The University of Hull injects more than £900 million into the UK’s economy, according to a new report.
As an anchor institution in the Humber region, it plays a vital role in its economic growth and prosperity.
The university directly employs more than 2,000 people, and through its supply chain and business networks, supports an additional 4,100 jobs across the region.
Contributing £370 million to the local economy – a figure which rises to £913 million across the UK – a new study commissioned by the University and College Union has highlighted the importance of higher education institutes to their area.
Prof Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Having a strong and successful university is absolutely vital to the prosperity of a region. These figures, released by UCU, only serve to reinforce that message.
“The University of Hull is critical to the economic future of the Humber region and beyond. Whether through providing a highly-skilled workforce of the future, or helping local businesses thrive and grow, we know the university has a hugely significant role to play.
“Throughout recent months, which have brought with them significant challenge, the university has remained rooted to its core principles – providing a high-quality learning environment, delivering impactful research and innovation, supporting businesses and jobs across the region, and spearheading economic growth and prosperity.”
When focusing the spotlight on employment, the University of Hull generates almost 8,000 UK jobs.
More than 6,000 jobs in Hull and across the Humber Estuary rely on the university, with the institution committed to nurturing a highly-skilled workforce of the future.
The university’s impact, however, spans far beyond employment.
As a research centre of excellence, with world-class expertise in areas including flooding, renewable energy, environment and slavery, the university continues to drive innovation and tackle some of society’s greatest challenges.
From its Energy & Environment Institute – now comprising of almost 100 researchers working together to tackle the threats posed by climate change – to the Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation, research is at the heart of everything the university does.
Aura, a £12 million innovation centre in East Yorkshire, provides space for businesses to develop new renewable energy technologies, create a strong supply chain, and spearhead the Humber’s low-carbon ambitions.
The Aura Centre for Doctoral Training also offers overs 72 PhD scholarships in offshore wind energy and the environment.
The university has also joined forces with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy to offer an MSc Master’s Degree Apprenticeship in Offshore Wind Energy Engineering through the Department of Engineering.
A new MSc Flood Risk Management course is also launching next month for the first time. The programme will focus on finding innovative new ways to increase flood resilience and tackle one of the greatest threats facing the planet.
The new UCU study examined goods and services produced locally through universities’ supply chains, and the money spent by employees and students.
The figures show how universities are often among the single largest contributors to the local economy."
Jo Grady UCU general secretary, said: “This review shows that universities are a very significant factor in many local economies.
“Allowing universities to fail because of the health crisis will mean the economies of many of our towns and cities will also fail.
“Universities are vital in providing educational opportunities, but they also have a huge impact in creating local jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting business to the area.”
