Shaun Roberts (left) and Professor Graham Upton
Glyndŵr University has signed a new agreement with the FSB which extends its commitment to supporting thousands of small businesses in North Wales and Chester.
The Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) cements the university’s place as a powerful vehicle for the prosperity of the region’s economy.
The university will use its network provided by bases in Wrexham, St Asaph and Broughton to support businesses through academic expertise, research projects, consultancy services and networking forums.
Professor Graham Upton, Interim Vice-Chancellor, put pen to paper on the MoU with Shaun Roberts, Chairman of the Wrexham and Chester branch of the FSB, at an Industry Liaison Forum at Glyndŵr University.
Professor Upton said: “The FSB is the voice of thousands of small businesses and we’re proud to be working with them.
“This region in particular is home to lots of creative organisations which are a small part of the economy overall but deliver huge returns. It’s wonderful to be part of that and we look forward to working together to help North Wales realise its economic potential.”
Glyndŵr University graduate Shaun is managing director of Wrexham-based web developers Creative Catalysts, which he founded four years ago at the age of 19.
Since becoming chair of Wrexham and Chester FSB branch he has campaigned to raise awareness of issues facing SMEs and to build great relationships between organisations and the FSB.
By bringing Glyndŵr and the FSB together he hopes to gather the support he needs to ensure that local businesses thrive.
Shaun said: “Many of our members or their employees already have links to the university through education and training and as a graduate of Glyndŵr, I’m passionate about the role which it has to play in supporting small businesses.
“It has a vast pool of resources which would otherwise be out of the reach of small business owners.
“The new memorandum will help the university to stay in touch with the small business community and its needs and for us as small business owners, it’s an opportunity to explore how the university can help us to grow.”
The Industry Liaison Forum also featured talks from Glyndŵr University’s head of applied sciences, computing and engineering Phil Storrow, lecturer Olivier Durieux about Glyndŵr Racing and an introduction from Paul Morgan, sector development specialist for the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA).
Sheldon – a robot used to teach students and primary school children about computer science – also made an appearance as part of an introduction by Dr Nigel Houlden, senior lecturer in computing.
Kim Dimmick, Business Development & Industrial Partnerships Manager, said: “The Industry Liaison Forum has been running now for the past 18 months, primarily for those companies that Glyndŵr University have worked with closely over the years.
“Although the forum helps develop those relationships we already have with established partners it is also designed to build new collaborations and not only showcases what the University can offer industry but also outlines opportunities that exist for both to work together for mutual benefit.”
If you wish to be part of Industry Liaison Forum please contact [email protected]
