Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate (RA2385) in Norwich

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate to join Norwich Business School at UEA working with Norwich Business Improvement District (BID). The KTP project is a three-way relationship between a graduate, university, and the business. This unique opportunity allows a graduate to be based in a business delivering a high-profile strategic project, drawing on university expertise and support and transferring knowledge into the business.

The aim is to embed knowledge and build capacity to develop a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and pilot activity. Led by VisitNorwich, BID’s destination marketing organisation, this initiative will explore the establishment of a CVB and supporting venue, which are lacking in Norwich and the East of England.

As a KTP Associate you will be responsible for leading and delivering this challenging project that directly impacts the business and the region, with the opportunity to be a champion of real change. You will arrange monthly project meetings and report on a quarterly basis to the project steering group known as the Local Management Committee (LMC).

You will receive input and support from an academic team with specialist knowledge and experience relevant to the project and have the opportunity to deliver high impact outcomes for a not-for-profit organisation set up to represent the needs of local businesses, whilst learning at the same time – a significant contribution to your long-term career progression.

You will be employed by the University of East Anglia but will work predominantly at Norwich BID’s premises in The Forum in central Norwich and supervised by both a business staff member and an academic at the University.

You will have a relevant BA or BSc Honours degree in a related subject, preferably in the field of tourism studies, planning, urban economics/geography, business, marketing or management, or relevant work experience. A Masters or higher qualification in any of these fields would be advantageous. You will have experience conducting relevant project work, placement and/or work experience, have experience completing regular written reports and contributing to collaborative decision making. An understanding of how to apply research to business operations, and an ability to deliver a significant and challenging technical project whilst engaging others is also key.

The Meetings, Incentive travel, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector is undergoing significant transformation, resulting in an increased need for innovative support mechanisms. In response to these developments, Norwich Business Improvement District (Norwich BID) has identified two key opportunities to attract major conferences to the region and intends to pilot the first Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) dedicated to the East of England and investigate the potential for an Accommodation (ABID).

Through this project, we seek to embed digital transformation strategy, place brand leadership, and destination marketing expertise from Norwich Business School into the BID to achieve this vision. Outputs will establish a framework for the launch of a CVB that will promote Norwich’s rich history, vibrant art scene and green credentials to attract visitors, conferences and investment. The project will also decide the funding mechanism for the CVB, which will be a combination of membership fees and income generated from a proposed ABID.

The knowledge, skills, and expertise developed will establish a strategic direction that aligns with the BID strategy to position Norwich and the broader East of England as a competitive and regionally significant MICE destination. This approach leverages the area’s unique assets, enhances infrastructure, and supports economic growth.

About the business: Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation set up to represent the needs of local businesses and deliver meaningful improvements to our city for visitors, residents and workers. Our work sits across tourism, city marketing, enhancing and animating the cityscape, and ensuring businesses have what they need to trade as profitably, safely and sustainably as possible. Since 2012, the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) has worked on behalf of over 700 local businesses, to deliver a varied and comprehensive program of projects that benefit the city. We are funded, managed and led by these businesses, and – during the course of the last decade – have delivered work which we know has had a positive impact on people who live and work here. This is a proud city-wide collaboration that makes a difference.