Sussex and Brighton Universities’ £1-billion boost to the UK economy
The Universities of Sussex and Brighton inject more than £1 billion into the UK economy, according to a new report released in October 2010.
The independent study, the first ever to look at the economic impact of individual universities, showed the two institutions spent £1.072 billion during the academic year 2008/9, the bulk of which (£967 million) was spent in Brighton and Hove and the South East. The Universities also supported 12,000 jobs, the majority of them in the city.
The research was commissioned by the Universities of Sussex and Brighton and shows how the Universities now constitute one of the largest industries in the region, confirming the importance of higher education and university presence to the local economy.
Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chancellor at Sussex, welcomed the report. He said: ‘Research expenditure at both Universities has grown over the past few years, leading to the employment of enormously skilled and talented individuals and the promise of substantial future economic impact, as much of the research will be commercialised.’
Internship scheme gives our graduates a head start
The University of Sussex and Wired Sussex have joined forces with the local business community to create opportunities that will bolster the CVs of recession-hit job seekers. Now in its third successful year, the Sussex Internship Programme offers financially supported placements to recent graduates with roles including design, marketing and HR within a range of organisations across Sussex such as GlaxoSmithKline, Myriad Editions and the RSPCA.
Widely recognised as one of the most successful internship schemes of its kind in the UK, the Programme has recently expanded to include internships in the environmental, engineering, finance and accounting, pharmaceutical and media sectors.
Funded by HEFCE, the scheme is of great importance to the Sussex region, helping local businesses grow while developing graduate talent.