University is ‘one of Europe’s fastest growing companies’

This is despite tough economic conditions which have seen the European and UK economies encounter negative growth.
 
The University’s ranking follows a period of growth which has seen its turnover increase by nearly 50% since 2007, rising from £153 million to £227 million in 2010.

Its growth has also created hundreds of new jobs, rising from just over 2,500 full time employees in 2007 to more than 3,000 in 2010 and more staff are being taken on as growth continues.
 
These figures add to previous research which shows the university contributes more than £400 million of economic benefit to the UK and up to 5,000 people rely on the university, either directly or indirectly, for their jobs.

Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University, said: “Being ranked as the 62nd fastest growing company in Europe is a real testament to the hard work everyone here has put in to reinforce our position as one of the UK’s leading universities.

“By investing in new facilities, employing talented staff and strengthening our world-class research, we are not only investing in the future of the university, but also in the future of the regional and national economy.”

The rankings have been commissioned by the non-profit organisation, Europe’s 500, and the list is compiled by business information experts, Dun & Bradstreet.

Juan Roure, co-founder of Europe’s 500, said the results of all those companies on the list were particularly notable due to the tough economic situation. He said: “These are exceptional achievements considering that there was a negative growth of approximately 5 % in Europe in 2009.”

During the University’s period of growth, it has seen a significant boost in its profile – it is ranked 12th in the UK in the Times Good University Guide for 2011 and features in the list of the the top 1 per cent of universities in the world according to The Times Higher Education World Rankings 2010.

The University is also in the midst of an investment programme worth more than £350 million across its three campuses in Devon and Cornwall.

This includes the Forum project – a flagship building at the centre of its Streatham Campus, as well as expansion of its Business School, new Biosciences facilities, and a new Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) in Cornwall.

Professor Smith added: “We have seen a significant period of investment, improvement and growth, and we aim to continue to consolidate and build on those foundations into the future.

“By improving our student experience and continuing our cutting-edge research programmes, we hope to continue our contribution to economic growth.”