Solent launches business recovery commitment

Recognising its important role in promoting and supporting an economic revival, following the health, social and environmental issues our communities are adapting to, Solent University has launched its Business Recovery Commitment.

“From Covid-19 to climate change and the fourth industrialisation, these global issues require a collaborative approach and firm commitment from people and their organisations to drive change and seize the opportunity,” says Professor Karen Stanton, Vice-Chancellor of Solent University.

“Here at Solent, we are committed to doing what we can to support businesses large and small, local and national, to bounce back and to survive and thrive in these difficult times,” she continues.

“To ensure that we do our bit, we are committing ourselves to work alongside the business sector to provide practical help as well as smart thinking, research and knowledge exchange that will have a real impact.”

As well as helping nationals and multi-nationals, the University is committed to working with start-ups, micro businesses and SMEs. Support is not only available for the private sector, but also social enterprises and the charitable sector.

Solent will be offering cost-effective solutions for businesses and, in some cases, will be able to provide pro-bono support.

“Where we don’t charge, we would ask to take students on a placement, consider sending their staff on one of our CPD or apprenticeship programmes, or taking part in one of our research programmes,” says Professor Stanton.

Solent is also interested in creating joint ventures and putting in shared bids for government or Research Council funding.

“Together we may be able to access funding that alone we could not,” adds Professor Stanton. “We are also aware that by working with business we will learn from them as they will learn from us, a true knowledge exchange.”

Home to world-class facilities, creative communities and a global reputation in fields including maritime, sport and fashion, working with business has long been in Solent’s DNA. With a wide range of business services, courses and specialist facilities, the University able to offer tailored solutions that support business growth.

Recognising the limits of what can be achieved alone, Solent is working with partners including Business South, GO! Southampton, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Hampshire County Council, Solent LEP, and Southampton City Council to ensure future plans support the region.

“Business South is delighted to support Solent University as they collaboratively work towards recovery for the Central South. As a leading higher education provider in the region giving learners, employees and employers confidence is imperative. We completely endorse the Business Recovery Commitment and look forward to working with the team to deliver the pledge.” Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO, Business South.

“In these challenging times we need some ‘can do’ partners in Hampshire – this proactive initiative led by Solent University is a great example of how we can get the Hampshire economy not just up and running but thriving again.” David Fletcher, Assistant Director – Economic Development, Hampshire County Council

"Hampshire Chamber greatly values its strong partnership with Solent University in addressing the many and varied challenges being experienced by businesses across the region. We believe solutions being shaped through this growing partnership will have positive impact serving the needs of many business sectors." Ross McNally, CEO and Executive Chair, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

To find out more about Solent University’s commitment and for a sneak preview of some of the exciting developments due to be unveiled over the coming months, visit the Business Recovery page.