New uni partnership is good for business
Paisley’s uni has marked the launch of its new School of Business and Creative Industries with the signing of an agreement with the Federation of Small Businesses.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding brings together two key players in the Scottish business support network.
The aim is to help the university and small businesses work together and boost the number of university- based start- ups and increase local business engagement through joint events and communications.
The two organisations also want to strengthen links between education and industry through a fully-funded Graduate Apprenticeship programme.
FSB members will now have the opportunity to help the university shape how it engages with business to complement the organisation’s current wide range of support.
Plans are also in place to help firms access the university’s wide range of research facilities across business, software, health and science.
Dr Daniel Turner, deputy dean for the School of Business and Enterprise said: “The University of the West of Scotland is delighted to be singing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of Small Businesses.
“UWS has an exceptional track record of supporting small businesses whether through producing industry ready graduates, sector leading research or through providing professional training and development.
“Working closely with industry is integral to our approach to this and our partnership with FSB will allow us to further this commitment in the coming years.”
Andy Aird, FSB’s area leader for the West of Scotland, said closing the gap between education and enterprise needs to be a priority in a bid to boost productivity and give businesses the best chance of success.
He said: “This exciting agreement means that small businesses across the West of Scotland will have direct access to UWS’s fantastic expertise across a number of fronts.
“This collaboration is possible thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of both organisations.
“This is an exciting partnership that I’m sure will yield dividends for many years to come.”