Leeds business club finds new home with university partnership

Leeds Beckett University and a not-for-profit club that connects businesses throughout the Leeds City Region have joined forces to better support business growth.

Founded in 2014 to offer a city centre meeting and networking place for Leeds’s business community, the Trinity Club Leeds has been renamed Unity Club and will now be based at Leeds Beckett’s Rose Bowl, home of Leeds Business School.

Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett, will join Gerald Jennings, president of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, as joint presidents of Unity Club; whilst professor Chris Prince and professor Cathy Barnes from Leeds Beckett have been appointed as vice chairs.

Unity Club will continue to offer a base for those wishing to have a presence in Leeds, but who do not necessarily need office space.

The business club is expected to move to Leeds Beckett’s new conferencing offering at Cloth Hall Court later in 2017, following the completion of ongoing refurbishment.

Keith Madeley, Unity Club founder and chairman, said: “We are absolutely delighted to collaborate with Leeds Beckett as we launch Unity Club.

“We both have a shared ambition to help develop and cultivate a strong and sustainable link between businesses and education and we are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will bring.”

Professor Peter Slee added: “Universities play a vital role in stimulating innovation, developing new technologies and equipping the workforce with the skills and experience they need to be successful.

“Knowledge exchange is vital as we continue to support businesses through research and development projects, consultancy and training.

“This partnership with Unity Club will help our staff and students to better engage with business and cements our unrivalled commitment to driving the growth and prosperity of our region.”

Gerald Jennings, Unity Club joint chairman, also commented: “Collaboration between the worlds of business and education has never been more important.

“Leeds Beckett has always been a strong supporter of, and advocate for, this; and our new alliance promises to deliver real benefits for all.”

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