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SPRING 2014

ISSUE 1

2

#WeAreSolent

2 Solentcampusexpansion

3 SouthamptonTalented

AthleteSchemelaunches

4 50yearsofcitystatus

forSouthampton

5 Whysmallmusicvenues

matter

6 SolenthostslocalChildren’s

Universitygraduation

7 Workshopsfromdrumming

legends

8 #WeAreSolent–

graduation2013

10 Solentartat‘TEXT’

exhibition,London

11 RetailSolent:conference

andcourses

12 Solentfootballexperts

visitBrazil

14 ResearchatSolent

16 25yearsofoutdoorcourses

17 Solentmediabringlocal

eventstolife

CO

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ENT

S

HOWTOCONTACTUS:Send your news, views, queries and

comments to: The Press and PR Officer,

Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace,

Southampton SO14 0RB.

Telephone: 023 8031 9040

Email: press.office@solent.ac.uk

Southampton Solent University’s

Marketing and Communications Service

PUB: D2014011302

Printed by: Indigo Press

6

10

12

SPRING 2014 | 1

FOREWORD | ISSUE 12

I’ve always believed Solent is more than just another university. It’s a place where people from all walks of life and all corners of the world can come together to excel – to improve their knowledge and skills, to broaden their horizons and their opportunities, and to achieve more than they could ever have done alone.

The #WeAreSolent initiative (p.2) we

launched in January reflects this, revealing and

celebrating the staff, students, graduates and

external partners that make up Southampton

Solent University. Of course, it’s our diverse and

vibrant community which makes that possible

– and I’m not just referring to our extraordinary

students. If you are reading this, you are part of

the Solent community too.

From schools, colleges, businesses, community

groups and local government, it’s our partners

in the region and beyond who help make

Solent the enterprising and innovative place it

is today, who work with us to deliver academic,

professional and practical opportunities for our

students – and reap the benefits in turn.

We are ambitious not just for ourselves, but

also for the communities we serve. We believe

in our students and in Southampton. We want

to see them develop and excel. That’s why

we’ve taken a leading role in helping celebrate

Southampton’s 50-year anniversary of city

status (p.4), bringing together pledges from

individuals and organisations to improve the

city in ways great and small.

We’re also continuing our Vision for 2020

programme of events and conferences,

designed to help stimulate growth and

generate the graduate jobs that will encourage

tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and innovators

to make the Solent region their home –

transforming the local economy and ensuring a

brighter future for all of us.

Whether it’s the recognised strength of our

Sport Solent brand, delivering expertise as far

afield as Brazil (p.12) and as close to home

as the new Southampton Talented Athlete

Scheme (p.3), or our partnerships team’s

support for initiatives like the New Forest

and Southampton Children’s University (p.6),

Solent University is an engine for creativity and

transformation with global reach. Work with us,

and who knows what we might achieve?

ProfessorVanJGore

“…We believe in our students, and in Southampton…

”

2 | SPRING 2014

SOLENT EXPANSION

PICKSUPPACESolent’s plans for a stunning new £30 million expansion to its East Park Terrace campus are gathering pace, with the proposals approved by Southampton City Council in December. Final planning permission is set to be granted in spring 2014, after which work will begin.

“Getting approval for this exciting new

development is great news for our students,

staff and the city,” said the Vice-Chancellor,

Professor Van Gore.

Designed by Scott Brownrigg, the new

building will sit alongside the Sir John Everett

Millais building and link up with the rest

of the East Park Terrace (EPT) site through

a spectacular central 18- by 80-metre

atrium – featuring a bold, distinctive and

multifunctional pod-room ‘floating’ in the

centre of the huge space.

As well as this eye-catching new central

forum for the EPT campus, the new building

will provide lecture and seminar facilities

with state-of-the-art lighting, acoustics and

equipment, plus social and flexible space for

exhibitions, shows and events.

Just the latest of Solent University’s

significant investments in its facilities over

the past five years, this new structure is also

the first step in the planned transformation

of the whole EPT campus.

By 2020 Solent will have spent £100 million

on campus improvements, including a

new sports and sport science complex, a

landscaped plaza and further enhancements

to the East Park Terrace site – all as part

of the exciting ‘Master Plan’ to realise

Southampton’s city centre vision.

…The new building will provide lecture and seminar facilities with state-of-the-art lighting, acoustics and equipment…

ISSUE 12 | UNIVERSITY

#WeAreSolent

On 21 January Solent launched the

#WeAreSolent campaign, designed

to put the spotlight on the students,

staff, graduates and community

partners who help make the

University such a diverse, dynamic,

and above all friendly place.

Take a look at the front cover for a

selection of the Solent selfies that

came in over the first week, or visit

www.solent.ac.uk/WeAreSolent

to see the bigger picture.

You can still send us your own Solent

selfie, too – just tag your picture with

#WeAreSolent on Twitter, Facebook

or Instagram to join in.

NEWSINBRIEF

At their February meeting Solent’s

Board of Governors confirmed the

appointment of Dr Graham Baldwin as

the University’s next Vice-Chancellor,

succeeding Professor Van Gore when

he retires this summer.

Graham will join Solent from the

University of Central Lancashire

(UCLan), where he is currently serving

as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. There

was a very strong shortlist for this

role, but the board felt that Graham

was an outstanding candidate who

demonstrated a clear vision that

matched Solent’s own. He will take

up his position as Vice-Chancellor in

August 2014.

#WeAreSolentBE PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE

APPOINTMENT OF NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

SPRING 2014 | 3

Following a tough selection process, eleven of the city’s brightest sports stars have secured a spot on the newly launched Southampton Talented Athlete Scheme (STAS).

Run and funded by Southampton Solent

University, and supported by Southampton

City Council and Active Nation, the new

sports programme aims to help highly ranked

Southampton athletes between 12 and 18 years

old fulfil their sporting potential.

The young athletes will be able to take

advantage of the University’s state-of-the-art

equipment and sport science expertise, receiving

training, treatments and other benefits usually

only available to professional athletes.

They will also receive free access to the

University’s leading sports facilities and several

other Southampton sports venues, along with

a free local bus pass. Modelled on Solent’s

successful High Performance Academy for elite

student athletes, the scheme also complements

the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme which

Solent has supported for a number of years.

“STAS gives us an opportunity to share

our facilities, knowledge and expertise, and

encourage the highest level of achievement

from these promising young athletes,”

said James Grant, the scheme’s High

Performance Manager. “In turn, this scheme

provides valuable real-world experience for the

University’s sport science, coaching and health

and fitness students.”

Peter Haynes, coach of STAS cross-country

athlete Mahamed Mahamed, agreed: “It is

important to build a support mechanism around

the athlete; STAS is just what Mahamed needed.”

The scheme also helps relieve some

of the pressure on athletes’ families. Michelle

Campbell, mother of STAS athlete Jordan,

commented: “The free bus passes are a welcome

relief and give Jordan her independence.”

Sixteen-year-old Jordan is ranked second in the

UK for under 17s javelin, and won last year’s

nationals. Michelle continued: “What’s impressed

me is the attentive and encouraging support

Jordan receives from the STAS team. They’re

always there to help and advise, and really care

about her progress.”

Sam Bass Copper, pole vault champion for the

south of England, added: “A scheme like this is

priceless for athletes like me; having a whole

expert support network behind me gives me an

edge on my opponents!”

The other talented young STAS athletes are:

national Taekwondo champions Jeamy Navarro

Schrank and Archie Waldock; Robbie Brodie,

national 1m diving champion, and fellow divers

Theo Barnes, Lewys Oakley and Portia Angove;

Oliver Bromby, English Schools 100m champion;

and Owen Lawrence, second place in England

Athletics U17 Championships.

UNLEASHING SOUTHAMPTON’S

SPORTING TALENT

…A scheme like this is priceless for athletes like me…

Nine of the new scheme’s eleven athletes in the University’s High Performance Academy gym. (L-R) Oliver Bromby, Mahamed Mahamed,

Lewys Oakley, Owen Lawrence, Theo Barnes, Archie Waldock, Jordan Campbell, Sam Bass Copper and Jeamy Navarro Schrank.

4 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 12 | COMMUNITY

It’s also a chance to make some changes, to

start to realise our hopes and aspirations and

make the city a better place for our children

and our grandchildren.

A packed programme of events throughout

the year will mark the city’s golden jubilee

– and Southampton Solent University is

pleased to be at the heart of the celebrations.

PLEDGES TO IMPROVE SOUTHAMPTON The University is also co-ordinating a

‘fifty pledges for fifty years’ engagement

project, gathering pledges from local people,

organisations, community groups and

companies to improve Southampton in ways

little and big.

The idea came from a challenge issued

by Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the

RSA, when he spoke at Solent University’s

Vision for 2020 conference in October 2013.

“Southampton’s future is out there,” he

said. “It inhabits this city today. But, right

now, it lies diffuse and dawdling. To be

brought together and brought alive, it needs

a catalyst.

“How about fifty commitments to mark

fifty years?” Taylor asked. “The institutions,

businesses and communities of the city are

challenged to make fifty commitments, to

be delivered by 2020, that will set the city on

course for the half century ahead.”

50 YEARS TO THE DAYThe year of celebration was officially

launched on 24 February, the date on which

Southampton received its city status fifty

years ago. The Mayor and Mayoress threw

open the Mayor’s Parlour to local people and

school pupils, with every school receiving

an inscribed plaque to show they were part

of the celebrations, and the Mayor and

Mayoress later led a non-denominational

service of thanksgiving at St Mary’s Church.

CELEBRATING THROUGH SPORTOne of the first events in the anniversary

celebrations will be the Sainsbury’s Sport

Relief Mile, returning to Southampton on

Sunday 23 March 2014. Thousands are

expected to don their trainers and gather in

Guildhall Square, before following the one-,

three- or six-mile courses around the city’s

beautiful central parks.

This year the event will be organised by a

team of volunteers from Southampton City

Council, Public Health and Sport Solent, as

well as from Southampton Solent University,

the University of Southampton Students’

Union and the Saints Foundation – which are

also part-funding the event.

An important part of Southampton’s

golden jubilee celebrations, the Sainsbury’s

Sport Relief Mile is expected to generate

significant Comic Relief funding for local

charities, encourage local community spirit

and promote healthy living to local residents

– whether running, skipping, jumping or

walking the Mile.

FINDING OUT MOREFor more information on the Sport Relief

Mile or to register for a place, visit

www.sportrelief.co.uk/sainsburys-sport-

relief-mile

If you would like to know more about the

fiftieth anniversary celebrations, or to see how

you can help shape the fifty years to come,

visit www.discoversouthampton.co.uk.

Pledges can be sent to pledges@solent.ac.uk,

or by post to Pledges, MCS, Southampton

Solent University, East Park Terrace,

Southampton SO14 0YN.

In support of Sport Relief, an initiative of

Comic Relief, registered charity 326568

(England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).

The fiftieth anniversary of the city of Southampton provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate what’s great about this city, and why we love to live and work here.

CITY OF GOLD

…Southampton’s future is out there - but it needs a catalyst…

SPRING 2014 | 5

MUSIC | ISSUE 12

January saw Southampton Solent University host the region’s first ever conference on live music. ‘Live & Kicking: Why Independent Venues Matter’ brought together music industry executives with academics and students to discuss the importance of Britain’s independent live music venues.

KEEPINGMUSICALIVEANDKICKING

Groups from Nirvana and Oasis to

Radiohead, Coldplay and Frank Turner

learnt their craft playing venues like

Southampton’s Joiners Arms and Hull’s

Adelphi. Alan McGee discovered and signed

Oasis at Glasgow’s King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut,

while Oxford’s Jericho Tavern nurtured local

talent like Radiohead, Supergrass and Ride.

“It’s really important for people to

understand the importance of the ‘toilet

circuit’,” guest speaker John Harris from

The Guardian and the BBC said. “Serving an

apprenticeship in these venues hones your

skills and builds up a dependable fanbase

in a way that TV and social media alone

simply can’t.”

Live & Kicking’s panel of experts also

included Cerne Canning, manager for The

Vaccines and Franz Ferdinand; Joe Edwards

of Independent Venue Week; Sarah Lowe,

PR for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Iggy &

the Stooges and My Bloody Valentine; and

Ricky Bates from legendary local venue the

Joiners Arms – winner of NME magazine’s

award for Britain’s Best Small Venue 2013.

SECURING THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURESouthampton Solent University has

for some years been supportive of the

local music scene and live music venues.

This conference, organised by the music

promotion team and Solent Music, put

the focus on such venues as the centre of

vibrant music scenes and the life-blood of

the music industries.

John Harris added: “I think it’s great that

Solent University students learn about the

music business at undergraduate level and

really give things thought and attention, as

well as spending time in a more hands-on

way. Solent has the kind of students that

could bring expert and fresh thinking to an

industry in dire need of them.”

Southampton Solent University’s unique

programme of undergraduate music

courses covers the entire breadth of

the music industry, including specialist

degrees in digital music, music promotion,

popular music journalism, popular music

performance and popular music production.

The University’s focus on real-world

learning gives it a particular affinity for

small music venues; Solent music promotion

students work closely with local venues on

music promotion projects and live event

organisation, building their experience and

learning from first-hand exposure to artists

and industry professionals.

Johnny Hopkins, popular music and media

lecturer and the conference’s organiser,

commented: “Small independent venues are

part of the cultural fabric of this country

and the life-blood of the music industry.

We mustn’t lose them.

“The conference developed some new

ideas on how to help small independent

venues, and we feel optimistic about

the future. Many of our students have

gone on to careers in record companies,

music marketing and event management

after gaining valuable work experience in

Southampton’s local music venues.”

…Never underestimate the strength of word-of-mouth in establishing an act…

6 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 12 | COMMUNITY

November saw Southampton Solent University host the first ever graduation ceremony of the New Forest and Southampton Children’s University.

LOCAL KIDS GOWN UP TO GRADUATE

Forty-six pupils between the ages of five and

fourteen donned mortar boards and robes

to attend the ceremony at Solent’s Sir James

Matthews Building, Southampton, receiving

a certificate of their achievements from

wheelchair rugby star Aaron Phipps.

LEARNING TO LOVE LEARNINGThe New Forest and Southampton branch of

the Children’s University (CU) was launched

in March 2013, as a partnership between

Southampton Solent University, Brockenhurst

College and local schools.

The CU aims to give young people from all

backgrounds – particularly those who might

not think further or higher education is for

them – access to an exciting range of extra-

curricular activities and events, including visits

to museums, businesses, exhibitions, sports

activities and university lectures.

At the graduation ceremony Tariq Sasso,

Deputy Head of Blackfield Primary, said: “We’ve

had 25 clubs that run every week at our school,

and over 40 pupils have completed activities as

part of the Children’s University – with quite a

few children graduating today.”

After completing 30, 65 or 100 hours of

activity the pupils achieve bronze, silver or

gold certificates, with CU postgraduate and

doctorate levels also available.

Kevin Muddiman, who watched his twins Amber

and Nicole receive their gold certificates, said:

“Today was brilliant. They’ve really enjoyed their

tasks over the year, including woodwork and

forest trails. They love it because while they’re

playing, they’re learning.”

SPARKING A BRIGHTER FUTUREAs well as helping organise the Children’s

University, Southampton Solent already has

close ties with local schools and colleges as

part of its Solent Bright Sparks programme

– providing outreach, summer schools and

competitions to encourage local children to get

engaged with learning.

Dr Jamie Mackay, Partnership Development

Manager at Southampton Solent, said: “The

Children’s University programme is a fantastic

way of encouraging young people to continue

their learning, and an ideal extension of our

Bright Sparks work.”

With the recent graduation showing how

the CU has sparked the imagination of local

youngsters, Solent and its partners are ready

to expand on their success. “As well as the

number of schools which are already a part

of the Children’s University, we are looking

forward to signing up more from Southampton

and beyond, and hosting a second graduation

ceremony in the summer,” said Dr Mackay.

…The Children’s University builds a lasting passion for learning…

MUSIC | ISSUE 12

A steady stream of drumming legends are passing on their skills at Solent.

THE BEAT KEEPS COMING

InFebruary2014oneoftheworld’s

topdrummersvisitedSouthampton

SolentUniversitytosharehisskillsand

knowledgewithstudentsandmembers

ofthepublic,aspartofaspecialseriesof

drumclinicsbeinghostedbytheUniversity.

During a career spanning more than 30 years,

Craig Blundell has become an ambassador for

British drumming on the international circuit.

His talents are always in high demand, and

he’s a regular feature alongside well-known

artists such as King Crimson and Deep Purple.

Craig kicked off his drumming career with

HM Royal Marines Band Service, touring and

composing his own pieces before turning

professional. Noted for his experimental style

and enthusiasm for technology, Craig is the

BBC’s drummer of choice and plays at shows

and drum festivals across the globe.

STAR PERFORMERSCraig is just the latest in a string of leading

drummers to bring their knowledge to

Southampton Solent. December’s drum clinic

featured Neal Wilkinson, who has toured with

James Morrison, worked on hit TV shows

American Idol and the X Factor, and played

with such legends as Sir Paul McCartney, Van

Morrison and Ray Charles.

One of the UK’s most respected drummers,

Neal demonstrated advanced drum

techniques and discussed his life in the music

industry with a crowd of around 150 students,

members of the public and pupils from two of

our partner colleges, Itchen and Fareham.

As well as being free for Solent and partner

college students, the clinics are also open

to members of the public for a small fee –

providing a chance to learn from the very best.

Solent BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance

student Yasmin Corrigan Davey said: “Neal

was one of the nicest, most inspirational

guests I have met – he had a real interest in

us as young musicians and great advice for

everyone, including me as a singer.”

SHARING THE KNOWLEDGESolent visiting fellow Carl Palmer of prog

rock legends Emerson, Lake and Palmer, who

kicked off the first drumming clinic back in

October, said: “When you get to a certain

stage in your life, it’s good if you can actually

direct or inspire younger talent. I think there

are many, many pitfalls today, and this is

obviously a great place for learning. I think the

facilities are superb, but a little injection from

the actual working world of music is definitely

inspiring and motivating for students. So for

me, it’s giving something back.”

October 2013 also saw Gerald Heyward,

session drummer for legends Michael Jackson,

Beyonce and Jay Z, fly in from the USA to

share his experience. Ash Martin, third-year

music performance student, said: “Gerald

Hayward was amazing. I now have a deeper

understanding of the industry, as well as new

practical techniques.”

Paul Rutter, Programme Leader for the

University’s popular music courses, was

enthusiastic about the clinics’ ongoing success.

“These events are proving increasingly popular

with both students and local musicians, giving

them the opportunity to benefit from the

talent, knowledge and advice of some of the

world’s top drummers.

“This kind of involvement from the industry

not only enhances students’ learning

experience and sharpens their skills, but it also

improves their employability.”

And it’s not just Solent’s performance

students who benefit; music production

students get first-hand experience providing

live sound for the events, while TV production

students have the chance to build their

experience filming and editing footage, which

is made available to students through the

University’s Mountbatten Library.

SPRING 2014 | 7

8 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 12 | GRADUATION

GRADUATION | ISSUE 12

SPRING 2014 | 9

“”

The photographs we take form part of a bigger picture: a vibrant community of staff, students and graduates, working closely with the university’s friends – a living mosaic of achievement and ambition, an expression of identity and confidence in the future.

Vice-ChancellorProfessorVanGore

#WeAreSolent

10 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 12 | CREATIVE

Running from 3 to 15 February 2014,

Kemistry’s ‘TEXT’ exhibition explored type,

typography and textuality in a variety of

formats. The exhibition featured original

pieces by expert typographer Chris Bigg,

Esquire’s Creative Director David McKendrick,

Saatchi Collection-exhibited artist Brian

Reed, and Matt Curtis, Sunday Times

Magazine Art Director and a Solent graduate,

as well as the work of a range of up-and-

coming Solent designers, illustrators

and artists.

Mary Portas said: “It’s fantastic when you

see the vibrancy of a lot of work coming

together. Truthfully, if you came in here and

someone said that these are professionals

you’d say, yes of course they’re professionals.

I just want to get my purse out!”

The exhibition was facilitated by the

University’s new OMNI Solent art enterprise

brand, dedicated to helping creative students

take the first step into commercial sales.

Solent students’ contribution wasn’t limited

to the art on display, however, with branding,

posters, flyers and invites all designed by

graphic design and illustration students

Lilly Marfy, Dan Jay, James Willsher, Leanne

McKenzie and Laura Hunt.

TEXT curator and OMNI founder Steve

Lannin, of Solent’s School of Art and Design,

said: “For many of the students, this is a great

start to their career. To sell work in one of

the world’s creative capitals has boosted

confidence, inspired creativity and hopefully

fired up their entrepreneurial spirit.”

Student Dan Jay, who also helped with the

event, said: “The show was a really good

opportunity for us to showcase our work.

And from what I’ve learnt working on the

exhibition, I’d feel confident setting up

something similar myself.”

A recent exhibition at London’s Kemistry Gallery brought Solent students’ art into the public eye, attracting praise from retail guru Mary Portas and prompting the public to snap up student works.

SOLENT ART SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS

…I just want to get my purse out…

‘WhatistheSouthamptonthat

youwillgivetoyourchildrenand

grandchildren?’EdMorrisonasked

anaudienceofstaff,studentsand

cityopinionleadersatarecent

workshopon‘StrategicDoing’.

A new approach to high-level working

that enables civic leaders to form

collaborations quickly, adapt their

processes and steer projects more

efficiently toward success, ‘Strategic

Doing’ allows its practitioners to create

workable action plans with measurable

outcomes and accountability in just a

three- to six-hour period.

The workshop was part of the Vision

for 2020 event series, the University’s

campaign to encourage employers to

employ graduates, improve graduate

retention in the region and build a

knowledge-based economy.

Visiting from the Center for Regional

Development at Arkansas’ Purdue

University, Ed Morrison invited

representatives from Southampton

City Council, Hampshire Chamber of

Commerce, the University and local

businesses, as well as the Rt Hon

John Denham MP, to ‘think differently,

behave differently and do differently’.

Participants shared personal or

professional assets, such as skills,

networks and connection, as they

worked out ways to channel strategy

across university, community and

employer boundaries. Feedback was

positive, suggesting the ‘Strategic

Doing’ process should be continued

and broadened here at Solent.

To find out more, please email

vision.2020@solent.ac.uk

A NEW WAY OF DEVELOPING STRATEGY

NEWSINBRIEF

SPRING 2014 | 11

BUSINESS ISSUE 12

In addition to new marketing strategies and

software, a skilled workforce that understands

and meets the demands of the 21st-century

consumer is key to success.

Today’s customer uses all available shopping

channels simultaneously – including stores,

online sites and mobile apps – and at a Solent

Retail Network event on 4 March, industry

experts discussed how the ability to take

advantage of consumers’ omni-channel

approach can create a framework for success.

Talking about the impact of this new

development, former CEO of B&Q and keynote

speaker Martyn Phillips said: “Omni-channel

retailing is an ‘always on’ approach to retailing.

“It means that retailers are setting out to

enable customers to access and interact with

their brand when, where and however they

want, and really it’s nothing but good news for

customers. They are getting choice, value and

convenience at levels not seen before.

“Omni-channel retailing means different

things for different retailers – the biggest

challenge is for what I would term the

middle ground, mass-market retailers.

It requires a considered, informed and

intelligent approach, coupled with an ability

to adapt in a fast-changing environment.”

THE EVOLVING RETAIL SECTORThe Head of the National Skills Academy for

Retail, Jane Rexworthy, highlighted what omni-

channel retailing means for staff development,

while Scott Taviner, Retail Operations Manager

for the Southern Co-op, explored the sector’s

education requirements – from apprenticeships

to degrees and even higher.

The event also marked the launch of an

exciting new portfolio of courses at Solent

University. Created specifically to support

employers with in-house training, the

programme provides a range of flexible

courses aimed at providing retail employees

with personal development opportunities at

levels ranging from foundation degrees to an

MSc in Retail Management.

Christine Fountain, a Principal Lecturer at

Southampton Solent Business School, said:

“This event and these courses are part of

a new initiative to support retail and its

ecosystem in the region. As a university, we

want to support growth in the sector, and

workforce development is one area where we

can bring our particular expertise to bear.”

Helping the retail industry provide the seamless shopping experience expected by today’s digitally savvy consumer has become a top priority for Southampton Solent University.

UPGRADING THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE

…As a university, we want to support growth in the sector…

12 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 12 | FOOTBALL

The Times Good University Guide calls Southampton Solent University ‘a leader in football-related academic study’ – and staff from the University’s Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research (LMCFR) recently demonstrated that Solent’s reputation for academic excellence in football is reaching around the globe.

SOLENT SHOWS OFF ITS FOOTBALL SKILLS

“”

…We were so impressed with the Solent team that we’re already planning our second conference to run by the end of the year…

SPRING 2014 | 13

FOOTBALL | ISSUE 12

Invited to bring their expertise to São Paulo

in Brazil, LMCFR Director Dr Richard Elliott,

Solent Football Studies Course Leader

Clwyd Jones and Associate Lecturer Mario

Maranica delivered a three-day education

programme for representatives from a range

of Brazilian clubs and associations.

“We selected Solent University because it’s

known in Europe for its academic research

in football,” said Pedro Stern, Director

of Brazilian sports marketing company

Unisport, which organised the conference.

BETTER FOOTBALL THROUGH THEORY According to a Unisport survey, only 35 per

cent of Brazilian coaches have undertaken

vocational courses about football –

revealing an opportunity to blend Solent’s

academic expertise with the unquestioned

quality of the Brazilian game. “Football is

in the DNA of all Brazilians, so why not

maximise the results through study?”

said Stern.

Dr Elliott agreed: “Football is part of the

very fabric of Brazilian culture and the

national team have been enormously

successful in the past. However, most

people don’t realise that Brazilian domestic

football lags some way behind the much

more developed European leagues on a

number of measures. Our hope is that by

providing new ways of thinking both on

and off the pitch, the attendees of this

programme can work to develop Brazilian

football for the future.”

Solent’s Clwyd Jones and Mario Maranica,

respectively A-licensed and Pro-licensed

UEFA coaches, kicked off the conference

with two days of pitch-based techniques,

training and tactics. Day three was spent

exploring the business of football and player

development with Dr Richard Elliott.

The event was a great success, with Solent’s

academics receiving praise from delegates

and positive coverage in the Brazilian

sporting press. “Richard, Clwyd and Mario

did such a great job,” Stern said. “We

were so impressed with the Solent team

that we’re already planning our second

conference to run by the end of the year.”

IMPROVING THE HOME GAMEIt’s not just the Brazilian game which

has benefited from Solent’s footballing

expertise, however. In January Dr Elliott also

met with members of the FA Commission

to share his views on overseas players in the

UK game.

An expert in overseas player involvement

with over a decade of experience in

researching the area, Dr Elliott was also

asked about youth development at English

football clubs, another area that he has

studied in recent years.

Dr Elliott told the commission: “In order

to develop the best players you must

surround them with players of similar

or better ability, as has been the case at

Southampton.

“By introducing academy talent into the

first team when the club was competing

in League 1 and the Championship, Saints

gave its upcoming players the time and

experience they needed to hone their skills

in preparation for the Premiership.”

Solent University partner Southampton

FC was recently in the headlines for its

excellent record of developing talent,

with former England captain Alan Shearer

suggesting other English clubs should follow

their lead.

Speaking after his meeting with the

commission, Dr Elliott said: “I’m really

pleased to have been given the opportunity

to share my views with the FA Commission.

I hope that my work and that of the

University’s Lawrie McMenemy Centre

will help them to better understand this

complex area.”

BRINGING BUSINESS SKILLS TO THE LOWER LEAGUESAs well as its influence at the international

and Premiership level, Solent is having an

impact on the local game. In a national

first, the University is developing an online

learning course in partnership with the

Wessex region’s Sydenhams Football League.

Supported by an FA development grant and

backed by the League Managers Association,

the course will provide club administrators

with a professional grounding in the

business side of the beautiful game – as

well as a fully transferable qualification.

Solent students can also take advantage

of the scheme, obtaining an additional

qualification to help them find a role in

non-league football.

“Our academic provision, facilities and

research and consultancy work are all

making a recognised impact in the football

industry. This, coupled with our expert

knowledge of learning technologies, makes

us the perfect partner,” said Phil Green,

Director of Sport Solent.

…We selected Solent University because it’s known in Europe for its academic research in football…

14 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 12 | RESEARCH

Otherprojectsincludeaninternational

researchprojectonseafarerfatiguefor

theshippingindustry,examiningthe

perceptualaudioandvisualimpactsof

windturbinedevelopments,andchronic

lowerbackpainforpatientsonGPreferral.

IDENTIFYING AFRICAN INNOVATIONNasiru Taura, a Solent PhD student in the

School of Business, recently investigated

small and medium enterprise (SME) clusters

in Africa and possible mechanisms for

overcoming constraints on innovation in

hostile business settings.

Comparing Suame Magazine automotive

and metal-working cluster in Ghana

with similar institutions in Nigeria, South

Africa and Kenya, Nasiru has used theories

of entrepreneurial action and strategic

management to create a model to describe

the underlying patterns in African innovation,

and to identify points where active

management could accelerate or improve an

already innovative performance.

“Measuring and mapping innovation in Africa

is fraught with difficulty,” Nasiru said, “not

least because often detailed information

about the informal sector is not available, but

also because innovation measurement has

been confined to the traditional metrics of

R&D, number of patents, and technological

intensity.”

Although these measures are appropriate in

developed countries, Nasiru said they often

provide misleading results when applied

in African settings. The African intellectual

property market is weak, and most informal

SMEs in Africa are not research-intensive.

Nasiru, who studied his master’s degree

at Solent before entering the Business

School’s PhD programme, hopes his new

model will help highlight African investment

opportunities on the international stage,

In recent years Solent’s multi-disciplinary approach to research, with academics working alongside partners from a wide range of industries, has produced valuable studies and data that help break new ground in fields as varied as acoustics, maritime, business, sport and the creative industries.

SOLENT RESEARCH

…The timing couldn’t be better, looking at how fast some African countries are growing…

SPRING 2014 | 15

RESEARCH | ISSUE 12

bringing money and resources into the

continent’s economies.

“I wanted to contribute to Africa’s

development, informing potential

international investors regarding pockets

of innovation. There’s potential here for

partnerships and investments, whether with

Europe or other developed countries.

“For me African knowledge-intensive

clusters are analogous to an oasis in the

desert – enduring the harsh business

climate and overcoming transaction/

transportation costs to export regionally.

While it is true that some African firms

stagnate or regress, many are progressing.

You can’t build an effective understanding

of the region based only on non-performing

firms – it’s bad science.”

As well as returning to Southampton Solent

University as an associate lecturer, Nasiru

has also set up his own consultancy with

support from the Solent enterprise team and

is using his research to advise international

investors on safe, reliable and profitable

investment opportunities within Africa.

Nasiru is also looking to expand on his earlier

research, establishing connections with a

number of African research institutes in order

to build an integrated African innovation,

management and development system.

“The timing couldn’t be better,” Nasiru

said, “looking at how fast some African

countries are growing; Nigeria, for example,

is potentially one of the most exciting

investment opportunities within the

MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia,

Nigeria and Turkey).”

A BETTER HEARING TEST

With support from Solent’s Dr Chris Barlow

and 2013 graduate Lee Davison, local

company Strategic Audiology Services has

developed an innovative new hearing test

for the twenty-first century.

“It is incredible that over five million people

in the UK suffer from hearing loss, yet the

test currently used to diagnose them is

based upon one developed as long ago as

1946,” said Chris. “Our work has moved

this forward to improve and update the

methodology for assessing hearing loss.”

Already over 70,000 people have tried the

Solent-supported new hearing test, and

Strategic Audiology Services hopes to assist

over a million patients each year through

GPs and home- or work-based applications.

Part of a 40-week Knowledge Transfer

Partnership (KTP) with the Maritime and

Technology Faculty, the project made use

of Solent’s hemi-anechoic chamber – the

newest addition to Solent’s specialist state-

of-the-art acoustics facilities.

This successful partnership has generated

£38,000 for the University, as well as

four academic papers due for publication.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships such

as this are a key part of Solent’s strategy

for business engagement, and the

University is already engaged in several

new joint ventures.

Thirty-nine sixth-form students from

local colleges brought their passion

and enthusiasm for technology and

engineering to Solent University’s

Engineering Education Scheme (EES)

in December 2013.

Run in partnership with the

Engineering Development Trust, the

day gave pupils from Totton College,

Portsmouth Grammar and several

other colleges a chance to get first-

hand insight into university life, talk

with university students and staff, and

work on exciting science, technology,

engineering and maths (STEM)

projects at the University.

In teams of six with an industry

mentor, the students worked on a

range of projects using the Maritime

and Technology Faculty’s industry-

standard labs, workshops and CAD

suite. Mark Udall, Head of the

Technology School, said: “Initiatives

like this are very important to us as

they promote and raise the profile of

technology and engineering. It was a

great pleasure to see lively minds in

action and to support young people

who are potentially tomorrow’s

innovators and entrepreneurs.”

The workshop event will be followed

up with a celebration and assessment

day on 22 May, when students and

mentors will return to Solent to

showcase their designs and receive

awards.

ENGINEERING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

NEWSINBRIEF

Nasiru at Suame Magazine, Ghana

16 | SPRING 2014

ISSUE 13 | ??????????

The European Outdoor Group (2011)

reports continued growth in the outdoor

market with an estimated annual turnover

of more than €40 billion in Europe alone.

Echoing the industry’s success, resilience

and flexibility, Southampton Solent

University is celebrating 25 years of outdoor

adventure and maritime-related courses

this year.

Keeping pace with industry developments

over the last couple of decades, Solent

has continued to deliver a wide range of

courses, from specialist maritime leisure

and water sports qualifications through to

adventure- and extreme sport management.

25 YEARS OF OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAs part of the anniversary celebrations,

industry supporters, alumni, staff and

current students got together to learn how

it all began.

Guest speakers from the worlds of outdoor

education, sailing and skiing spoke about

their experiences, successes and the future of

their industries.

Glyn Brackenbury hadn’t planned on going

to university, but changed his mind after

meeting students on work experience – he

graduated from the University in 1995 with

an HND in Leisure Studies. “Solent taught me

the principles and fundamental basics which

helped me make the decision to buy into the

outdoor education centre, Skern Lodge, the

place where I undertook my course-specific

work experience, years before.”

Just back from driving snow mobiles and

steering huskies in Sweden, Jonny Crockett

gave tips on surviving the industry. “Do

something different,” the broadcaster,

writer and founder of Survival School Ltd

told the audience. “Be fluid and flexible. You

will make mistakes along the way, but you

need to be stubborn; it’s a lesson learnt.

Overcome it and move on.”

Pip Tyler, director of tour operator Neilson,

spoke about what it took to be an award-

winning business, and all three speakers

highlighted how the industry has changed

from when they first started.

“People have gone away from wanting five

hours on the water,” said Pip. “There is now

a demand for variety. They want Zumba in

the morning, walking in the afternoon, and

a spa session in the evening.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURESolent is also recognising this change,

with plans to introduce a new BA (Hons)

Adventure and Outdoor Management

course for 2015 entry.

Underpinned by management skills and

featuring a core work placement element,

the course is designed to make the most

of Solent’s RYA-recognised Warsash

Watersport Centre and deliver national

governing body qualifications alongside

professional skills and practical experience

in leisure service and related industries.

Ian Harris, Director of Sport, Tourism and

Languages at the University, has been

driving course developments in this area for

the last 20 years. He said: “Solent’s success

in this field is its ability to stay ahead of the

game and ensure that courses meet both

student expectations and the demands of a

fast-moving industry.”

THE GREAT OUTDOORSContributing billions to the global economy, outdoor and adventure pursuits continue to attract those looking to step away from an increasingly computer-driven world – even for just a few hours.

SPRING 2014 | 17

COMMUNITY | ISSUE 12

LOCAL LIFE THROUGH A LENSDrawing on Solent University’s cutting-edge facilities and staff expertise, students on the University’s television and media courses have been working with local sports and community partners to bring a range of events to life on-screen.

AIDING PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

In December 2013 the Hampshire Police and

Crime Commissioner’s bi-monthly COMPASS

conference with Hampshire Constabulary was

opened to the general public for the first time,

filmed in front of a live studio audience at

Southampton Solent University.

Solent students hosted, filmed and produced

the COMPASS conference – which stands for

Commissioner’s Performance, Accountability,

Scrutiny and Strategy – in one of the

University’s state-of-the-art television studios.

The regular county-wide meetings seek to

cover a range of issues and to discuss the

force’s performance with Chief Constable

Andy Marsh.

Commissioner Simon Hayes said: “This was

the fourth COMPASS meeting, but the first

one that was open to the general public, and

I am glad students and residents made use of

this great opportunity.”

In line with the conference’s emphasis on

promoting public accountability and oversight,

students compiled and edited the footage

before making it available to a wider audience

via the web at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk

“I was particularly impressed by the

professionalism and expertise displayed by

the students who filmed and produced the

meeting,” Commissioner Hayes went on. “The

production was very well managed.”

During the conference the chief constable

praised Solent for the work it does in the

community, giving particular attention to

the university’s sporting arm Sport Solent,

who are involved in running extra-curricular

workshops to divert children away from crime

and encourage healthy living.

CAPTURING CRICKET

Solent TV and media students received a

further opportunity in December, when the

university was named as official video content

creators for Hampshire Cricket TV.

As a result of the partnership students will

produce regular video packages for Hampshire

Cricket squad’s website. With support from

University staff and making use of Solent’s

state-of-the-art facilities, students were able

to deliver the first video package in a fast

one-day turnaround – filming and editing the

footage for a next-day delivery.

Jamie Hopkins, Hampshire Cricket’s press

officer and a Solent sports journalism

graduate, was pleased with the result. “It

was great to work with Solent University

students on this project. They brought great

enthusiasm and energy, and we were very

pleased with the final package.”

Solent University sports journalism senior

lecturer Andy Ford said: “Working alongside

Hampshire Cricket allows our students to

get a taste of working to industry standards

for a demanding and highly professional

client. There are lots of opportunities to

develop skills and make fantastic contacts

for the future.”

EVENTS

SAINSBURY’S SPORT RELIEF MILESunday23March,10.30amstart

SouthamptonGuildhallSquare

Sport Relief returns to Southampton’s

Guildhall Square, where thousands will

compete in the one-, three- or six-mile

courses around the city’s central parks.

SOLENT SOUND24-25April

StudioSolent(JM315),Solent

University,EastParkTerrace

Join college musicians from around the

region as they perform and compete

in front of a live studio audience and a

panel of industry professionals.

FORWARD LOOKING 20March-3May

SolentShowcaseGallery,Above

BarStreet

In this innovative exhibition

investigating artistic solutions to a

sustainable planet, artists from Canada,

Japan and the UK present thought-

provoking mixed media artwork.

QUEEN’S BATON RELAYWednesday4June

SouthamptonGuildhallSquare

Solent University is supporting the

arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay

to mark the run-up to the 20th

Commonwealth Games this July,

with baton-bearers chosen for their

contribution to sport in the community.

VISION FOR 2020 CONFERENCEFriday20June

AgeasBowl,Southampton

Southampton Solent’s latest Vision for

2020 event, the conference features

guest speakers and workshops designed

to improve graduate retention in the

region and help build a knowledge-

based local economy.

To register your interest, email

vision.2020@solent.ac.uk

ISSUE 11 | ??????

18 | SPRING 2014