Levelling up skills and investment for the South West

In addition to the high value jobs created by their business spin-out activities, Russell Group universities in the South West currently employ over 13,600 staff, an increase of 31% over the last 5 years.

How universities are helping in the region

University of Bristol – Science Creates

The University of Bristol has helped to establish 'Science Creates' a deep tech incubator that has helped to set up new science and engineering companies working with technologies to improve healthcare, the environment and quality of life.

University of Exeter – delivering world-leading diabetes research

Thanks to the flexibility of quality related “QR” funding, the University of Exeter has become a world leader in diabetes research, delivering improved treatments, helping to prevent thousands of people developing diabetes in the first place and saving the NHS millions.

Exeter has an exceptional track-record of providing employers with skilled workers, creating jobs, leading collaborations and partnerships and drawing investment locally and nationally- from the new South West Institute of Technology, our Degree Apprenticeship programme, the continued success of the SetSquared Exeter initiative, the thriving Exeter Science Park and the flourishing student Start-Up scheme, amongst others.  

— Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter

Explore how our universities are contributing to other regions around the UK.