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The ¹ú²úÊÓƵ has received a UK Business Hero stamp in recognition of its work to support the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The University was put forward to receive the formal acknowledgement from the British Chambers of Commerce by the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, along with a number of other local organisations.

The UK Business Heroes campaign aims to recognise the work of UK businesses in the most challenging of times.

Throughout this on-going difficult period, the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ has sought out ways to provide help and support, whether by sending all of its health equipment to the local hospital at the start of the national lockdown, through to rallying volunteers to join the national effort. Around 450 ¹ú²úÊÓƵ students put themselves forward to work on the frontline at the height of the pandemic, and students clocked up more than 850 hours of additional volunteering in their communities.

Going forwards the University has committed to playing its part in the national recovery, including through the vital education of those professionals who are much needed in our communities, and by offering re-skilling opportunities for the many hundreds of thousands of people abruptly displaced from their industries by the pandemic. 

Sharon Smith, CEO at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I was thrilled to nominate the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ for a UK Business Hero stamp by the British Chambers of Commerce.

“The ¹ú²úÊÓƵ has attained some fantastic achievements over the last several years, including being shortlisted twice for University of the Year, being highly commended in international environmental awards and proactively ensuring the safety of students and staff returning to education following the coronavirus pandemic.

“As alumni of the university, I am pleased that they have been recognised in a campaign that sets out to shine a spotlight on UK businesses that have gone the extra mile to support the local community in what has been a challenging year for all. The ¹ú²úÊÓƵ has been a leading example for the community, providing equipment, students, volunteers and PPE, they have really stopped at nothing to help. Congratulations.”

The University received a message of support from HRH The Countess of Wessex, congratulating it on receiving the Stamp.

Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE said: “We are delighted to receive this formal recognition for our work to help our local region through this most difficult time. This pandemic has really highlighted what a wonderful community we have in Worcester and across the two counties with so many people who have made huge sacrifices to help others. Not least our outstanding health students who put themselves forward to work on the frontline, risking their own health and for many, having to isolate from their loved ones in order to provide vital support to our NHS. We are incredibly proud of their dedication. This recognition is for them and the many staff at the University who have supported our students and the community in so many ways.”

Senior Pro Vice Chancellor, Ross Renton, added: “We have been working closely with the Chamber of Commerce to help support businesses across the region. We are keen to discuss with companies on how we can work together to help promote growth and upskill the workforce, including by creating new graduate roles, placements and course options”