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Vice-Chancellor welcomes Ed Miliband to the North-East

15 October 2013

 

Teesside University’s Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor were delighted to welcome Ed Miliband to the region and discuss how Universities can work with business and contribute to economic growth and regeneration.

Lord Sawyer of Darlington and Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL welcomed the Labour party leader to the event for members of the North East Economic Forum at the Baltic Centre.

Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL said it was an ideal opportunity to showcase the vital role that Universities have to play in the regeneration of the region.

More than 100 people attended the event at which Mr Miliband gave a 15 minute speech followed by a 30 minute question and answer session.

Teesside University is a strategic partner of NEEF.

Professor Henderson said: 'It was extremely interesting to hear Mr Miliband’s views on business and the economy. It was an excellent opportunity to speak about the vital partnership work that is being done here in this region.

'I firmly believe that we play a leading role in helping the North-East fulfil its potential which is demonstrated by some of the innovative initiatives we are working on at Teesside University.

'Supporting, sustaining and innovating is at the heart of everything we do.'

Professor Henderson told Mr Miliband and the assembled guests that he had recently been one of seven expert advisors to Sir Andrew Witty for his independent review on universities and growth.

The initial findings of the report have said that, as some of the largest economic entities in a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area, universities are essential to driving economic growth.

Professor Henderson added: 'As Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, I’m very proud to be part of an organisation that strives to place itself at the heart of industrial change here in the North-East.

'We have invested more than £150 million in our campus over recent years and as well as being renowned for our teaching and research in a number of key areas, such as crime, digital and design, it is vital to our mission that we work closely with business.

'We have an enviable track record of helping to create new companies, particularly in the digital sector.

'We also have a vast amount of experience of working not just with private and public sector organisations, but also the third sector in a multitude of ways to help their organisations to succeed.

'I hope Mr Miliband was inspired by his visit and can return to Westminster and work with politicians of all parties to explore ways that Universities can further promote enterprise and support business.'


 
 
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