University’s contribution praised by Council leader

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, spoke after publication of a new report which shows that Keele University contributes around £345 million annually to the North Staffordshire economy, supporting more than 5,500 jobs in that area.

Regarding Newcastle, the report said around two-fifths of the University workforce lived in the borough and its authors suggested that using local suppliers, contractors and service providers supported 175 local businesses.

Simon Tagg said:

Keele University is an internationally-renowned institution, with students travelling from around the world to be here, and I am delighted to see it thriving.

 

The local benefits are not just economic, but social and cultural too as some graduates stay for the jobs on offer and the quality of life here.

 

The University is a key partner in our plans for the future, working together on a range of projects which will attract hi-tech industry, support business start-ups and improve local communities’ digital skills.”

The University is part of a partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to deliver the £23.6m Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Deal, with a focus on using expertise to improve area’s digital expertise and develop more sustainable transport links between the campus and Newcastle town centre.

The Council and University are also collaborating on £750,000 worth of projects from the Shared Prosperity Fund, which include:

• helping existing local businesses with research and development;
• providing opportunities for businesses expanding on the success of Keele’s Smart Energy Network Demonstrator;
• improving digital skills in the community;
• offer expertise to small businesses around innovation, marketing and supply chain management;
• improving local sustainability in businesses and communities.

Simon Tagg added:

Keele University’s continued success will play a key role in this Borough’s future prosperity and I am keen to see our communities work with it and take more advantage of the opportunities on offer.

 

This year we are marking the 850th anniversary of the Borough receiving its first Royal Charter and the university is one of the main sponsors of the events and celebrations. One of our long-term goals arising from the commemoration is to promote an increase in the number of local students taking advantage of the presence of a world-class university on their doorstep.”