The Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University held its first annual open day for business on Wednesday this week.

Delegates take in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing Flight Simulator Centre as part of Intrigue 2013

Intrigue 2013 provided an opportunity for members of the business community to meet with the Faculty’s world leading research specialists, experience a taste of its professional development courses and benefit from 1-2-1 sessions with the Faculty’s consultancy experts.

The free event took place in the Faculty’s new £55 million Engineering and Computing Building, which houses the latest in high tech teaching equipment and which boasts an academic resource of over 300 experts in disciplines ranging from manufacturing techniques to software analysis and design.

Representatives from over 45 companies across different sectors made the most of the opportunity to meet with the Faculty’s academics to discuss how their expertise could be applied within a commercial context and were struck by the depth and breadth of knowledge within the Faculty.

Daniel Baker of Rhino Recycling Ltd said:  “I’ve been very impressed by the huge knowledge base across the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University and hope that the Faculty can work with us to help us move forward and develop our business.”

Delegates were also afforded a look around the state-of-the-art Engineering and Computing Building, including its High Performance Engineering Centre and Centre for Sustainable Buildings, and met with a number of the Faculty’s leading researchers to find out how their skills could enhance business operations.

Winner of the 2011 Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award,  Coventry University is widely recognised as place of learning with a sharp business focus and Intrigue 2013 exemplified its continuing efforts to develop strong links between academia and commerce.

Coventry University Commercial Director, Mike Dickison, said:  “We’re delighted with the response of the business community to this first open day at our Faculty of Engineering and Computing.

“Coventry University has a well earned reputation as a business-facing institution and as well as offering  consultancy, continuing professional development and research services, we have access to cutting-edge technology and a healthy supply of up and coming talent ready to meet the future needs of business.

“We also have the expertise and imagination to help solve business challenges in sometimes surprising and often innovative ways.

“Those are the messages that Intrigue 2013 conveyed and we’re looking forward to building on its success to further enhance our already strong relationship with industry.”