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European Commission awards UEL’s Knowledge Dock prestigious ‘Business Innovation Centre’ status

Thursday 28 August 2008

Knowledge Dock, the University of East London’s (UEL) enterprise development service, has been awarded official recognition as a Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) by the European Commission.

The award of BIC status was conferred after a rigorous assessment process carried out by the European Business Network earlier this summer. The Knowledge Dock Business Centre, based at UEL’s Docklands campus, was certified as a European Commission BIC in recognition of the excellent support the service provides to entrepreneurs and innovative small and medium enterprises (SME) in east London.

Knowledge Dock has now become part of a European-wide group who share best practice in developing SMEs, enabling the organisation to offer new opportunities to the hundreds of businesses they work with. 

Rob Moss, Director of Knowledge Dock, said: “This European Commission endorsement means that Knowledge Dock is now the only officially recognised BIC in London – becoming the 12th BIC in the UK and part of a network of 160 organisationsacross 21 European countries.

“We believe that there is a wealth of innovation potential in London and our objective is to connect enterprising individuals and SMEs to the resources needed to explore their ideas and develop their business. With this award from the European Business Network we can seek exciting new opportunities for our local businesses.”

Martin Longstaff, Development Manager at the University of East London, was part of the team that helped Knoledge Dock to gain BIC status. Martin said: “Being part of the European BIC Network will provide a gateway for local businesses to make international connections and will open up opportunities for extra funding in the local area. 

“This EC award is a clear indication of the European Commission’s support for providers, such as Knowledge Dock, who help support local businesses and the regeneration of east London.”

UEL’s Knowledge Dock enterprise development and support service contributes to the economic and social development of east London and Thames Gateway through provision of a range of business development and support services to inventors, businesses, academics, students and entrepreneurs.

For further information, visit www.knowledgedock.com.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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