Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been recognised for its work in local growth, regeneration and community engagement in a new government report.

The Knowledge Excellence Framework looked into how English universities serve the economy and society for the benefit of the public, business and communities.

The university is working with many local businesses, organisations and start-ups to champion creative entrepreneurial skills and talent in the region.

It counts the RNLI, Lush, and a range of small to medium sized businesses among its partners.

Intelligence provider IOT Solutions Group, which has offices in Bournemouth and Watford, has been working with AUB to develop prototypes of its sensors.

Emma Mahy, Founder and CEO, pictured, said: “The primary challenges we needed to overcome were associated with moving our engineering research and development programme onto the next phase; moving from prototype hardware to production ready devices.

“Without learning about the possibilities available for prototypes and without the support of the broader AUB team we would have struggled to develop and refine a production ready product.

“AUB’s support has been invaluable to us.”

Sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Knowledge Exchange Framework has been released by Research England.

It identifies and evidences areas of expertise for universities in key areas.

The report highlighted AUB’s work in public and community engagement, skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship, and local growth and regeneration.

AUB’s Innovation Team is responsible for the institution’s longstanding connections with industry.

It has launched a number of collaborative projects with brands including LoveLove Film, LV, Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, Virgin Startup and both Bestival and Larmer Tree Festivals.

Daniel Cox, AUB’s Knowledge and Exchange Manager, said: “AUB is proud to be alongside some of the country’s top universities for our community engagement and commitment to local growth and regeneration.

“Through vibrant and varied collaborations with a wide range of businesses and organisations both large and small, AUB continues to promote an emphasis on the shared prosperity of the region through the development of skills, knowledge and expertise.

“The Knowledge Excellence Framework helps us to formalise this important work.

“We are keen acknowledge the brilliant work of our local partners, who strive to better Dorset’s economy; developing key skills and encouraging the future success of the area.”

Work to complete the university’s brand-new Innovation Studio will complete later this year, providing a base for small business start-ups across Dorset.

They will be able to use AUB’s state-of-the-art specialist equipment to research, innovate and develop entrepreneurial ideas.

Ranked Gold for ‘consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes’ in the Teaching Excellence Framework, the university has twice been recognised by The Royal Anniversary Trust for ‘outstanding work in education for the film industry’ and ‘distinguished degree level education in costume design for the UK’s leading creative industries’.

AUB’s notable alumni include film directors Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright, fashion photographer Nick Knight, and renowned architect Professor Sir Peter Cook.