Innovation success

Merthyr Tydfil College/ University of Glamorgan
20 March 2006

“A wonderfully creative idea – clear innovation benefits for all concerned. The plans for future expansion are most exciting”, commented the judges from DELLS and NESTA on the winning entry (www.merthyr.ac.uk/gallerym) at the Merthyr Tydfil College, University of Glamorgan first annual Staff Innovation Awards event.

GalleryM, a virtual art gallery, beat off stiff competition from: ‘Stay Safe’ (a first for FE), Merthyr Tydfil College Football Academy (in partnership with Cardiff City), the enterprise module for the on-line foundation degree in e-learning, KEF scholarships (most in Wales and 13% of national total) and Creative Customer Service Training (32 testimonials).

The event was kindly sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, The Vale Hotel and Spa Resort, JJB Sports, Creative Innovations Ltd., M&M Auto Repair Centre Wales Ltd. and Konica Minolta. Two members of staff also personally contributed to the prizes.

Pictured right Kath Evans receiving award from Vice Principal Jonathan Martin. Businesses, the public sector and staff attended the evening and were also provided with opportunities to discover the College’s services. This included a tour of the KEF ESF funded Diesel Diagnostic Centre ( www.ddcm.co.uk).

Richie Turner, ( pictured right ) Wales Partnership Development Manager, NESTA (www.nesta.org.uk) spoke about closing the innovation gap in Wales. For example, how NESTA provides financial support to new and established businesses and works with the education sector and other bodies.

For more information contact:

Gallery M – Kath Evans,
k.evans@merthyr.ac.uk
01685 726000.

NESTA – Richie Turner,
richard.turner@nesta.org.uk
02920 452 632.