Teesside University’s work to support economic growth in the Tees Valley has received national recognition.
The University is the winner of the Improving the Business Environment category in the 2018 Enterprising Britain Awards.
The Enterprising Britain Awards are part of the government’s drive to support entrepreneurial activity in the UK. Managed by Investment in Young People on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the awards celebrate the work of public sector and government-backed organisations that support and encourage entrepreneurialism across the UK.
The Improving the Business Environment award goes to the organisation or partnership that is best at encouraging an environment that promotes enterprise start-ups and growth.
Teesside’s award was given for its role as an anchor institution working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to support business and innovation growth through a number of different initiatives.
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, who visited Teesside University this week to attend the Prosperity UK conference, said: “The UK has some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative minds in the world delivering good jobs and growth, and I’m proud to see the wealth of talent, creativity and innovation that exists in Teesside being recognised by the Enterprising Britain Awards.
“On my visit to Teesside University I have seen first-hand how the region is driving forward our modern Industrial Strategy, with the North East and Tees Valley leading the way in developing a local Industrial Strategy which will keep them at the cutting-edge of UK innovation and business growth.”
Some of the initiatives highlighted in Teesside University’s entry were:
Launchpad – the University’s unique start-up engine providing advice, support and co-working and office space to early-stage companies.
DigitalCity – a longstanding programme to build the region’s digital capability, delivered in partnership with TVCA
Innovate Tees Valley – a University-led partnership, supported by European funding, to help SMEs build innovation capacity for entry into new markets and sectors with new products and services.
LEAP 50 – a programme led by Teesside University Business School to help ambitious Tees Valley businesses scale and grow.
Leadership development – the University has made a major investment in relaunching a business school focused on developing entrepreneurial capability among leaders and managers.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) Professor Jane OBE DL, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted that our work to support the economic growth of the Tees Valley has been recognised.
“We fully align our business support to the Tees Valley’s economic goals and we are delighted to be making a tangible impact on jobs, business growth and the prosperity of our region.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, said: “I’m pleased that Teesside University’s partnership with business has been acknowledged.
“It’s vital there is a strong link between business and academia to ensure graduates are equipped with the right skills for our local job-creators.”
Photo: Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Teesside University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) Professor Jane OBE DL, and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Rt Hon Greg Clark MP.