Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a major civic university with a proud history, a strong international outlook and a deep commitment to the economic and social success of the Liverpool City Region. Its roots can be traced back to 1823, giving the University more than 200 years of experience in transforming lives through education, research, innovation and partnership.

Today, LJMU is home to more than 25,000 registered students, including over 9,000 students from across the Liverpool City Region. The University also works with global partner institutions and employs more than 2,700 people, the majority of whom live within the city region. This makes LJMU an important educator, employer, research institution and contributor to the local economy.

Although widely recognised for the quality and breadth of its undergraduate and postgraduate education, LJMU offers much more than traditional university study. The University works closely with businesses, charities, public-sector bodies and community organisations to help them access knowledge, develop their workforce, recruit emerging talent, overcome challenges and pursue new opportunities.

LJMU’s Research and Innovation Services team provides a gateway through which organisations can access the University’s academic expertise, specialist facilities and research capabilities. Support is available to businesses of every size, from sole traders and start-ups through to established SMEs and major international employers. Each relationship can be shaped around the organisation’s individual objectives, whether it needs specialist advice, independent insight, research support, product development expertise or assistance in turning an innovative idea into a commercially viable solution.

Businesses can work with LJMU through tailored research collaborations and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. A Knowledge Transfer Partnership brings together a business, the University and a suitably qualified graduate to deliver a strategic innovation project. These partnerships can help organisations introduce new products or services, improve processes, adopt new technologies, increase productivity and build a sustainable competitive advantage. Participating businesses benefit from access to academic supervision, specialist knowledge and dedicated project support.

LJMU also helps employers develop the skills and capabilities of their workforce. Alongside its degree and postgraduate programmes, the University provides Continuing Professional Development, short courses, degree apprenticeships and bespoke training. Programmes can be designed around an organisation’s priorities, helping businesses address skills gaps, strengthen leadership capability, improve performance and prepare their people for future changes within their sector.

Degree apprenticeships provide employers with an opportunity to recruit new talent or invest in existing members of staff. Apprentices combine academic study with practical workplace learning, allowing them to develop up-to-date knowledge while continuing to contribute to their employer. LJMU works in partnership with participating organisations and provides guidance throughout the apprenticeship process, including programme administration, flexible delivery and opportunities for employers to help influence programme content.

The University’s extensive student and graduate community is another valuable resource for local businesses. LJMU’s Employer Engagement team connects organisations with students through placements, internships, work-based projects, careers events, guest-speaking opportunities and recruitment activity. Businesses can advertise vacancies through the University’s jobs board and participate in programmes that help students gain meaningful workplace experience.

Work-based learning can take many forms, including year-long placements, shorter projects, research assignments, design challenges, volunteering and employer-led “hackathon” activities. These collaborations give businesses access to fresh thinking and emerging skills while enabling students to build confidence, professional experience and a stronger understanding of the workplace. Through its Discovery Internships programme, LJMU also connects students with employers offering meaningful, short-term projects with clear and practical outcomes.

LJMU has particular strengths across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, technology, health, life sciences, education, law, criminal justice, sport, the creative industries, construction and the built environment. Its academics are experienced in applying specialist knowledge to real commercial, industrial and societal challenges.

The University also has an important connection to Wirral’s growing maritime economy. LJMU is a core partner in the Maritime Knowledge Hub alongside Mersey Maritime, Wirral Council and Peel Ports. The partnership brings together education, research, industry knowledge and business support to encourage innovation and knowledge-led growth within the maritime sector. Its ambitions include supporting maritime start-ups and SMEs, accelerating the adoption of new technology and developing specialist education and training programmes aligned with the needs of industry.

At the heart of LJMU’s approach is a belief that universities achieve their greatest impact when they work collaboratively. Its partnerships are designed to create value for everyone involved: helping businesses innovate and grow, enabling employers to identify and develop talent, supporting communities and giving students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

As a member of Wirral Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool John Moores University is keen to strengthen its relationships with businesses across Wirral and the wider Liverpool City Region. Chamber members are encouraged to engage with LJMU if they are considering a research or innovation project, looking to recruit students or graduates, interested in hosting an intern or placement, exploring degree apprenticeships, or seeking professional development and specialist training for their workforce.

By combining academic expertise, research capability, modern facilities and a substantial pipeline of student and graduate talent, Liverpool John Moores University offers businesses a valuable partner for innovation, workforce development and sustainable growth.

To explore opportunities to work with Liverpool John Moores University, visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/business.