Backing for new uni network
THE Prime Minister's enterprise adviser has voiced his support for a new Plymouth University-led network devoted to nurturing social enterprises.
Lord Young has backed the Social Enterprise UEN (University Enterprise Network), which aims to strengthen 2,000 social enterprises, by drawing on experts in the higher education and business sectors.
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SUPPORT: From left, Andrew North, the Co-operative Group; David Frost, NCEE; Professor Julian Beer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Regional Enterprise, Plymouth University; Professor Wendy Purcell, Plymouth University; Lord Young; Judith Reynolds, Plymouth University; David Richardson, Serco; Dr Rebekah Southern, Deputy Director for Research and Business Development, Plymouth University; Linda Bratcher, Social Enterprise Mark
The UEN will create a "policy portal" to provide access to the latest university research on social enterprise, and offer internship opportunities for about 1,000 students.
It is led by Plymouth University, in conjunction with the Co-operative Group, Serco, the Social Enterprise Mark Company and the National Council for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE).
Lord Young backed the network at its London launch at the Institute of Directors.
David Frost, chair of NCEE; Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University; and David Richardson, Business Development Director for Serco's Commercial and Local Government Division, also addressed guests from the university, social enterprise and private sectors.
Lord Young said: "I look forward to the Enterprise Network encouraging young people at university to create their own business and employ others."
Prof Purcell said: "This is the first network of its kind in the country and presents Plymouth and its partners with a fantastic opportunity to lead the higher education sector in establishing best practice principles for social enterprise.
"Our ambition is for the UEN to make a substantial contribution to the long-term competitiveness of the UK economy and to social cohesion."
The NCEE leads the national development of UENs with industry and academic partners.
The UEN will organise events aimed at students and SMES, regional workshops for small businesses and one-to-one sessions involving business start-ups and experts. It will also promote the benefits of sourcing from social enterprises.
The Universities of Salford and Northampton are already confirmed as partners to Plymouth, and negotiations are taking place with other institutions, and companies.
Mr Richardson said: "We're especially pleased to be working with Plymouth University and its partners as we are keen to play a central role in forging ever closer links between the private, social enterprise and HE sectors."
Comments
by Arfurmo
Friday, February 10 2012, 9:24AM
“Why can't these people get on with what their paid to do- Educate the Students instead of their so called ecperts poking there nose into city affairs and seeking hand-outs from a council anxious to bring down the whole social fabric of Plymouth. What has the University provided for Plymouth other than causing massive unemployment especially with school leavers who have to take a back seat to preferred students looking for pin monet to supplement their educational grant. No grants then for the Plymouth school leavers discounts and with accmomadation turning the city centre into a unwanted ghetto of student accommadation that will free up the landlords from Poll Tax and other perks. This is the ugly face of grace and favour being offerred over and above the needs of those residents born and bred and having to make a living here.”