Media Release

University Supports Enterprise in Europe

The University of Luton will be making a presence at this year’s European Awards for the Spirit of Enterprise in Brussels. Professor Colin Coulson-Thomas from the University’s Centre for Competitiveness is one of the guest speakers at this prestigious two day networking event on 14^th/15^th November at the Palais of Congress and Brussels Stock Exchange.

The two days will feature a range of presentations, multimedia shows, round table discussions and workshop sessions, looking at issues around the development of business centres and information on the European Fund for Start-ups, culminating in the award ceremony itself.

Member of the European Commission and participant in the program, Erkki Liikanen says:

‘The European Awards for the Spirit of Enterprise…. is an important building block in the construction of an entrepreneurial Europe’.

The event has been organised by JEE in conjunction with Mr Eric Tomas, Minister for the Economy and Employment of the Brussels-Capital Region, who will also make the official opening address. JEE, which translates as ‘Young European Entrepreneur’ is a non-profit organisation and important player in organising activities for business start-ups.

In his speech, Professor Colin Coulson-Thomas will be reinforcing the objectives of the Centre for Competitiveness and draw on themes from his books: 'Individuals and Enterprise, creating entrepreneurs for the new millennium' and 'Shaping Things to Come, strategies for creating alternative enterprises'. On the central issues within his speech, Prof. Coulson-Thomas says:

‘Customers demand more personalised products and services and companies are eager to generate new income streams. As more people are expected to think and act like entrepreneurs we have a historic opportunity to reconcile individual and corporate interests. We can achieve both commercial success and personal fulfilment.

‘Entrepreneurial opportunities abound. Many companies need to take urgent steps to encourage and support new ventures. They must become incubators of enterprise. Dependent employees have to become entrepreneurs and business partners. Copying and me-too approaches are not the route to market leadership. Success will go to those who differentiate their offerings and innovate. Winners create genuine alternatives that extend and enrich our experiences of life.

‘This event will be a prime opportunity to explore these issues further in a European dimension. I am delighted the University of Luton will be championing enterprise and entrepreneurship.’

The event is sponsored by the Belgian Presidency, the EU's European Fund for Start-ups and

Pricewaterhouse Coopers. The awards have been endorsed by among others the President of the European Parliament, Nicole Fontaine and feature numerous high profile speakers including two European Commissioners and two Ministers in the Belgium Government.