G F Tomlinson announces landmark partnership with the University of Nottingham to drive innovation in para and inclusive sport

G F Tomlinson has announced a long-term strategic partnership with the University of Nottingham with the aim to support its para and inclusive sport offerings.

This collaboration will enable the growth and development of the university’s para and inclusive sport offerings and forms a key step in the university’s overarching vision to be the sector leader in ensuring equity of opportunity for the whole of the university’s community.

The new partnership will enable a range of initiatives to be implemented including increased Para athlete recruitment, growth of the BUCS Championship winning Wheelchair Basketball Team, increased numbers of students accessing the disability sport and fitness membership, and wider support to help the University Sports clubs grow their inclusive sport offer.

G F Tomlinson have a long history working with the university, designing and building key facilities across its award-winning campuses. We incorporate the latest inclusive design practices, and this partnership showcases our commitment to delivering life-changing social value within our projects.

The university’s para-athletes and teams will work closely with our team to help drive new standards for inclusive design and build in the sector. Through consultation, training and experiential events this will further enhance G F Tomlinson’s status as one of the leading organisations for inclusive design and build.

Students will further benefit from this partnership with new year in industry placements and degree apprenticeship pathways being created with G F Tomlinson.

Andy Sewards, Chairman, G F Tomlinson said: “We are delighted to be working with the university to further develop our expertise in inclusive design and build. The synergy we share is incredible, and we are proud to help develop a more inclusive campus environment alongside supporting the university community to thrive. 

“I have been incredibly inspired by the athletes I have met and the ambition of the university. I am so excited to see where this journey takes us all and we can’t wait to see Nottingham’s para-athletes competing on the world stage and more people than ever involved in the university’s sport programmes.”

Jo Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We want to be known as the sector leader for Para and inclusive sport. This new partnership is an exciting part of our journey to achieve this vision. Para sport can truly change lives and Tomlinson’s support to enable this strategy showcases their value led approach in all that they do.

“This is a sector defining moment and one which will become the catalyst for an even more inclusive environment on our campuses and across the sector. It is a true showcase of how our partners can work with us to create a global leading vision and impact.”

Professor Katherine Linehan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education and Student Experience added:

 “This strategic partnership with G F Tomlinson’s is ground-breaking. It allows us to work together to further drive new inclusive standards in both the construction and higher education sectors.

“This collaboration facilitates the university’s commitment to become an organisation that is truly inclusive by design. It allows us to build on the strong foundation the inclusive sport team at the university have established to ensure that both recreational and professional sports opportunities are open to our whole community”.