7 September 2005

Launch of Enterprise Gym Forum

(NOTE - The inaugural meeting of The Enterprise Gym Forum takes place in Room T5 in the Tower Block at the University of Dundee at 10 am on Thursday September 8th.)

The University of Dundee is holding the first meeting of The Enterprise Gym Forum on Thursday September 8th, launching an exciting new venture that aims to meet the challenges of developing an enterprise culture for undergraduates.

The Enterprise Gym initiative has been developed by the University's Centre for Enterprise Management, and is initially being launched as a two-year pilot scheme.

It aims to improve the self-reliance and employability of students by promoting an awareness of business enterprise and helping them to build their entrepreneurial skills.

Local businesses including James Keiller Estates Ltd, Texol, Insights, Ross & Bonnyman, Michelin Development and the Royal Bank of Scotland have already committed to the project as patrons, and there are plans to include many more companies and agencies.

"This is a scheme which we feel has tremendous potential not just for the students, but for the University, local businesses and the local economy," said Ken Edward, of the Centre for Enterprise Management.

"We are very pleased that several businesses have already committed themselves to getting involved. The University can provide students with a first-class education, and through this scheme we can also, with the help of our partners, help develop their business acumen in tandem."

Under the scheme, students will get the chance to interact with local professionals, giving them first-hand experience of the demands of business and enabling them to develop the skills required to succeed in the business world.

Students will be provided with a full range of tailored learning products, and will also be given "masterclasses" from senior business figures.

"All aspects of the Dundee business community should be working closer with the Universities to produce students who are commercially aware of the needs of business," said Bruce Linton, chairman of James Keiller Estates Ltd and chairman of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust Tayside.

"Over the past few years, academics, along with business leaders, have been striving to get the commercial realism of what today's dynamic business market demands from our young students. It is never too early to start this process. Each individual's character being different, this can start early in a student’s career, or later. Awareness and readiness to take on the commercial demands of today’s workplace is what it is all about."

University Vice-Principal James Calderhead, welcoming business representatives to the Forum, said, "This is a great opportunity for local businesses and the university to work together to promote a real understanding of the business world and a better preparation of graduates for their future careers.

"There is a great deal of enthusiasm for the project and it promises to make a significant impact on the personal and professional development of many students in Dundee. We are very pleased that so many business leaders in the local community have come forward to support the scheme."

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk