UWL and Ealing Council strengthen partnership at Ealing Festival of Business

The University of West London and Ealing Council have taken an important step in their long-term civic partnership during this year’s Ealing Festival of Business. The event brought together local businesses, community organisations and university teams, highlighting Ealing’s role within the wider WestTech London network and the opportunities this creates for skills, enterprise and innovation across the borough.

A morning gathering of councillors, university leaders and local representatives set the tone for the day, with discussions focused on how stronger partnerships can support students, boost small businesses and contribute to a fairer local economy. During the session, UWL and Ealing Council confirmed a new Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement will guide joint work ahead of a full civic-university partnership planned for 2026 and reflects a shared ambition to open up fresh opportunities for residents and businesses across Ealing and WestTech London.

The festival created a lively showcase for local enterprise. More than 40 exhibitors took part, giving small and medium-sized companies a platform to connect with customers, test ideas and meet potential collaborators. Workshops ran throughout the day in the Westmont Enterprise Hub, UWL’s centre for start-ups and business support, with sessions on procurement, business development and the council’s Good for Ealing programmes. Visitors also had the chance to speak one-to-one with advisers and other entrepreneurs, many of whom are active contributors to the wider WestTech London ecosystem.

Local organisations emphasised the value of continued collaboration. The West London Chambers of Commerce noted that giving businesses the space and support to grow has a direct impact on communities through new jobs, investment and wider economic activity across the WestTech London area.

The festival underlined the role that UWL, Ealing Council and WestTech London partners play in shaping a thriving and inclusive local economy. The new Memorandum of Understanding strengthens that commitment and sets the foundation for deeper joint work in the years ahead.

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