The University of Wolverhampton is the Opportunity University – we are renowned for our creativity and innovation – developing students and staff who are entrepreneurial, eminently employable and well-connected within a research and professionally informed environment;

• The University has had a presence in Telford for over 25 years at the Telford Innovation campus in Priorslee;
• The University is an employer-focused university connected with our local, national and global communities delivering opportunity and academic excellence;
• The University’s £250 million financial commitment to being a regional anchor institution ensures its role in supporting economic growth.

• Telford is hailed as the ‘beating heart of UK investment’ by the UK Department of International Trade and is the fastest growing town in the West Midlands;
• A town rich in heritage and innovation, with strengths in manufacturing, advanced engineering, automotive, agri-tech, food & drink and digital, Telford offers a world class offer for any investor. 1500 companies have chosen to relocate here over the last 20 years, with over 150+ from overseas countries;
• This business strength is fuelled by Telford & Wrekin’s Economic Development Strategy, Enterprise Telford. This ensures that there is a constant focus to unlock jobs and create growth, making Telford a natural home for investors, innovators & entrepreneurs. 

This was based on £250m regeneration of Telford town centre;

• There was a need to position education, particularly higher education as part of the vision for economic and social transformation;
• There were traditionally low levels of HE participation and a low baseline for educational achievement;
• The limited HE offer was cited as a barrier to business growth by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP);
• There is a growing need for higher level skills to drive the local economy.

• To enhance the University’s presence in Telford and Wrekin and the Marches (LEP area) through the establishment of a Regional Learning Centre (RLC) in the heart of Telford;
• To provide support for and feeder routes to mainstream University courses (growth in student numbers from the region);
• To increase local HE programmes through new strands of activity e.g. expanding part-time, local Top Ups, adult and professional courses, remove barriers to study.

• A commitment by the University to regional economic growth and development through strengthening of relationships and engagement with communities and key stakeholders;
• Investment in the Priorslee campus, particularly large scale investment in the Engineering facilities and the forthcoming Health developments;
• The major role of the University in strengthening and growing progression into higher skills and HE for the Telford and Wrekin area.