University of Northampton has leading role in nation’s recovery from pandemic

The University of Northampton (UON) is supporting Universities UK’s economic and social recovery campaign #GettingResults to help people and businesses recover from the wide-ranging damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

New research published today by Universities UK (UUK), ‘Universities and the UK’s economic recovery: an analysis of future impact’*, which was compiled by the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE), predicts that over the next five years universities in the East Midlands region will:

• Provide support to businesses and charities worth over £870m
• Train 12,000 teachers, 5,000 medics and 13,000 nurses
• Help 2,220 new businesses and charities to be formed

It comes as UUK launches #GettingResults – a campaign to put universities at the heart of the economic and social recovery – with a renewed commitment from universities to do even more to reach out to new partners locally and nationally and deliver even greater impact than currently estimated.

The skills of UON graduates will also have an important role to play in the future success of businesses and sectors during the Covid-19 recovery process, for instance through the many Changemaker initiatives on offer at the University.

Wray Irwin, Director of Enterprise and Employability at the University, said: “At UON we believe our students, staff, researchers, and graduates have so much to offer. We are proud of their knowledge, skills and expertise and we look forward to seeing them help businesses and industries bounce back in the years to come.

“We must now make sure that we work closely with our local employers and partners so they are getting the most out of what our university can provide in this challenging process of recovery.”

Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, Universities UK’s President, said: “By working closely with their partners, including local government and employers, universities will play a vital role in the UK’s post-Covid recovery. Together, they can contribute significantly to future economic success and improve lives.

“Moving forward it is important that employers fully take advantage of universities’ support and develop productive relationships so the nation can bounce back stronger from the pandemic.”