Latest News and Events
Universities Sustainability Event Attracts over 40 Local Businesses
Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:23:00 GMT
A free event to help Welsh businesses save money by becoming more sustainable took place yesterday (Wednesday 18th November 2009), and attracted a number of top South Wales companies.
The Decrease Waste and Increase Profit event, organised by the Dragon Innovation Partnership and held in the Technium Sustainable Technologies building in Baglan, Port Talbot, aimed to help businesses beat the credit crunch, increase their profits and save the environment.
The Partnership, a collaboration between Swansea Metropolitan University, Swansea University and Trinity University College, enlisted the help of Environmental Law specialist, Professor Karen Morrow, who discussed how changes to legislation and predicting future trends in environmental law could save businesses money; Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship team representative Jan Morgan, who ran a workshop to show how organisations can benefit from following several sustainable principles; and Mark Blackmore, a sustainability expert from the South West Wales Higher Education Partnership, who’s workshop focused on ten top tips to beat the credit crunch.
Swansea-based Pitstop Automotive, who have won several awards for their sustainability, were one of the first businesses to sign up and shared their experience and best practice with the companies at the event.
Jeremy Thorne, Director at Pitstop Automotive, said: “Whilst setting up our company and discussing the impact that car washing usually has on the environment it made good sense – in both business and sustainable terms – to ensure that Pitstop was different. We wanted to share our success with other businesses and help demonstrate how being sustainable can increase profitability and additionally create new marketing opportunities and revenue streams.
“This event was a great opportunity to do that and also for us to find out what other businesses in the area are doing. It also opened our eyes to the research that is constantly carried out in local universities that’s extremely beneficial to industry.”
Dragon Innovation Partnership Communications Officer and event organiser, Rachel Williams, said: “The event was a chance for businesses in Wales to benefit from industry and academic expertise. It was great to see such a diverse range of businesses and organisations together, from radio stations and stationery suppliers to construction companies, taking responsibility for their carbon footprint and sharing their expertise.
“We were also lucky enough to have had support from several environmentally focussed businesses including Track You, Footprintmatters2u, Natural Power Wales and Gregory Environmental.
“Today was a great success and very well received by delegates. Due to this, and the overwhelming demand for places, we are already beginning to organise a repeat event for the very near future.”
Anyone wishing to register their interest in a future Decrease Waste and Increase Profit event should contact Rachel Williams on 01792 606060 or r.williams@swansea.ac.uk.
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Events
Dragon2Dragon – Linking Wales with China
The Dragon Innovation partnership invites you to spend an afternoon learning about development, innovation and training opportunities with China.
Date: 28th June 2011
Time: 12:00 – 17:00
Venue: The Dragon Hotel, Swansea
The event invites speakers from Wales and China to discuss a range of opportunities for developing economic, educational and cultural links between our two countries. The event will appeal to businesses, social enterprises, cultural groups, universities and individuals interested in the opportunities for collaboration and growth between our two countries.
Speakers will include:
Gary Davies - Director, European & External Affairs Welsh Government
“Why Wales should link with China for business and training opportunities”
Virginia West - Director, Wales International Consortium
“How Welsh Universities are maximising the opportunities for links with China”
Tian Xiaogang - Minister Counsellor of Education Section, Chinese Embassy
“Developing Educational Links between Wales and China”
China Business Speaker TBC
A speaker will be on hand to overview the benefits and support to business linking with China.
Swansea Metropolitan University Brian Griffiths - Head of International Office
“Educational opportunities & challenges -Swansea Metropolitan University’s footprint & development opportunities in one of the most rapidly growing industries worldwide; The Creative Industries.”
Swansea University Weixi Xing – Research Development Officer
“R&D and innovation support for businesses wishing to link with China and development of a China international Standards Centre at Swansea University”
University of Wales, Trinity St David Wang Yanru (China Youth University - Business Project)
“Recent Developments in Entrepreneurship Education in China”
To register for the event please email:
researchandinnovation@swansea.ac.uk or Call 01792 606060
We hope you will be able to join us for this informative event with plenty of networking opportunities. As always, there is no charge for attending the event and Lunch will be included. The mid afternoon break will include a cultural performance. Registration is essential.
Universities; Opening Doors to Business
Did you know by working with a University your organisation could gain access to a wide range of opportunities and resources? Including:
- Collaboration Funding
- Graduate placements
- Knowledge and expertise
- Research & Innovation
- Training and Consultancy
- Access to state of the art equipment and technology
- And much more.....
Drop into Parc-Y-Scarlet’s on the 23rd June between 10am-3pm and find out how working with Universities could help your business.
Swansea Metropolitan University, Swansea University and University of Wales Trinity St David (The Dragon Innovation Partnership) together with the Welsh Government Regional Centre Service will for the first time bring together all their projects, initiatives and funding opportunities under one roof.
Come along at any time throughout the day and speak directly to up to 25 different project & initiatives.
The Welsh Government Regional Centre Service will also be available to give impartial information and guidance in the areas of general business management, HR /Equality and diversity, and environmental management.
Why not bring us a challenge, idea or offering and explore what possibilities are available to your business by working with a University.
Date: Thursday 23rd June 2011
Time: Open event running from 10am -3pm
Venue: Quinnell Room, Parc Y Scarlet’s, Llanelli
There is no charge to attend this walk in event. For more information and to pre-register your attendance please contact Nicola Powell on 01792 481163 or at nicola.powell@smu.ac.uk