Keele University has been making a positive impact across Cheshire for over 75 years, and is ranked as one of the very best universities in the UK for its contribution to local growth and regeneration (Knowledge Exchange Framework, 2024) and for the employability of its graduates (Uni Compare, 2026). 
 
The University is less than seven miles away from the South Cheshire border and currently has around 1,000 students from Cheshire studying on one of the largest and most beautiful campuses in the UK (Times Higher Education, 2025).  
 
The University – which has been ranked as “Britain’s best university” (Student Crowd, 2022) and Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (Green Gown Awards, 2021) – is proud of its relationships across Shropshire, which include including collaborations with businesses of all sizes from SMEs to multinationals like Bentley Motors, health providers such as Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, dozens of schools and colleges including Cheshire College South & West, and many more. 
 
Through the University’s Business Gateway, Keele has supported more than 1,000 organisations to make a real difference in their communities and beyond, with ambitious plans to support hundreds more every year. 
 
Whether you are looking to upskill your existing workforce, develop a new product or service, reduce your carbon footprint, or just want advice on how to take your business to the next level, Keele has the perfect blend of academics, researchers, professionals, and talented students to provide the support you need. 
 
As well as the direct impact of the University and its activities on the economies of its surrounding communities and localities, it has also acted as a catalyst for further economic growth in the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire region thanks to the integrated award-winning Science and Innovation Park on the Keele campus, which hosts more than 60 medical technology, healthcare, digital and environmental businesses. In May 2025, the University announced its vision for the Keele Innovation District – a 330% expansion of the existing Science Park which will bring a further 5,400 jobs to the area. 
 
Keele is ranked among the top 15 universities in England for combined excellence in both teaching and research. The University achieved a Gold ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), and the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021) showed that 80% of the University’s research was deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent. 
 
01782 733001  |  gateway@keele.ac.uk  |  keele.ac.uk/gateway