Day two of the Bath & North East Somerset Business Show at the University of Bath held a LIVETALK about The FWD Project. The panel, facilitated by Dr Anna Walker Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Business Development at Bath Spa University, included: Andrea Kelly, Innovation Centre Manager at the University of Bath; Charles Wiffen, Head of Academic Portfolio Development at Bath Spa University; Will Monachino-Ayres from BaNES and Jayne Davis from Bath College.

An inspiring introduction by the panellists gave the audience real insight into how The FWD Project (formerly iSTART) can support individuals, businesses and communities. This unique collaboration between the partners delivers a flexible solution to those for whom traditional learning structures may not be appropriate. Targeting the abilities of an individual with the needs of the business, The FWD Project offers bespoke opportunities for reskilling and upskilling, alongside the development of critical skills which are vital for success in the business domain.

Andrea Kelly comments:

Speaking at the BaNES Business Show was such a great opportunity to show how positively The FWD Project will impact all those involved. Funded by the West of England Combined Authority means individuals can access free support to build their business skills as and when they need it as well as providing businesses with employees who can meet their specific requirements. It is also a chance for the academic community to engage with businesses through scalable research projects to develop business growth.

There will be a chance to hear more about The FWD Project at the Bath Digital Festival, organised by techSPARK, on Thursday 13 July, 3.00pm at the SETSquared Innovation Centre, Carpenter House, Bath. To find out more and register for the event, please visit: