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New year, new ideas


W


ith the economic prospects for the year uncertain, Newport’s University is strengthening its support for business and branching out into some exciting


new areas of expertise – with potential to help Gwent businesses. With an unclear path facing the global economy,


2012 offers both threats and opportunities to businesses. Some may see it as an opportunity to build new


skills and refresh their staff’s knowledge of specialist areas. Many companies think of universities simply as


teaching or research institutions, but the smarter businesses are taking advantage of the expertise and skills that universities possess to support their ambitions of growth and to increase innovation and generate economic benefits with great results. Newport’s University has always valued links


with business, and aims to provide support to help external organisations access the expertise within the University, to support development and learning needs. The University has a strong track record of liaison with external partners and prides itself in the level of repeat business and excellent feedback received from customers. Whether your business is relatively new or more


established, small or large, there are many services that the University offers that may benefit you. These include cost effective consultancy, commercial research, bespoke training tailored to your needs, or access to funding streams for collaborative projects. There are also simple things that you could take


advantage of , such as access to great ideas and technical expertise, or cutting edge technology. The University understands that running a business


may not allow you the time to stand back and consider the future, as you are too busy actually doing business. All businesses can gain from a fresh, perspective and an understanding of future trends. As well as supporting businesses and benefiting


the wider economy, business collaboration benefits the University too. By working with the University, your company will bring invaluable experiences, case studies and work taster opportunities into the higher education environment, ensuring that students graduate with the real world knowledge and up-to-


Newport University’s City Centre Campus


Good for businesses


date skills that your business needs to thrive in the future. The University is also looking to the future with the


introduction of several innovative new short courses and master classes designed to benefit your business and fit into your busy working lives. Over the coming year, it


is planning some ground-


breaking new short courses including developing the resilience of the work force, the importance of cyber security and the role of mental health and psychology in the workplace. Courses and master classes are updated throughout the year and advertised on the University website. A great example of this is the new development


from the University’s Business School by sharing its expertise in the field of finance and diversifying into the Islamic Finance sector. Over recent years, Islamic Finance has experienced


an enormous rise in popularity as an alternative banking system due to its strong financial principles, combined with its religious and ethical values. The sector is expanding quickly and it is now


estimated to be worth more than $1.2 trillion globally and growing annually at a rate of 15 to 20 per cent. The Islamic finance system is of huge interest to the


wider business community. Finance industry professionals are seeking a greater


understanding of Islamic finance – not least due to its level of growth in recent years – growth which shows no sign of abating. The Business School is developing plans for a one day course in Islamic Finance in the spring of 2012 to help businesses understand the economic potential of this area. During the year, the University is strengthening its


traditional services to business as well as developing new areas of expertise to help firms through the rocky economic times ahead. Supporting the Gwent economy is a key part of its


mission, and more businesses are finding out about the affordable services the University offers. For more information or to stay in touch with any


future opportunities, contact the University’s Business Development Team on 01633 432400. Newport’s experienced Business Development


Managers can also visit you with absolutely no obligation, to look at the needs of your business.


The University of Wales, Newport has repeated its commitment to the creation of a brand new University for south east Wales – but only if it will help strengthen and develop Gwent’s economy.


Just before Christmas, the


Welsh Government Education Minister, Leighton Andrews AM announced that he intended to press ahead with the reconfiguration of universities in south east Wales.


Newport University has


argued that any takeover of the university by another existing institution would be bad for Gwent and instead, a new university, designed from scratch should be built in order to ensure an equal partnership is created.


The new university would be


underpinned by an enhanced role in supporting businesses, creating jobs and providing highly skilled graduates. The minister now intends to consult further about the future of universities and Newport will discuss the plans with him.


Dr Peter Noyes said:


“What is crucial now is that discussions begin so that we can establish exactly what this new institution will look like. This will allow us to confirm that it will support our mission to improve opportunities for the communities of Gwent.”


For more information on


Newport University’s plans for the future, please ring 01633 432878 or email future@ newport.ac.uk


THEbusiness QUARTER 15


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