Newman University College Birmingham is to sponsor the Environment category at this year's Birmingham Post Business Awards.

With the economic slowdown making the employment market more competitive than ever and tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year coming into force from October, investing in the best possible education is more important than ever if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Newman University College, Birmingham – which will become Birmingham’s newest full university later this year – enjoys a proud history of delivering undergraduate, postgraduate and foundation degree courses, with its graduates consistently enjoying one of the best graduate employment rates in the UK*.

How have we achieved this?

By making the most of our intimate size to ensure that students develop not just a sound understanding of their subjects, but also experience a more formative education: getting to know their lecturers and colleagues, taking the opportunity to explore challenges across related subject areas and, essentially, developing the skills and vision to see their subject within a wider context and adapt to changing circumstances.

This broader approach builds on an essential foundation of strong subject knowledge and includes work placements for every full-time undergraduate student taking a single or combined-honours course.

As part of the process, students are encouraged to take responsibility for identifying and developing their own opportunities, helping them develop the more complex skills sets employers value – such as the ability to take the initiative, direct and manage projects – and apply these skills within the context of ever-changing commercial and employment markets.

While it can be tempting to focus on career-specific skills and future earnings as the be-all-and-end-all of higher education, particularly in challenging economic times, it is the broader skills graduates develop – such as initiative, problem-solving and applied thinking – that will have the strongest impact in the workplace and wider society.

With some students taking up the option to carry out research-based placements during their final year and many students going on to work for host companies once their formal work placement is over, the value of building links between higher education institutions and local organisations is clear for all to see.

At Newman, we also want our graduates to stand out for all the right reasons. That is why we recently launched the UK’s first honours degree in Business, Sustainability and Ethics.

This new course doesn’t just look at the component parts of business operations but infuses ethics into every part of those debates.

For example, as we move into increasingly global, interdependent times, what issues do tomorrow’s managers and business leaders need to understand in order to develop successful, sustainable businesses? What are the cultural and management implications of working with international workforces? And how do we best use human and physical resources to maximise performance while generating sustainable returns?

The economy will continue to bring challenges but by encouraging our students to develop career-specific skills while keeping a permanent eye on the bigger picture, we believe we can offer uniquely skilled graduates who are ready to make a positive impact across any business.

For further information on how your business could benefit by working with Newman staff, students and graduates, contact Kevin Griffiths, employment engagement co-ordinator on 0121 476 1181 x 2313.

For more information on our range of full and part-time degree courses, visit www.newman.ac.uk or join us at our open days on Saturday July 7 (10am – 3pm) and Wednesday July 11 (4pm – 8pm).

* Newman University College ranks in the top 20 for graduate employment in the Sunday Times University Guide.

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THE BIRMINGHAM POST BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 –
NOMINATIONS AND TABLE SALES ARE NOW OPEN

This year, the Birmingham Post Business Awards Gala Dinner is taking place at Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday October 4, 2012.
Nominations are now open for the following categories:
l Communications: including Marketing and Creative
l Property: including Regeneration
l Legal & Business Advisory
l Finance
l Environment: including Recycling and Sustainability
l Manufacturing: including Science & Technology
l People Development: including Recruitment & Training
l Small Business & Business Start Up
l Emerging Professional
l Medium to Large Business
l Company of the Year

Full category details and eligibility criteria are available at www.bpbusinessawards.co.uk – closing date for entries is Thursday July 19 at 5pm.


We have many high profile sponsors on board including, Bournville College, Challinors Solicitors, Edgbaston Stadium, Jaguar Land Rover and Newman University College.

If you’re interesting in joining these and becoming a sponsor of the Birmingham Post Business Awards 2012, you can expect to receive the full range of editorial and advertising benefits (in print, online and at the event).

 To discuss sponsorship options or for more information, please contact Matt Evans on 0121 234 5070 or email matt.evans@trinitymirror.com.


Tables are booking fast so to book yours, visit www.bpbusinessawards.co.uk or contact Diane Littley on 0121 234 5797 or diane.littley@trinitymirror.com.