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk

Or Tim Utton, Press Officer, University of Nottingham, on Tel: +44 (0)115 846 8092, or via email on tim.utton@nottingham.ac.uk