Hartpury University remains in the top 20% of UK universities for its impact on ‘local growth and regeneration’, following the fourth publication of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) released by Research England on 18 September 2024.
The KEF plays a key role in providing unique and important public information on the rich and diverse ways English universities continue to engage with society and our economy, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Hartpury University’s strong performance underlines its far-reaching, real-world impact that transforms lives and impacts the local (and national) economy through knowledge exchange activities.
The total economic impact on the UK economy of Hartpury’s activities was estimated at £296 million, with around £90 million (or 68%) occurring in the South West (London Economics report 2023). As the largest employer in the Forest of Dean, the University is a key stakeholder in the Forest Economic Partnership, also working closely with the Gloucestershire Federation of Small Businesses, Business West, the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and networking organisation Circle2Success.
Research and knowledge exchange is at the heart of many activities at Hartpury University, with students and staff encouraged to work with external partners to find innovative solutions to industry challenges.
Hartpury is committed to developing local agriculture through initiatives with St James City Farm, local councils and technology-related projects across the region. The latter aimed to boost regional growth by providing free digital support services for agricultural businesses in Gloucestershire. The Digital Innovation Farm, encompassing the Agri-Tech Centre and Tech Box Park, are helping to bridge digital skills gaps, communicate change management and even help agriculture utilise the latest 5G and boost rural connectivity.
The Hartpury Sports Business Hub collaborates with local sports and community organisations to support sustainability and improve access to sport at the grassroots level. Improving the impact of community centres and having students and staff carrying out real-world research consultancy as well as coaching sessions for SEN pupils in school, all play a part in achieving this ambitious mission. Women’s participation in sport remains a key focus for the institution, and Gloucester’s relationship with Gloucester-Hartpury RFC has never been stronger. Providing female role players in sport has no doubt contributed to inspiring the next generation of young people who attend Hartpury University and College whilst pursuing their sporting ambitions.
Partnerships with the Equine Therapy Centre, Riding for the Disabled Association, and local football clubs including Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town provide mutually beneficial educational and engagement opportunities across the board. A busy sport and events calendar that includes the NAF Five Star Hartpury Horse Trials, this year incorporating the British Eventing National Championships, as well as the likes of Open Farm Sunday, help to place Hartpury University and College at the heart of Gloucestershire Life for businesses and families alike.
Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO of Hartpury University and College said: “We’re delighted to have retained our place in the top 20% of UK universities for local growth and regeneration - an area that has been a key focus for us over the last few years.
“The KEF results, combined with the findings of last year’s economic impact assessment, highlight our positive impact in the region. For us, it’s important that the impact of Hartpury University and College extends beyond the financial aspect, through education, knowledge, entrepreneurship and careers, equality, sustainability, business partnerships, recreation and sport.
“Above all, we’re committed to making Gloucester and the surrounding areas a great place to live, study, work and play. It’s good to see the latest KEF results demonstrating that we’re doing just that.”
Professor Steve Draper, Academic Dean at Hartpury University added: “Our team of staff and students are dedicated to finding innovative ways to use knowledge exchange effectively in a way that does good for business and the wider community. We have so many great initiatives that are delivering social and economic benefits, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our research and knowledge exchange efforts in the future.”
Working with business has boosted graduate employability, too. 97% of graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). Hartpury University’s industry links were also highlighted in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in which the institution received the prestigious triple Gold rating.
