Two iconic Nottingham institutions are joining forces to form a unique international partnership designed to support the city’s business growth, investment, and global profile.
The collaboration between the University of Nottingham and Nottingham’s home-grown fashion designer Paul Smith, will capitalise on the international reputation of both organisations to fly the flag for the city overseas.
The two partners have particular influence in Asia, where the university has campuses in Malaysia and China, and Paul Smith has significant presence including a number of stores across China, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Commenting on the new partnership, Paul Smith said: “Growing up in Beeston, my father was a keen amateur photographer. I very vividly remember a photograph he took of the original University of Nottingham campus mid-construction.
“Having a university in the city I grew-up in was always something I was very aware and proud of and so it’s really exciting for me to be launching this partnership between what I consider to be two quintessentially Nottingham organisations that are now known for their excellence around the world.”
To mark the start of the partnership, Paul Smith has launched an exclusive limited-edition collection of University of Nottingham merchandise which pays tribute to his connection to his hometown and features the company’s striped design alongside a stylised depiction of the university’s iconic Trent Building.
Alex Favier, Director of Global Reputation and Relations, said: “The University of Nottingham and Paul Smith Ltd partnership began during Nottingham in Parliament Day in 2016. The University worked with over 100 businesses, local authorities and third-sector partners to help tell the story of a pioneering, creative and innovative Nottingham to a wider audience.
“The launch of the Paul Smith for the University of Nottingham collection is underpinned by the same desire from both partners to use their global reach and reputation to help promote our city, county and its businesses to a global audience.
“The University of Nottingham has international alumni around the world, all of whom have an affinity with Nottingham as a place, not just as a university. We are committed to helping Nottingham’s businesses and visitor economy recover from the pandemic by making more of these global connections.
“Through the Midlands Innovation university collaboration, the university hosts a regional pilot funded by the UK Government that will explore practical ways in which universities can help boost local trade and investment.”
Paul Smith is an invited member of the university’s Business Partnership Programme, which is designed to help its key industry partners to collaborate with the university and to work together on shared objectives.
The partnership, which is tailored to each business, offers access to the university’s eco-system of innovation, talent and connections.
Opportunities on offer through the programme include the chance to develop collaborative bids for UK Research and Innovation funded projects; preferential updates on intellectual property including technology for license and spin-out companies looking for investment; and access to experts for academic consultancy and cutting-edge facilities and equipment.
