2012 - Keele University

New partnership launches to nurture high-growth businesses

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Posted on 02 January 2012
The Group’s key objectives are to help retain and create successful organisations in the region, raise the profile of the Universities, improve graduate retention and encourage graduate start-ups, making a positive contribution to the regional economy and knowledge base

A new partnership is being launched to encourage and support high-growth businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

The ‘Business and Innovation Group’ will see Keele University Science and Business Park (KUSBP) and Keele University partnering with Staffordshire University and North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce to provide organisations with specialist and strategic advice. The team will work closely with the Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to deliver the service to companies across sectors, including professional services, creative, medical, manufacturing, technology and environmental.

Maitland Hyslop, chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP said: “The Business & Innovation Group (BIG) harnesses key skills and experience in a new partnership model that will support the region’s inward investment teams.

“The Group’s key objectives are to help retain and create successful organisations in the region, raise the profile of the Universities, improve graduate retention and encourage graduate start-ups, making a positive contribution to the regional economy and knowledge base.”

“The Business and Innovation Group is a powerful alliance that draws on the expertise of each of the four partners,” commented Caroline Mairs, head of KUSBP. “KUSBP has an established reputation for effective business support, North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce has represented the interests of local businesses for 200 years, and both Universities offer first-class research facilities and access to innovation and entrepreneurship. By working together and combining our strengths, we can offer companies an extensive range of advice that will support and enhance their future growth.”

Paul Richards, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University added: “We have a strong contribution to make to the success of the Staffordshire economy and a good track record in supporting enterprise, business start ups and improving the competitiveness of local firms.

“We are pleased to be working with Keele and the Chamber of Commerce to benefit the wider region.”

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