Andy Berry, CBE of UCS College Group and Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Exeter signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step towards strengthening regional education, research, and skills development across the South West.

The collaboration aims to explore joint initiatives in several key areas, including improving education outcomes, fostering social mobility, developing innovative healthcare solutions, and enhancing employer-led training. The partnership will also seek to make collaborative bids for regional projects such as defence, manufacturing, and engineering, as well as increasing access to higher education through dedicated scholarships.

Andy Berry stated: “The partnership with the University of Exeter will enable us to collectively leverage resources and initiatives that align education with regional economic and skills needs. Together we will play a pivotal role in driving initiatives that ensure educational advancements translate into broad-scale economic benefits for the region.”

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “We’re excited to formalise our relationship with University Centre Somerset College Group.  We share an unwavering commitment to the people of Somerset and the wider South West, and this agreement will strengthen our joint work to increase social mobility, develop innovative healthcare solutions, and address skills gaps in the county.”

Stuart Brocklehurst, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation, added “Our region is fortunate to house some incredible places of learning and of research. This partnership between UCS College Group and the University of Exeter will be great for students, benefit the two institutions and generate new opportunities for our communities.”

The MoU outlines a framework for collaborative projects and initiatives fostering a unified approach to tackling skills gaps in sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing and defence. It also sets the foundation for both institutions to work closely with industry leaders to ensure the South West remains at the forefront of strategic responses to emerging economic sectors.

The signing event took place at Taunton College, part of UCS College Group.

For more information visit ucscollegegroup.ac.uk