University News Last updated 15 July 2019
Sir Vince Cable has joined Birmingham City University’s Centre for Brexit Studies as a Visiting Professor.
The former Business Secretary has been appointed to the think-tank to offer insight and analysis, and brings with him decades of experience working in frontline politics.
Sir Vince, who has served as the Member of Parliament for Twickenham since 1997, will also join up with the University’s Institute of Design and Economic Acceleration (IDEA).
The appointment will see Sir Vince work alongside academics and experts at the Centres and contribute to new and ongoing research.
The Centre for Brexit Studies was formed in 2016 to provide a platform for research, discussion and debate of the major issues surrounding Britain’s withdrawal form the European Union.
Since launching, it has hosted a number of key speakers, writers and contributors from across the political spectrum ranging from Graham Eardley, Chairman of UKIP Walsall to economist Vicky Pryce.
It has also held roadshows across the country’s most heavily Leave voting constituencies to assess voters’ reasons for voting to leave the European Union, and their views on how the process has been handled.
The linkup is the latest collaboration between Sir Vince and Beverley Nielsen, Director of Birmingham City University’s Institute of Design and Economic Acceleration.
Sir Vince Cable MP said: “I was delighted to be responsible for bringing Beverley Nielsen into the Lib Dems and for as long as I have known her she has worked at Birmingham City University, most recently leading her think-tank, the Institute for Design and Economic Acceleration, IDEA, and her engagement with the University’s innovative Centre for Brexit Studies.
“Through this relationship I have been able to visit the University on numerous occasions and very memorably on taking over the leadership of our Party.
Sir Vince will take up the position this summer and will focus on looking at the economics and scenarios related to Britain’s exit from the EU.
Professor Alex de Ruyter, Director at the Centre for Brexit Studies, said: “We are delighted to share the news that Sir Vince Cable has joined us at the Centre for Brexit Studies. We are incredibly proud of the work we do here at the Centre, and Vince’s contribution will no doubt benefit us in a huge number of ways.
“We look forward to working with Sir Vince, and collaborating in future work and events.”
Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, at Birmingham City University said: “Sir Vince joining and supporting both the Centre for Brexit Studies and IDEA is fantastic news for Birmingham City University.
“I have previously had the pleasure to work with him on a number of projects, in his role as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the Coalition Government some years back. His impressive background and knowledge will bring a huge amount to the University, and his contributions in these two areas will provide more opportunities and exciting collaborations.”
The IDEA think-tank, which supports start-ups and entrepreneurial development, will be drawing on the politician’s extensive economic insights and experience as an economist.
Through the appointment, Beverley Nielsen is aiming to put greater focus on shaping regional devolution to deliver inclusive, sustainable clean wealth creation, embedding this in longer-term business support systems.
Beverley Nielsen, Director of Birmingham City University’s Institute for Design and Economic Acceleration, said: “I joined the Liberal Democrats in 2008 after reading Sir Vince Cable’s book ‘The Storm’ and have been inspired by his economic insights and leadership ever since. I’m delighted that we’re able to build on these links through Birmingham City University to develop opportunities for further collaboration in the future.”