Hartpury University has been ranked in the top 20% of UK universities for its impact on 'Local growth and regeneration'.

That is according to the third publication of Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results released by Research England last week (September 27).

Hartpury, which has just celebrated its fifth anniversary as a university, also features in the top quintile for its high engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

KEF covers knowledge exchange (sometimes known as 'third mission') activity and can be used to measure how a provider or institution interfaces with (and brings value to) the world outside academia - contributing to economic growth and levelling up on the way.

Hartpury's strong performance underlines its far-reaching, real-world impact which transforms lives and impacts the local and national economy through knowledge exchange activities.

Professor Andy Collop, vice-chancellor, principal and CEO of Hartpury, said: "We're delighted to have been ranked in the top 20% of UK universities in areas that we have been so focused on during the last few years - local growth and regeneration and working with SMEs.

"We continue to work with our partners across the region, whether in local government, schools and education, charitable organisations or business, to find ways in which we can support, collaborate and share knowledge to drive prosperity for all."

Professor Steve Draper, academic dean at Hartpury University, said: "We're committed to finding innovative ways to use knowledge exchange effectively in a way that benefits business and our community. Our goal is to ensure that Hartpury staff and students can use their expertise to solve complex challenges and deliver economic and social benefits."

During the last year, Hartpury has progressed with the building of a new University Learning Hub and worked alongside its partners Forest of Dean District Council, Cinderford Town Council, Mark Harper MP and GFirst LEP, on the wider Levelling Up Fund vision for the Forest of Dean.