The workshop, held on Thursday, January 30 in London, brought together representatives from the 15 growth hubs participating in the programme, and their delivery partners.

The W2GH Programme, supported by the Regional Growth Fund, will support cities in creating a growth hub for their area to promote economic growth and work with local businesses, providing them with access to a national network of resources.

The workshop was the first in a new programme of events and knowledge-sharing initiatives, organised by Lancaster University’s Knowledge Exchange and Research group, in conjunction with programme partners from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Cabinet Office’s Cities Policy Unit.

Lancaster University plays two distinct and innovative roles in the programme – as programme managers and as expert support to programme development. A first for Universities in the UK, this programme demonstrates the dynamic role that Universities and especially their business schools can play in the UK’s Growth Agenda.

Dr Ellie Hamilton, Associate Dean and Director of the W2GH programme at Lancaster University said: “This kick-off workshop was dedicated to facilitating discussion between the cities, policy makers and the University.

“Throughout the day there were opportunities to share experiences and knowledge. We had good feedback from the delegates and we are looking forward to building a strong and effective network in the coming months.”

Guest speakers from two established growth hubs, Manchester and Cumbria, delivered inspirational talks based on their experiences, lessons learnt and offered a wealth of advice around business partnerships, social media and national versus regional delivery.

The W2GH Programme comprises of The Black Country, Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove, Coventry and Warwickshire, Hull and Humber, Ipswich and Norwich, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Central Oxfordshire, Reading, Plymouth, Southampton and Portsmouth, Southend, Stoke and Staffordshire, Swindon and Wiltshire, and Tees Valley.

For further information on the W2GH Programme, please contact Dr Amy Gibbons, W2GH Programme Manager, a.gibbons1@lancaster.ac.uk

More background is available here : http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/articles/2013/lancaster-university-expertise-supports-economic-growth-in-16-cities-across-the-/