Members’ spotlight – Zaeed Mohammed
Today, we had the pleasure of hearing from Zaeed Mohammed of the University of Cumbria, who shared some exciting developments in the local business landscape. Zaeed highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities facing Cumbria’s businesses, particularly the dominance of SMEs and the impact of larger companies on employment trends.
Zaeed pointed out that the University is proactively addressing these challenges. For instance, the upcoming Carlisle campus, due in 2026, is not just an expansion but a strategic move to foster closer ties between academia and industry, especially in fields like medicine and business. This approach creates opportunities for local businesses to engage with fresh talent and cutting-edge research.
The university’s diverse student body, including a significant number of international postgraduates, brings a global perspective to local business issues. Zaeed mentioned the housing challenge for students, which mirrors the broader affordability issues in Cumbria. He sees this not just as a problem but as an opportunity for collaborative solutions between the university, students, and local businesses.
A key takeaway from Zaeed’s talk was the emphasis on partnership. The University of Cumbria is not just an educational institution; it’s a hub for connecting businesses with skilled individuals. Events like the upcoming career fair on March 13th are prime examples of how the university facilitates these connections, encouraging a vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities.
In short, Zaeed’s message was clear: the challenges in Cumbria are real, but so are the opportunities. And with the University of Cumbria playing a pivotal role, the future looks promising for both businesses and students in the region.