The report, launched by the Jobs Foundation, highlights the University’s impact on the local economy, detailing its contributions to business creation, job growth and regional development.
Loughborough: Looking to the Future is the second in a series of reports by the Jobs Foundation that explores the role of employment in reducing poverty and examines the concept of business as a force for societal good.
Drawing on case studies and interviews with local businesses, NGOs and policymakers, it highlights the role of entrepreneurship and university partnerships in driving economic growth in Loughborough.
The report shares details of the University’s careers and employability programmes and entrepreneurship opportunities for students and local community members, with a particular spotlight on the work of the University’s business incubator, LUinc.
Part of the Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN), LUinc. brings together graduate, academic and regional entrepreneurs to create a rich and supportive start-up community.
The report features case studies of several LUinc. members – including Loughborough graduate Kate Allan (Product Design Engineering MEng, 2019), founder of Exphand Prosthetics.
Kate’s company – which has developed a lightweight, adjustable, affordable and colourful prosthetic upper body limb for children that grows with the user – was spotlighted as a shining example of a private enterprise delivering a societal good.
The report also references the University’s collaborative projects with local businesses and partner organisations, particularly within the net-zero sector. It highlights the impact of Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP), which houses more than 90 start-ups, growing businesses, global brands and sports organisations – supporting a workforce of over 2,500 people.
Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: "Loughborough University is proud to be a catalyst for economic growth in our region.
“Innovation plays a central role in the University’s strategy - Creating Better Futures Together - and our commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and talent development is evident in the success of our students, graduates, and partners.
“We are delighted that the Jobs Foundation’s report acknowledges the very positive impact we have on the town, local area and region in terms of employment opportunities and the local economy.”
Of the report, Georgiana Bristol (Chief Executive of the Jobs Foundation) said: “The biggest and most effective engine to tackle poverty is the business community. The report on Loughborough is a great snapshot of where business, jobs and prosperity lie in an important part of England in 2024.”
Read the full report, Loughborough: Looking to the future.