THE newly-formed North West Universities Association has chosen Warrington as its location.

The organisation represents eight universities, the Open University and seven colleges of higher education throughout the region and aims to be a one stop shop where their expertise can be harnessed.

The Association will provide a skills and brokerage service and will co-ordinate the involvement of universities and colleges with new regional agencies, including the Warrington based North West Development Agency.

Said Keith Burnley, the Association's executive director: "The north west has a rich and diverse higher education sector which provides educational opportunities and employment for hundreds of thousands of local people.

"It also contributes millions of pounds to the local economy and support business, industry, health, the caring professions and the cultural life of the region.

"Higher education is making a major contribution to lifelong learning in the north west through increased access, employee training and professional development. It provides a high quality teaching and research base to support urban regeneration, the health service, the environment and the arts. In the field of business and industry, the universities are encouraging innovation and competitiveness in local business through the transfer of knowledge and technology."

The Association is based at the Town Hall's East Annexe. It is administered by a secretariat headed by Mr Burnley and is run by eight university vice chancellors, chaired by Professor Martin Harris of Manchester University.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.