Higher education funding is certainly one of the political hot topics at the moment, both locally and nationally.
And while universities wait with bated breath to hear the new government’s plans on student fees, they know continual diversification into new revenue streams is an absolute must too.
This is where Martin Tideswell and his team come in at University of Staffordshire.
In his role as Director of Communities and Commercial Engagement, Martin has taken the organisation’s position as a ‘civic university’ to a whole new level – reinforcing and amplifying its role within the local business community.
Over the last two and a half years, the experienced journalist, newspaper editor and events compere has brought in a whole range of initiatives to help open up new commercial opportunities for the university and cement its relationship with key partners.
Take for instance the university’s Business Awards. Two years in and it has already become an established event in people’s diaries. More than 350 people attended this September’s event, with sponsors ranging from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to GivEnergy, Beswicks Legal and the Ambassador Theatre Group – demonstrating its diverse appeal.
Martin said: “Right now all universities are facing similar funding challenges and so we are all looking at ways to diversify revenue streams.
“One of the ways we do that is to stage events and use our facilities to attract external finance.
“This is no different to any other business looking to use its footprint, facilities and expertise to bring in new revenue streams.
“The current government has indicated there will be some intervention on funding – but they are not simply going to give bail outs.
“We know for much of the last decade student fees have not risen. So, essentially in real terms, they are not worth the £9,250 they once were because costs have risen.
“So, moving forward, universities will have to continue to look for different commercial opportunities rather than just wait for the student recruitment situation to stabilise.”
Martin added: “The Business Awards is a good example of this.
“The university already works with hundreds of businesses in North Staffordshire and beyond, whether that’s with alumni businesses or companies that use us for research, knowledge transfer partnerships or talent acquisition.
“So it is a natural fit to have an event to showcase the best of business.
“I asked contacts I have built up over the last three decades if they would support us and they were really keen.
“The first year was a real test as we were covering new ground. But, actually, it was a huge success.
“This year we have increased the number of entries and sponsors and have gone from strength to strength – a real team effort getting nine months of work to pay off on one night.”
Hot on the heels of the Business Awards is Your Heroes, which takes place on November 28.
Martin added: “It is about celebrating the very best people in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. The unsung heroes who don’t think they are doing anything special.
“Again, it feeds into the university being a key player in the community and reaching out to, and engaging with, groups and individuals.”
Martin has now notched up more than 50 high profile events that he has compered or fronted during his career – including 30 award ceremonies.
“People ask if I get nervous doing the events,” said Martin.
“But I did pantomime at the Regent Theatre several years ago. And when you go on stage as a newbie and non-actor and inevitably slip up in front of an audience it tends to put things in perspective.
“So, no, I don’t get nervous anymore. In fact, it is a genuine pleasure and I look forward to doing the events and being one cog in the team that makes it happen.”
