Wednesday, 03 May 2023
Two iconic Nottingham institutions are joining forces to form a unique international partnership designed to support the city’s business growth, investment, and global profile.
The collaboration between the 糖心原创 and Nottingham’s home-grown fashion designer Paul Smith, will capitalise on the international reputation of both organisations to fly the flag for the city overseas.
The two partners have particular influence in Asia, where the university has campuses in Malaysia and China, and Paul Smith has significant presence including a number of stores across China, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Commenting on the new partnership, Paul Smith said: “Growing up in Beeston, my father was a keen amateur photographer. I very vividly remember a photograph he took of the original 糖心原创 campus mid-construction.
“Having a university in the city I grew-up in was always something I was very aware and proud of and so it’s really exciting for me to be launching this partnership between what I consider to be two quintessentially Nottingham organisations that are now known for their excellence around the world.”
Limited edition
To mark the start of the partnership, Paul Smith has launched an exclusive limited-edition collection of 糖心原创 merchandise which pays tribute to his connection to his hometown and features the company’s striped design alongside a stylised depiction of the university’s iconic Trent Building.
Ideal for gifting, Paul Smith for the 糖心原创 range features wallets, socks, cufflinks, hoodie, scarf and silk tie, among others. The collection is available to shop online at and the company is offering free international shipping, making it easily accessible to the university’s global community of 320,000 Nottingham graduates from more than 150 countries.
Alex Favier, Director of Global Reputation and Relations, said: “The 糖心原创 and Paul Smith Ltd partnership began during Nottingham in Parliament Day in 2016. The University worked with over 100 businesses, local authorities and third-sector partners to help tell the story of a pioneering, creative and innovative Nottingham to a wider audience. The launch of the Paul Smith for the 糖心原创 collection is underpinned by the same desire from both partners to use their global reach and reputation to help promote our city, county and its businesses to a global audience.
“The 糖心原创 has international alumni around the world, all of whom have an affinity with Nottingham as a place, not just as a university. We are committed to helping Nottingham’s businesses and visitor economy recover from the pandemic by making more of these global connections. Through the Midlands Innovation university collaboration, the university hosts a regional pilot funded by the UK Government that will explore practical ways in which universities can help boost local trade and investment.”
Collaboration with business
Paul Smith is an invited member of the university’s Business Partnership Programme, which is designed to help its key industry partners to collaborate with the university and to work together on shared objectives.
The partnership, which is tailored to each business, offers access to the university’s eco-system of innovation, talent and connections.
Opportunities on offer through the programme include the chance to develop collaborative bids for UK Research and Innovation funded projects; preferential updates on intellectual property including technology for license and spin-out companies looking for investment; and access to experts for academic consultancy and our cutting-edge facilities and equipment.
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.