Partner Article

Lancaster University’s community partnership returns

Lancaster University’s has taken a 2,452 sq. ft. unit on Cheapside in the heart of the city centre for its pioneering ‘Campus in the City’ initiative.

The highly successful project, which aims to reinforce the university’s links with its local businesses, is being launched on Saturday (February 14).

University bosses are pledging that this year it will be “bigger and better than ever”, with 11 weeks of events planned.

A whole week will be dedicated to enterprise, and, new partners in the programme include the Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Business Improvement District (BID).

‘Campus in the City’ was launched last year – boosting business in the heart of the city and helping local groups reach out to new audiences, as well as showcasing the work of the university.

And that’s its goal this year – with organisers revealing a host of partners working with the university to deliver another success story.

‘Campus in the City’s’ base for 2015 will be 5 Cheapside. The empty shop has been donated for the event by Lancaster City Council and construction apprentices at Lancaster and Morecambe College are currently completing the fit-out for its new role.

The project aims to work with local businesses, helping them increase vibrancy in the town centre.

Organisers are promising the programme will be much bigger than last year.

The Law School will be running workshops for local employers – and the space will be shared with the Chamber of Commerce and with the Lancaster Business Improvement District.

Also, the internationally recognised Centre for Family Business will be hosting events to help local family businesses expand their operations and achieve their potential.

The ‘pop up’ project is being organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Enterprise Centre.

Professor Christopher May, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said: “Last year’s pilot project demonstrated the wide interest the city’s businesses have in its university.

“We’re building on its tremendous success to produce something even bigger that will again deliver real value to the community, whilst also attracting extra people into the city centre.

“And we have a host of major partners who are helping us deliver this year’s 11-week programme. They have seen the value of this initiative and we really appreciate their support.

“It promises to be an exciting time for both local businesses and the university. We can’t wait to get started!”

Joe Buglass, Enterprise Officer at FASS, is again organising this year’s programme. He said: “It was a great event last year and we’re aiming to make even more of a splash in 2015.

“We are very grateful to our new landlords, Lancaster City Council, for leasing us the space.

“And we’re looking forward to working with the existing businesses in the city as we bring 11 fantastic weeks of activities and events to our new location.”

The launch event is free to attend, and open to all. It takes place between 11am and 3pm on Saturday (14th Feb) at 5 Cheapside in the city centre.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Smith .