28.03.07
Allyson's achievements rewarded

Allyson Glover, Project Manager for Combined Universities in Cornwall's graduate placement scheme – Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) – was delighted to be chosen as one of the eight winners at the Cornwall Women of Achievement Awards on Friday night at Eden.

Allyson, who grew up in Cornwall and now lives with her family in Falmouth, was presented with the Business award sponsored by Business Link Devon and Cornwall, in recognition of the commitment and dedication she has shown in making the UCP scheme an outstanding success and therefore directly benefiting businesses and graduates right across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The UCP scheme, managed by Cornwall College and backed by Objective One, is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative. The UCP team, led by Allyson, specialise in identifying graduates with appropriate skills to work on specific projects within local businesses. The scheme not only contributes towards the graduates' salaries but also arranges academic mentors to provide advice and support.

With Allyson's infectious enthusiasm and the support of her dedicated team, the UCP scheme has grown in recognition in the local business community. 143 placements have already been completed to date with an impressive 72% of graduates being offered full time employment at the end of their projects. Around 50 more placements are still on-going and demand to take part in the scheme continues to grow.

Allyson commented on her award, saying: "It is really rewarding to know you can make a difference and I have to thank my team for their constant support and skill in making that possible. I was really honoured to have the chance to attend the event and celebrate all the fantastic work that is improving lives in so many ways throughout our region."

Ian Tunbridge, Executive Director of the CUC was equally pleased, remarking, "With the increasing number of high quality graduates we have in Cornwall, the UCP scheme is absolutely pivotal to expanding employment opportunities and enabling businesses to tap into this important source of knowledge and innovation. I am delighted that Allyson's hard work and convictions have been acknowledged in such a way. She thoroughly deserves the award."

For further information contact Emma Stallard, combined Universities in Cornwall PR and Communications Officer on 01363 370446 or email emma.stallard@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) and also Unlocking Cornish Potential through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

The Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative and is managed by Cornwall College. UCP builds on 5 years of highly successful, ESF funded activity by the University of Plymouth. The UCP project seeks to measurably improve the efficiency, competitiveness and growth potential of SMEs in Cornwall through the placement of graduates in companies to undertake business development projects. These projects can last from 6 to 12 months.

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's economic renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall's Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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