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It’s been an incredible year for º£½ÇÖ±²¥

The Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) believes it has been an incredible year for º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

James Ramsbotham was speaking with just days to go until the prestigious Times Higher Education awards, where we have been shortlisted for University of the Year and Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative of the Year. The University of the Year submission is based upon our unique 16-point plan to support the regional business economy through the recession.

Our Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative recognition is for our achievement in working with employers. The entry focuses on a highly innovative Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management developed by our Business School in partnership with the NECC. Aimed at junior and middle managers across the region, it includes a series of two-day masterclasses delivered by industry leaders and University staff, as well as coaching and mentoring in the workplace and on-line learning support.

Performing at the highest national level Speaking about the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative of the Year shortlisting, Mr Ramsbotham said: ‘To be nominated by Times Higher for this particular award is a great accolade. It does not come easy – It’s right at the highest national level - and I am really delighted that º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has made it all the way to this stage of the competition.’

He added: ‘It has been an incredible year for º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and every single business throughout the region continually remarks on what a great business engagement model they have.

‘I absolutely feel that º£½ÇÖ±²¥ deserves all the accolades it gets for its business engagement model that it uses - it sets the standard in so many ways.’

Delighted by the support A number of well known people connected with the area have already expressed their congratulations to the University for achieving this double accolade.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said it sends out a powerful message and Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne described it as fantastic news.

Boro Boss Gareth Southgate said the shortlistings give the whole area a boost, whereas former England Physiotherapist and Honorary Graduate Alan Smith believes it shows just how great this University is.

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