Institute of Directors and University of Essex join forces to support businesses and students

The University of Essex and the Institute of Directors (IoD) in the East of England have launched a partnership to provide new opportunities to students and benefit businesses in the region.

Both have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which commits them to working together and are now pursuing a whole range of joint projects that will include internship and placement experiences to students, visiting guest lectures, training, mentoring and professional development.

As part of the agreement, IoD members will have access to the University’s co-working space StudioX at the Innovation Centre for student-facing activities and external business meetings.

Andy Mew, Head of Start-Up Support at Essex, said: “We’re looking forward to offering our students and graduates lots of support and opportunities thanks to the Institute of Directors.

“We’re so grateful to their members for their enthusiasm for working with our students. We also hope they can benefit from connecting with our business community, linking with our researchers and accessing our facilities.”

A team from IoD East visited the University to tour facilities and meet the team, after which IoD East of England Chair Biplab Rakshi commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with the University of Essex, and excited about the range of support and opportunities available to students and our members this collaboration brings.

“It was inspiring to see the range of facilities and access to innovation at the University, and I hope our members will take full advantage of everything this outstanding site has to offer. In turn, we look forward to working with University of Essex students and staff to support leadership development.”

Pictured: Rob Singh Director of Research and Enterprise and the University of Essex with Biplab Rakshi, IoD East of England Chair