Our growing University

People often comment to me that they do not see students around the town very much. I reply with several answers: firstly they are working very hard on their intensive two year degrees. And secondly as I understand things, many of the students are here with sponsorship from their country's government, often from a relatively poor country compared to the UK, and they feel driven to work hard (and play less) as a consequence. But thirdly, I also say: how do you know? Students don't look any different to other younger people in the town... they are among us!

And they will be among us in increasing numbers as the University is expanding rapidly. The Medical School started a couple of years ago and now with the new 'Vinson Centre for Liberal Economics and Entrepreneurship" even more students will be arriving soon. I and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mark Cole had the great pleasure of being part of the assembled group that learnt more about the new Vinson Centre and watched while Lord Vinson (who has donated £5.5m to its construction) and Sir Anthony celebrate the moment where the building work began. (The University's press release is here.)

This build and later planned builds on the old Innov8 site on the Tingewick Road and Chandos Road will bring lots of construction jobs to the town as well eventually more students and more academic posts too. As it stands, the University is already the biggest employer in the town and is set to grow. I and the Town Council are committed to building stronger links between 'town and gown' and ensure that mutual benefits are shared all round.

People may question what am I doing as a socialist supporting the development of liberal economics and entrepreneurialism. I have always said that my goal as the Town Mayor is to support ambition and I am truly delighted when anyone sets out to start a new business and takes an entrepreneurial risk. In these moments, people affirm their creativity and dreams, and seek to spread these to others as well. Throughout my life, I have been working for a world in which everyone has dreams & ambitions... and the wherewithal to achieve them. I celebrate all entrepreneurial ambitions!

We were treated to some inspirational presentations from past and present students of Professor Nigel Adams and his team. Here is a picture of Abi who just started her own brand of gender neutral clothing called BlackWolf. I wish her well.

Liberal economics is of course a very different kettle of fish (defined as "emphasising the concept of the free market and laissez-faire policies, with the government's role limited to providing support services" by the FT) and perhaps one day Lord Vinson and I might share a cup to tea and discuss how the banks needed governments around the world to underwrite their massive losses accrued from pursuing raw laissez-faire business deals... but that is for another day!

Meanwhile, we can now all watch the new Vinson Centre emerge on Hunter Street. (Thanks for the picture below from Beverley Kelly)