Green Gown Awards 2015 – Enterprise and Employability - University of Brighton - Highly Commended

Green Growth Platform

The University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform supports a thriving green sector in Sussex through a menu of 1-2-1 business support, innovation and R&D support, events and opportunities and skills development, delivered by a team of industry experts, business advisors and university academics.

The project supports the growth of environmental sector businesses and the drive to a low carbon and low impact economy. Through its works it enhances student employability through its internships and placements with green businesses and helps embed university research into the local economy.

Within a year of launching over 300 environmental businesses have taken advantage of the project’s services, including product development support, business coaching and networking opportunities. Over £500,000 of grant funding has been secured by green businesses with the project’s support, enabling new product development, collaboration with the university on research and development projects, staff recruitment, business expansion and more.

Top 3 learnings

1 Aim to engage as wide a range of stakeholders as possible

2 When engaging with businesses, consider the difference in culture between universities and businesses

3 Communicate your project successes with all of your stakeholders.