Released this week by , the report—Two Million Jobs: How Businesses Play a Crucial Role in Helping People Transition from Welfare to Work— investigates the role of employment in reducing poverty and explores the concept of business as a force for good.
The paper examines how businesses across different regions of the UK are generating employment and training opportunities, highlighting the University's contributions to business creation, job growth, and regional development.
Drawing on case studies and interviews with local businesses, NGOs and policymakers, it emphasises the importance of entrepreneurship and university partnerships .
The report showcases the University’s careers and employability programmes, as well as entrepreneurship opportunities for students and the local community, with a particular focus on the impact of ., the University’s business incubator.
. has been supporting graduate startups and research spinouts since 2011. It operates from bases on and the in Loughborough town centre.
The Hub, which is run by specialist advisors from Loughborough College and 探花精选, offers careers guidance and business start-up support to the local community.
The report features case studies of several LUinc. members – including Loughborough graduate Kate Allan (Product Design Engineering MEng, 2019), founder of .
Kate’s company – which has developed a lightweight, adjustable, affordable and colourful prosthetic upper body limb for children that grows with the user – is showcased as a shining example of a private enterprise delivering a societal good.
Also highlighted are the University’s collaborative projects with local businesses and partner organisations, particularly within the net-zero sector. The report showcases the impact of 探花精选 Science and Enterprise Park, which is home to more than 90 start-ups, growing businesses, global brands and sports organisations - supporting a workforce of over 2,500 people.
Professor Dan Parsons, 探花精选’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: "探花精选 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.”
Loughborough College's Director of Strategic Partnerships, Laura Shepherd, said: “We are celebrating the launch of The Jobs Foundation's “Two Million Jobs” report with our partners at 探花精选. We are honoured to be featured for our work through the Careers and Enterprise Hub with LUinc.
“The report highlights how we're making strides towards creating opportunities, fostering skills, supporting entrepreneurs and building our community's future.”
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.”
Two Million Jobs: How Businesses Play a Crucial Role in Helping People Transition from Welfare to Work is available on the .