MEMBER NEWS IN BRIEF


University establishes team in Shanghai


The University of Derby has launched a specialist team based in Shanghai, China, to develop and strengthen its global footprint. A dedicated in-country team


of two experienced staff will support recruitment partners, providing a positive presence in China on all educational platforms. The university already has academic collaboration agreements with several key universities in China. China sends the largest


number of international students to the UK Higher Education system and the university has identified it as a strategic market for growth in international student numbers, outward student mobility, and research collaboration. The China office was officially


launched in Shanghai at a reception hosted by Professor Judith Lamie (pictured), Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs, and Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director. Professor Lamie


said: “The development of strong and sustainable partnerships is at the heart of the University of Derby’s international strategy. “We are committed to


developing mutually beneficial collaborations and working closely with educational institutions and businesses in China.”


Freeths enjoys improved rankings in Legal 500


Top 60 law firm Freeths is celebrating another year of impressive rankings and recommendations in the Legal 500, the UK’s official guide to the legal sector. Freeths, which operates


nationally from 11 offices, is now ranked in the top tier for 22 legal categories, with a further 48 rankings for other specialisms. Regarded as pre-eminent in


its field, 24 individuals have been ranked as ‘Leading Elite Lawyers’ this year. Freeths also enjoyed a notable increase in ‘Recommended’ lawyers – rising to 144 lawyers, compared to 97 last year. Nine appeared as ‘Next Generation Lawyers’, a new section for unranked lawyers who excel in the client feedback and material value they bring. Philippa Dempster, Managing


Partner at Freeths, said: “I am delighted that all of our hard work has paid off. This truly reflects the dedication and commitment we have for our clients.”


A1 Flue Systems wins contractor of the year award


A1 Flue Systems has been named Contractor of the Year at the prestigious Heating and Ventilation Review Awards in London. The Ollerton-based company –


which is UK market leader in its sector in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of commercial and industrial chimney, flue and exhaust systems – won the much-coveted award at a gathering of the leaders of the heating and ventilation industry. It’s a huge accolade for the


company, which employs nearly 150 people and has grown to become the UK’s centre of excellence for flue design and manufacture. It is the preferred supplier for more than 30 of the UK’s largest construction companies and works on some of the UK’s highest-profile projects, such as the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station – including its iconic chimneys. Directors of the company TJ Duncan-Moir and John Hamnett are


‘This award encapsulates all the hard work and dedication of everyone who works at A1’


delighted to have won the award for the second time in five years. “The Heating and Ventilation


Review Awards are the highpoint of our industry’s year, and to win such an important award, again, is such a huge honour for our business,” they said. “This award encapsulates all the


hard work and dedication of everyone who works at A1 to become market leaders in the design and manufacture of systems that aren’t just installed in the UK but also, increasingly, all over the world.”


Judges were impressed with the


growth of the company over the past 12 months, including the level


The Jubilee Campus at the University of Nottingham


of financial investment in new machinery and processes. They also commended A1 because nearly ten per cent of its output is exported, mainly to Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – but also as far as the Falkland Islands. It recently completed a six-


month programme of investment totalling £250,000 in new machinery and introduced new


Conference venue shortlisted


Nottingham Conferences, the University of Nottingham’s meetings, events and conference facilities operated under a managed service provided by De Vere, has been shortlisted in the Best Outdoor Space category, in the first ever Academic Venue Awards 2017. The Academic Venue Awards are designed to celebrate the ‘best of the best’ through 14 carefully- selected categories, as well as to bring together representatives from the UK’s top academic venues with event buyers to network, share best practice, and celebrate success.


4 business network December 2017/January 2018


The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Great Hall, at Queen Mary University of London. The University of Nottingham


has invested over £5m into its outdoor offering and won multiple awards for its landscaping and grounds, which has helped place Nottingham Conferences at the forefront of outdoor academic events spaces. Clients that have used the venue include UK Corporate Games, Europe’s largest annual multi-sports festival for businesses, which brought over 5,000 competitors to the grounds,


European Sports Festival, with over 3,000 competitors, and the AOC Sport National Championships held for 1,700 college students. Andrew May, General Manager of


Nottingham Conferences, said: “We are delighted to be a finalist in the Academic Venue Awards for Best Outdoor Space, which is a testament to the effort the university has put into enhancing its outdoor offering – a key benefit to our clients. “The shortlisting for this award


reinforces Nottingham Conferences’ position among the elite of academic venues.”


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