University of Essex

School of Entrepreneurship & Business

Crystal Room

Making Enterprise Sparkle with the University of Essex

Essex is on the cusp of change. Its entrepreneurial character now finds a boost through major changes in its economy and in its social fabric. The Thames Gateway economic regeneration programme and associated developments are harbingers of a new way of life, new forms of thinking, and new links with the world outside.

The presence of the University of Essex in Southend, and its School of Entrepreneurship and Business is at the forefront of this dynamic scenario of change. In keeping with the spirit of interesting times, the University and its School of Entrepreneurship and Business (SEB) welcome you to its multi-faceted ‘Crystal Room’ to celebrate, share and work together to optimise the enormous opportunities for creativity, enterprise, innovation, international links, and learning.

Purpose

The ‘Crystal Room’ provides a platform for the establishment of various and unique networks of key stakeholders who work with the School and who are involved in the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. The primary focus is on ways in which the School works with these stakeholders to create a thriving and sustainable culture of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, utilising its research, teaching, training, continuing professional development and other resources. The Crystal Room adds value to the existing range of networks and business platforms with its unique focus on stakeholders’ links with the University, and especially its School of Entrepreneurship and Business.

Members of the ‘Crystal Room’ are specially invited people drawn from:

Members interact with each other and the School and contribute to the creation of a regional learning and entrepreneurial environment, making use of University resources and its regional, national and international links.

The ‘room’ has several ‘annexes’ or ‘corners’ each addressing key and topical features of enterprise, innovation and economic development. Typically, they cover interests of corporate venturing, enterprising women, internationalisation, social entrepreneurship, and student enterprise. This is not an exhaustive list and other interest groups may be supported over time.

Members meet every two to three months to explore a subject of topical and regional interest based on the interest groups. As appropriate, international guests also attend these meetings, adding a global dimension to the proceedings and the networking activities. The international network of people is drawn in the main from the members of distinguished Enterprise Fellowship Scheme launched by SEB.

The ‘Crystal Room’ meetings

Since the main objective is to promote networking, each event has a social dimension, and is organised around a dinner, which is hosted by SEB. A keynote speaker addresses a suitable topic on matters concerning the promotion of entrepreneurship and members discuss the issues raised by the talk and consider action points for their own work or for collective endeavour. They are also encouraged to work closely with the School where it is appropriate to do so. Discussions cover ideas, thoughts and feelings generated by both the spoken word and/or entertainment. In the following pages we present details of our initial forays at adding some sparkle to enterprise in Essex. For more information about the Crystal Room and its networks please contact Ms Sujun Zhang by telephone on +44 (0) 1702 328200 or by e-mail on zhangs@essex.ac.uk.