Prime Minister visits Loughborough University to launch new policy statement

20-04-2009

Loughborough University was visited today (20 April) by some of the country’s top politicians, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, as the Government announced a new strategic plan to invest in Britain’s economic and industrial future.

Speaking to an invited group of business leaders, the Prime Minister said he was delighted to be in Loughborough to announce the policy statement entitled ‘Building Britain’s Future – New Industry, New Jobs’.

“There is no better place to launch our new industry policy than here at Loughborough University,” he commented. “There are 16,000 students and a very high proportion of them are working in some kind of industry during their training here at this university. No other example of links between industry and universities is so strong.”

During their visit the Prime Minister, along with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and Skills Secretary John Denham, were given a tour of University spin-out company Intelligent Energy at the Innovation Centre, before taking part in an open forum with members of the local business community.

The Ministers were impressed by the work of Intelligent Energy, which helps to provide a new source of renewable power from its fuel-cell technology, and were particularly interested in the ENV bike – the world’s first purpose built and designed hydrogen fuel cell powered motorcycle, developed in partnership with Suzuki.

Loughborough’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Shirley Pearce, said the University was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister and his colleagues from the Cabinet to the campus for such an important launch.

“The decision to hold such a prominent announcement at the University underlines Loughborough’s status as one of the country’s leading universities,” she said. “It also shows how highly we are regarded for the work that we do with business and industry and the importance of the role that we can play in the recovery from this recession.”

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For all media enquiries contact:

Hannah Baldwin
Head of PR
Loughborough University
T: 01509 222239
E: H.E.Baldwin@lboro.ac.uk

Notes for editors:

1. Loughborough Innovation Centre, which opened in 2002, is a partnership between Loughborough University, LATI and Charnwood Borough Council, with funding from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). It is the largest incubation facility in the East Midlands and has helped 75 companies ranging from sustainable energy consultants to software developers, to a company specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of wind tunnels to start up in business. Eighteen of those have already graduated into larger premises to support their expansion and many have had notable successes. The Centre provides services and facilities that new companies often struggle to afford during the crucial early years, including a staffed reception area and conference and meeting rooms. Tenants also benefit from a mentoring programme and the supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs.
   
   
2. Further information on Intelligent Energy can be found at www.intelligent-energy.com