Press release
Queen Margaret University provides £77million boost to the economy
Musselburgh, [22 July 2009]; A new study by the University of Strathclyde reveals Queen Margaret University’s relocation to a new campus in East Lothian has brought significant benefits to the local economy. The study, which was commissioned by East Lothian Council and the university, concluded that QMU is worth £77 million to the UK economy, with the majority accruing in Scottish Industries and a significant proportion likely to benefit East Lothian.
The report also reveals that every £1 million of university spend generates four new jobs outside the university and a further impact of £380,000 in East Lothian, another £830,000 and seven jobs in the rest of Scotland plus a further £280,000 and 3 jobs outside Scotland in the rest of the UK.
Commenting on the report QMU Vice Principal Rosalyn Marshall said;
“As well as the immediate economic benefits we are pleased that we have been able to bring longer term benefits to the community and assist the council in achieving its strategic priorities. Twenty eight percent of our students come from outside Scotland and this report shows that they bring with them off-campus spending power of £11 million, in addition boosting tourism and raising the profile of the region in the UK and abroad. Facilities and services, such as sports facilities and podiatry clinics, are open to the community and the presence of a higher education institution in East Lothian has provided many business, social and personal development opportunities to the area. “
Queen Margaret University relocated to its new award winning campus in East Lothian from a scattered Edinburgh estate in 2007. There are over 450 full time equivalent direct employees at QMU, and the new campus has created an additional 466 new jobs in Scotland, including 138 in East Lothian alone. The university now represents 3% of all East Lothian employment.
Councillor Paul McLennan, East Lothian Council’s economic development spokesman said:
“The Council is pleased that having fully supported QMU’s move to East Lothian and welcomed it as our first institute of higher education, the university is making a significant impact on the local economy and equally important, has become a valued member of the local community. The Council will work closely in partnership with QMU in the future to ensure that this early success continues.”
Gregor Murray, Executive Director of Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, commented:
“These impressive statistics underline QMU’s substantial value to this region as well as further afield. The university’s move to East Lothian has proved a welcome boost for the local community. The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working closely with it to further develop the already fruitful relationship between the university and local businesses.”
Tim Cocking of Edinburgh based property lettings agency JVR Properties, which opened a second branch in Musselburgh in 2008, is optimistic about the future impact of the university on the business;
“We are confident we will see a gradual increase in student lettings over the next two to three years as the mindset of students gradually changes in favour of living in Musselburgh, rather than commuting from Edinburgh. Canny investment landlords are also eyeing up the possibilities here, as the performance of the East Lothian rental market is set to improve further.”
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For further information contact Maggie Wright on 0131 226 3622 or 07801 710360
About the study
- This study was commissioned in early 2008 by Queen Margaret University on behalf of the university and its partners in this study, East Lothian Council (Economic Development Division) and Scottish Enterprise in recognition of the impact that higher education institutions make on a local economy.
- The baseline study was undertaken by the University of Strathclyde utilising the Universities UK economic impact modelling system that is based on university data on revenue, expenditure and employment. Although not a new institution, Queen Margaret University’s move to a greenfield site on the outskirts of Musselburgh is new to East Lothian. This study looked at the impact of the university as a business, as a means of increasing the skills base and absorptive capacity of the host region and as a tool for research and innovation and the transfer of knowledge to the host economy together with social, cultural and environmental impacts.
- The baseline year is 2007/08 during which Queen Margaret University had revenue of £31 million, supported 454 full-time equivalent jobs at all levels and welcomed 772 non-UK domiciled and 733 non-Scotland domiciled students, 28% of total student cohort.
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