Centre for Enterprise opens at the University

North East businesses looking for advice on marketing strategies and computer technology will have a new resource at their disposal, from Tuesday 7 November. For the University of Teesside is opening its new purpose-built Centre for Enterprise on Victoria Road, Middlesbrough to the business community for the first time.

The Centre will be a gateway for businesses to the University’s varied support services and aims to become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the University’s expanding work with the local business community. Centre Manager, Catherine Kearney, says it will offer companies across the region business information, advice, services and assistance. An efficient enquiry system has been designed to provide a speedy response from the relevant University experts - with the Centre acting as the initial point of contact. To make contact, either e-mail catherine.kearney@tees.ac.uk or telephone 01642 384577.

Catherine said: “It’s wonderful to have such a centre on campus. The University has a long history of working successfully with the business community and this is a superb opportunity to broaden and expand both our activities and services to business.”

The new centre is part of a European Regional Development funded £4m building project, designed by local architects, DEWJOC. It features training facilities, video conference suites, meeting areas and all the latest information and communication technology. European funding has also enabled development of an IT Response Unit and local companies can apply to use the facilities at a discounted rate.

Helen Pickering, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “The University’s Centre for Enterprise is at the heart of the Government’s agenda to strengthen higher education and industrial links. The Centre will work alongside industry to further develop the relationship between technology and research in the commercial marketplace."

The opening on Tuesday 7 November will be accompanied by a ‘Marketing For Success’ event around the theme of the Food and Drink Industry. Speakers from Dalepak Foods, Brambles Fine Foods and the University’s Virtual Reality Centre will take part. The VR Centre will explain how digital technologies can help develop marketing strategies. The event starts at 3.30pm and ends at 6.00pm with a buffet. The whole event is free and open to local businesses. For more information about this event please call Samantha Nicholls on 01642 384577, fax: 01642 384588, or email: s.nicholls@tees.ac.uk

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