The Graduates for Growth forum was devised and developed by the Small Business Centre at the University of Durham Business School in the 1980s. Over the years it has involved the universities of the North East working collaboratively and individually to address the policy challenges and practical aspects of:

• ensuring the region's university students are adequately equipped with skills that make them employable in a global economy;
• promoting the recruitment of graduates from the region's universities in local businesses across the North East;
• securing the retention of graduates in the local economy either by recruitment into local companies or by helping them set up in business;

The forum comprises the North East region's six universities together with a number of organisations whose objective is to improve the local economy through the development of graduate opportunities, and the retention of their skills within the region.

The member organisations aim to encourage graduate employment in small, medium and large companies which will ultimately benefit from the high level skills the graduates bring, and in the establishment of graduate new business start-ups. In each case essential support is given to both graduate and employer.

Through regular quarterly meetings held across the region, the forum members share experience and best practice, maintaining the regional focus on graduate and employer support and growth.

If you would like to know more about the Graduates for Growth forum or any of its member organisations, or if you would like to disseminate any information including advising us of forthcoming events, please contact Chris Harper at The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning, Durham University.

We look forward to hearing from you.