A
MAJOR PART OF
the new facility
is the Business
Gateway office, run by
East Lothian Council,
but housed within the
University. This is the
first time in Scotland that
a Business Gateway has
been incorporated into a
university campus.
Scottish entrepreneur
and QMU’s Chancellor,
Sir Tom Farmer, officially
opened the Business
Gateway in the autumn.
Cllr. John McMillan, East
Lothian Council’s Cabinet
Member for Economic
Development, who spoke
at the launch, said: “The
new Business Gateway at
QMU continues the work
of an existing and valued
service which provides
practical information and
help for businesses both
new and established.
This advice is wide
ranging. It can include
helping individuals find
their way through tax and
regulation, and advice
on how best to access
public sector services
needed to help establish
or grow their business.
The Council is funding
the establishment of the
Business Gateway at
QMU which we believe
strongly supports and
complements the aims of
the Business Innovation
Zone.”
Professor Petra Wend,
QMU Principal, said:
“The UK needs to create
a stronger culture of
enterprise. In the current
climate, it’s no longer
realistic for all graduates
to think they can walk
straight into well-paid
graduate positions –
many of these jobs are
just not there at the
moment – so graduates
need to be inventive
and have the ability to
create their own careers.
The creation of the Zone
and the embedding of
entrepreneurship into our
courses is encouraging
students to view business
and entrepreneurship as
a viable graduate career
option.”
The launch of the new
Business Innovation Zone
signals the University’s
increasing push to step
up its engagement with
If you’re interested in
knowing more about
the Business Innovation
Zone contact Miriam
Smith,
E: MSmith3@qmu ac.uk
T: 0131 474 0000.
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Aside from the Business Gateway, the Zone
incorporates new business incubation space,
offering space and facilities to small business
start-ups and QMU graduates who are setting
up their own businesses.
QMU graduates Michael Grant and Agata
Jagodzinska are developing their fledging video
production business, Raw Film Productions.
Michael said: “I was surprised at just how helpful
and useful Business Gateway has been. I went
in with a small query about web optimisation
training. By the time I’d left, the adviser had not
only set me up with training, but has provided
me with a whole range of other ideas to help
further develop our business. He also provided
excellent business leads which I am now
following up.”
Roots Soda, a newly developing natural drinks
business, is based in QMU’s new incubation
space. Mark Pool, Roots Soda Director, said:
“It’s important that new enterprises get as much
help and support in the early days as possible.
We wanted to start a business for some time but
the prospect can be daunting. You know that
you can’t do it all yourself and since the start
everyone at QMU has been really supportive of
what we are doing. Just knowing that we have
them behind us is a real boost.”
With an academic flagship in Sustainable
Business, the development of the Business
Innovation Zone exemplifies QMU’s ambition
to serve society by growing local business and
expanding graduate career opportunities. ❒
It’s all a buzz at BIZ
Despite only opening in September 2012, there are already a
number of exciting developments within BIZ. QMU’s graduate
start-up company Rawfilm Productions has been commissioned
by our SME partner Advanced Microwave Technology (AMT)
to produce a promotional film. AMT is also collaborating with
QMU researchers and another BIZ tenant, Roots Soda on the
pasteurisation of carbonated drinks.
Have your next meeting
in a perfect setting
Looking for the perfect venue for your next meeting or event?
Look no further than QMU’s new dedicated meeting and conference facility.
In addition to pre-existing meeting
rooms, we now have a new dedicated
meeting space which:
• can accommodate up to 60 people;
• is equipped with high-tech facilities – AV,
plasma screens, interactive smart board
and computer;
• comes with in-house technical support;
• can include private break-off space with a
grand piano for social gatherings;
• overlooks our water feature and landscaped
grounds and;
• offers easy access to the outside decking
area.
So why not try our award winning sustainable
campus for your next event?
Spaces for larger scale events also available.
Discuss your space and catering needs
with Sarah Whigham: T: 0131 474 0000
(say ‘EVENTS’) or E [email protected];
www.qmu.ac.uk
QMYOU / Commercial Support
21