Mennell, Julie (2025) Shoulder to the wheel in the quest for growth. In: Universities UK Annual Conference, 4 September 2025, Exeter, UK. (Unpublished) Full text not available from this repository.
(Contact the author)Abstract
University of Cumbria's Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell was invited to speak on a national panel at the Universities UK Annual Conference, examining how the higher education sector can play a more prominent and co-ordinated role in supporting national and economic growth. Well-placed to discuss this issue, Professor Mennell is a member of the Enterprising Cumbria board setting the strategic economic growth plan for the county. She is also sponsor for the education, employment and skills workstream of and sits on the Barrow Delivery Board set up by Team Barrow, the partnership driving transformation of Barrow with £220m of Government investment. Her contribution highlighted the University of Cumbria’s involvement in the transformation of Barrow-in-Furness and its wider commitment to regional development through education, skills, and innovation. Other speakers on the UUK plenary panel were the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, the then secretary of state for science, innovation and technology; Phil Smith CBE, chair of Skills England; Prof Sir Ian Chapman, chief executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI); and Prof Jane Robinson, pro-vice chancellor (engagement and place) at Newcastle University.
Speaking during the conference, Professor Mennell said: “Today gives us a real opportunity on the national sector stage to discuss how our university is deeply involved in the Government’s ambitious plans to regenerate Barrow-in-Furness. It’s a challenging programme, a one that needs to succeed for the nation as well as for our region, and as a university of and for Cumbria I’m proud that we are an active part of the Team Barrow delivery board. “We are used to and continue to work closely with BAE Systems to help meet its high demand for skills that includes co-creating new programmes. We are also a university that trains nurses and other healthcare professionals, teachers for schools, as well as the artists and environmental scientists to name but a few that enhance our natural and cultural landscapes – all of which play a part in our regional growth across Barrow and beyond. “By working with our partners, including further and other higher education institutions, we can and will continue to do more to help transform lives and livelihoods now and for future generations.”
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Other) |
|---|---|
| Departments: | Professional Services > Vice Chancellor's Office |
| Depositing User: | Anna Lupton |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Sep 2025 10:52 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Sep 2025 10:55 |
| URI: | https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9057 |
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