Business round-up

Business leaders will be able to brainstorm ideas and share experience at a new forum run by the University of Wolverhampton.

Network 4 has been launched by the Department of Construction and Infrastructure to encourage partnerships between businesses and as a sounding board for ideas.

The group will meet four times a year and is aimed at regional and national business leaders.

Organiser Paul Hampton, from the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, said: “Network 4 will encourage collaborative, exchange of ideas, and forge stronger relationships between industry and the University of Wolverhampton. Network 4 will also promote solidarity, innovation, and measurable outcomes, through open and transparent discussion.”

Double gold for fuel device

A revolutionary new device developed by the University of Wolverhampton has scooped a double gold award at the British Invention of the Year Awards 2008.

The Caparo RightFuel device, which prevents motorists putting petrol in diesel cars, was invented by Martin White who partnered with the Caparo Innovation Centre at the University of Wolverhampton to develop and license the patent rights for the new device.

The device won a double gold award in the Industrial Innovation category at the show at Alexandra Palace in London.

Andrew Pollard, Industrial Professor at the Caparo Innovation Centre, said: “We’re thrilled that the Caparo RightFuel device has won such a prestigious national award. The positive response generated by this device has been phenomenal, especially amongst fleet and hire car companies for whom misfuelling is a significant and expensive problem.”

TUC General Secretary speaks out

The General Secretary of the TUC urged the government to develop a ‘radical programme’ to minimise the effects of the economic downturn during a speech at the University of Wolverhampton.

Brendan Barber presented the annual Crystal Lecture, organised by the University in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Speaking at the event at the University’s Telford Campus, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress praised the rich industrial heritage of the region and the opportunities the University of Wolverhampton offers to all.

Professor Dominic Wilson, Dean of the University of Wolverhampton Business School, said: “The Crystal Lecture is always a major event in the University calendar and we were delighted to welcome such a high profile and internationally respected speaker. Brendan’s speech was extremely topical, challenging, positive and raised many crucial issues facing government and employers today.”

University celebrates Excellence Awards

The University of Wolverhampton is celebrating after a graduate placement scheme was awarded two certificates of excellence.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is a UK-wide graduate placement programme. The first certificate of excellence from the Technology Strategy Board was awarded to LM Products Ltd based in Oldbury, who specialise in construction products and components for industry. The KTP involved the full integration of IT systems into the company as well as new product introduction and implementation.

Chamois Eco Kitchens in Wolverhampton also received an ‘outstanding’ graded certificate. This two-year KTP project created and implemented a strategic business plan to enhance business growth for Chamois, which supplies high quality kitchens to housing associations, private developers and local authorities.

Challenges ahead outlined by top legal expert

The President of the Law Society of England and Wales discussed the challenges facing the legal profession during a lecture at the University of Wolverhampton.

Paul Marsh gave a lecture titled ‘Law as a Business’ to an audience of almost 100 students, staff and trainee and qualified professionals at an event hosted by the University’s School of Legal Studies.

The lecture was part of the Lex21 initiative, which aims to put the School of Legal Studies at the heart of regional legal practices through networking, training, research and recruitment.

Lynn Leighton-Johnstone, Associate Dean of the School of Legal Studies, who introduced the Lex21 initiative and organised the President’s visit, said: “This event was a great success and I am very grateful to the President of the Law Society of England and Wales. This shows the development of the Lex21 initiative and the School’s links with the regional legal profession.”