Strategic relationship with BP

BP is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, operating in more than 100 countries via its Exploration and Production, Refining and Marketing, and Alternative Energy businesses. A key driver for BP is ensuring it has the technical capability to stay at the leading edge of its field through collaborating with the right partners and having access to talented graduates.

It is for this reason that BP’s relationship with The University of Manchester, which dates back over a number of years, is so highly valued. What began as pockets of activity, particularly in the areas of recruitment and research, has now developed into a strategic relationship covering research and development, executive education, recruitment, and increased funding opportunities for students.

In May 2007 the relationship was strengthened through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that outlined a number of areas where further collaboration would deliver benefits to both organisations. It covers five broad areas of interaction:

At the signing ceremony, Brian Gilvary, a Manchester alumnus who is now BP’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor for the company’s relationship with The University of Manchester said: "This is one of our biggest strategic academic partnerships and we are very excited by this important step."

Colin Bailey, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences added:

"Through signing the Memorandum of Understanding, we have created a bridge of opportunity which will bring significant benefits for both BP and The University of Manchester. We will be training BP's existing engineers from all over the world, developing the next generation of a highly skilled workforce through our world-leading undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as working in partnership on various research areas to address the huge global challenges of sustainable energy supply and demand."