Official launch for new link for businesses

A new WLV Business Link network was officially launched at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park recently – with over 150 people in attendance. 

The new network has been set up by the University of Wolverhampton’s Research and Enterprise Directorate (RED) to support entrepreneurship, foster collaboration and drive economic growth. This new initiative aims to support organisations in connecting with each other to access resources and expertise.  

Professor Prashant Pillai MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “There is lots of growth happening at our University and one our main aims through our new Strategy 2035 is to be more ambitious, not only for our community, but for the region. 

“We have lots of plans ahead of us to support a variety of disciplines including the Green Innovation Corridor, the health and social care agenda through a new Medical School and placing more focus on digital solutions. 

“This new network will enable businesses to benefit from the breadth and depth of our research, whilst at the same time strengthening partnerships with each other to realise our collective ambitions for the region.” 

Ceri Jones, Director of Research and Enterprise at the University, said: “Our aim through this new network is to position the University as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and facilitator of business and innovation engagement and activity. 

“In the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4) assessment, the University has maintained its position as one of the top institutions nationally and has scored highly for local growth and regeneration, working with business and the public and third sector as well as engaging with the public and community. 

“Universities are well-known for being the factories of knowledge, and we hope that this creative, collaborative endeavour will really help regional businesses to thrive.” 

The event included keynote speakers from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce as well as Vodafone, and researchers from the University networked with a variety of local and regional businesses. A panel discussion offered a discussion around the key challenges to businesses securing funding and upskilling. The launch was followed by networking and afternoon tea. 

Research England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4) looks at the diverse contributions of universities to help level up their local areas, playing a key role in providing unique and important public information on the rich and diverse ways English universities continue to engage with society and our economy, locally, nationally, and internationally.   

Find out more about WLV Business Link.