This year’s annual North West University Fair was held on March 19th at Sci-Tech Daresbury. The aim of the Fair is for companies and the region’s universities to develop better links. The Fair was well attended by a variety of companies including the Northern Space Consortium.
The half day event commenced with an exhibition featuring stands from the University of Central Lancashire, University of Chester, University of Cumbria, Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford and InnovateUK/Knowledge Transfer Network.
Following this there was a series of company case studies and panel discussion. The case studies covered five different aspects of university/company interactions from hi-tech companies eg Quantum technology to relatively low tech ones eg a company hiring Yurts. The different aspects were student projects and placements, student recruitment, apprenticeships, collaborative research and knowledge transfer partnerships and access to facilities.
Finally there were two separate tours of the Sci-Tech facilities, one the Laboratory and workshop and the other the Virtual Engineering Centre, Hartree Centre.
NSC Chairman Bob Morris commented “ A very interesting and useful day. Universities are a key player in the expansion of the Space industry in our region and although we have great contacts with some of our universities today has allowed us to establish the relevant contacts with all our region’s universities. Also there was worthwhile advice on all sorts of aspects of working with universities. On interns for example it was recommended that, if possible, two interns at a time be taken on as they can relate to one another and build confidence, expertise, and generate ideas better. Companies should consider meeting the university beforehand to scope exactly the use of the interns. The overall message for companies from the day was to contact the universities as soon as possible and speak to their business co-ordinators to discuss any possible future projects.”