On Friday 24 April 2009, Stephen Timms MP visited the University of East London to see the work they are doing to support local business activity.

Mr Timms’ first stop was at the university’s library, where business students were participating in "Flux", an enterprise competition.  The competition was put on by the UEL Business School in partnership with The Knowledge Dock, UEL’s enterprise development service.  Teams of students developed a strategy for their companies, and at the end of the day a panel of judges voted on the winning team.

Stephen Timms said: "The competition gave these students the chance to make the kind of business decisions that the success of their future business will depend on.  I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and imagination that the students I met committed to their task.  This experience will help them in their future entrepreneurial activity".

Mr Timms then paid a visit to the Petchey Centre for Entrepreneurship, which is based at the UEL Knowledge Dock and Business School.  He chatted with staff about the work of the centre, and also met with a number of those who are already benefiting from the services on offer.  Mr Timms also met with a number of Business Unit clients from The Knowledge Dock.