• Keele is working with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for two new projects which will provide enormous benefits to the local area. 
• The projects have been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda, with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council securing a share of the funding. 
• Many of the activities will be run through the University’s new town centre home, Keele in Town, based on Ironmarket in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre. 

Enormous benefits to the area 

Keele University is working with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for two new projects which will provide enormous benefits to the local area. 

The projects have been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda which will provide £2.6 billion for local investment across the UK by March 2025, with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council securing a share of the funding. 

Working closely with the local authority, Keele has successfully bid for a share of the funding secured by the Council, which will be used for two projects known as FLOURISH and Moving Ahead. 

Leveraging student and graduate talent 

FLOURISH will make use of student and graduate talent for the benefit of Newcastle-under-Lyme by delivering innovation and transformation projects with local SMEs, community groups, and not-for profit organisations. 

FLOURISH will see 60 projects delivered across the themes of Digital inclusion, Society and Economy; Sustainability and Carbon Literacy; SME Innovation; Culture and Creativity; and Entrepreneurship, many of which will be run through the University’s new town centre home, Keele in Town. 

Further funding has been secured for a project called Moving Ahead, which will enable Keele to work with a cohort of innovation-ready businesses to develop detailed, fundable proposals for intensive Research Development and Innovation projects.  

The project will also promote networking and collaboration through the creation of a broader Newcastle-under-Lyme Innovation Network, bringing together businesses and partners across sectors to share knowledge, expertise and resources, and stimulate innovation and growth  

The Innovation Network will prepare a new generation of collaborators in the Borough through a series of events to stimulate peer-to-peer learning, and opportunities to engage with academic experts and visits.   

Supporting the vitality of the town centre 

Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement and Partnerships at Keele University, said: “We are committed to working with the Borough Council to support the vitality of the town centre, the growth of high value jobs, the area’s environmental sustainability and residents’ quality of life. These projects are a valuable addition to Keele’s already strong partnership with the Borough Council, local businesses and communities.” 

A spokesman for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council added: “Keele is a world-class university on our doorstep, and we are delighted it can share the expertise, knowledge and vitality of staff and students with the wider community in projects and partnerships that benefit everyone.” 

Keele’s role in these projects is just another example of the University’s commitment to its civic role, and its position as a significant contributor to local economic development and prosperity. 

A recent report found that revealed that Keele University contributes around half a billion pounds in gross value added (GVA) to the West Midlands economy each year, with Newcastle-under-Lyme being one of the primary beneficiaries. 

The report, by independent economists HATCH, estimated that Keele’s business support activities have positively impacted over 175 businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme, supporting over 170 FTE jobs in the Borough and generating over £18m of economic impact.