The University of Central Lancashire signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Global Trade Bridge
The University of Central Lancashire has committed itself to sharing academic expertise with a company which is looking to establish a specialised digital platform to help under-served communities globally.
Since late 2022, Victoria Millsop, Head of the University’s Cyber Solutions Centre, has worked extensively with Professor Steve Grigg, Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Africa, laying firm foundations for this unique ‘impact exchange’ partnership.
Consequently, the University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Global Trade Bridge, based in the UK, to embark on co-development and research that aims to revolutionise the way large asset managers, corporations, and governments approach impact investing.
The strategic collaboration, designed to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will address systemic social ills and prioritise placing people at the core of sustainability and ensure marginalised communities are not neglected during the global energy transition.
"A range of our academics will look at how we can develop what’s already being produced and take it to the next level, while prioritising tangible and measurable impact"
— Professor StJohn Crean, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
At the heart of this partnership lies a dedication to exploring the transformative potential of financial technology and investment via microfinance for marginalised communities in developing nations. Through initiatives such as JET-UP (Just Energy Transition for the Urban Poor), the partnership is committed to uplifting millions from the grip of energy poverty.
This collaboration is aiming to help millions of people who do not have access to basics such as lighting, safe and clean-energy based cooking facilities, internet connectivity and digital transport solutions.
Professor StJohn Crean, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said: “Through working with Global Trade Bridge’s Executive Chairman Professor Steve Grigg and Chief Executive Dirk Kotze a range of our academics will look at how we can develop what’s already being produced and take it to the next level, while prioritising tangible and measurable impact.”
The parties will work jointly on identifying and developing opportunities to submit joint funding bids and discovering viable business cases which can be pursued.