Retaining talent in Nottingham post graduation is something we care hugely about at Nottingham Means Business. Under the banner ‘Inspire’, part of our role is to keep talent in the city and county to contribute to indigenous business growth and also to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs to set up in business here.
The University of Nottingham put on an event last week for students to highlight all that Nottingham has to offer and to be an open forum for those graduating to ask questions of those in the know.
Sharon Bell, Associate Director at the University of Nottingham opened proceedings, followed by Phil Harrold, Partner at PwC and Kathy McArdle, Chief Executive of the Creative Quarter.
Q&A sessions with those recently graduated from HMRC, KPMG, E.ON and Eversheds then gave the audience an insight as to some of the opportunities on offer in Nottingham.
The final presentation was from Simon Gray, Chief Executive of Nottingham Means Business, who graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1994.
“It’s a privilege to be asked back to the University. Having graduated in 1994, I’ve worked overseas in Japan and Australia, but have always come back to Nottingham. Nottingham is my home and where I’ve chosen to be in business and raise my family – it’s a fantastic place, which offers a huge amount of opportunity. The students have been great tonight and I’ve been approached by many of them to understand more about the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire business landscape”. – Simon Gray (NMB)
“This was the first year we have run an event specifically focused on raising the opportunities for graduates in the region. Many of our students look to London after graduation – or return to their home cities, but we wanted to showcase the fact that there are a whole host of opportunities on their doorsteps, ranging from roles in in SMEs through to large corporates with a global presence. Having studied at Nottingham myself, and then worked in the region for several years before returning to the University as a member of staff several years later, it’s a subject that I’m passionate about. On the night, the key-note speakers along with the panel of recent alumni and graduates were fantastic ambassadors for the city. Given the large number of students who stayed around to network after the event, I think their enthusiasm was infectious. We look forward to continuing the debate, with a focus on SMEs at our forthcoming student event ‘Spotlight on Big Careers in Small Businesses”. – Sharon Bell, Associate Director (Commercial and Operations), Careers and Employability Service, The University of Nottingham
Kathy McArdle puts Nottingham’s Creative Quarter on the map.
Simon Gray from NMB explains the opportunities available to graduates in business.
Congratulations to the University of Nottingham on putting on such an informative and engaging event. Nottingham Means business is very happy to support future initiatives, which helps to keep our talent here.