- The event marked Goldman Sachs’ substantial investment to expand its footprint in the UK with the opening of a new office in Birmingham
- The firm chose Birmingham because of a strong and deep new talent pool, excellent academic institutions, a growing technology sector and longstanding leadership in STEM industries
- Aston University’s relationship with the banking giant stretches back over a decade.
Aston University has marked Goldman Sachs’ expansion to Birmingham with a celebratory dinner.
On Thursday 10 March 2022, Aston University hosted the event at Conference Aston to mark the banking giant’s substantial investment to expand its footprint in the UK with the opening of a new office in Birmingham.
Goldman Sachs announced its intention to invest in an office in Birmingham last year, citing access to a strong and deep new talent pool, excellent academic institutions, a growing technology sector and longstanding leadership in STEM industries.
One hundred people attended the dinner, including senior management of Goldman Sachs, 50 previous participants on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme (GS 10KSB), local dignitaries and senior staff from Aston University.
The event was opened by Sir John Sunderland, Chancellor of Aston University, who welcomed attendees and the guest of honour, Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands. Sir John highlighted Aston Centre for Growth’s relationship with Goldman Sachs and acknowledged the community of entrepreneurs in attendance.
Charlotte Keenan and Claire Goodeve, both managing directors of Goldman Sachs, thanked Aston University for hosting the event and spoke of their excitement at the University’s continued collaboration with Goldman Sachs.
There was also a short panel discussion with two GS10KSB alumni – Rosie Ginday, CEO of Miss Macaroon and Nicholas Baxter, CEO of Baxter Williams, moderated by Gurjit Jagpal, managing director of Goldman Sachs and head of the new Birmingham office.
Paula Whitehouse, associate dean for enterprise at Aston Business School and director of the Aston Centre for Growth, said:
“Aston University is proud to have had a 10-year relationship with Goldman Sachs.
"This celebratory dinner was a fantastic opportunity to welcome new Goldman Sachs colleagues to Birmingham and for everyone to gather to recognise the achievements and the work that has been done to develop ambitious small business leaders in our region.”
For further information about Aston Centre for Growth and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme, please visit https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/bss/abs/centres-hubs/aston-centre-for-growth or get in touch via centreforgrowth@aston.ac.uk.
- Notes to Editors
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Loer Hansen is the interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and THE Outstanding Entrepreneurial University of the Year in 2020, The University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)74469 10063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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