U2B Issue 4 Page 8

FLEX is the University’s Foreign Languages for Export service. It was established nearly 19 years ago and has, since then, been providing language services to the public and private sectors in Northern Ireland in over 60 languages.

FLEX provides a translation, interpreting and tutoring service for people in business, industry and public services and has twice received the Regional Award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the provision of specialist language material.

Regine McCullough, Flex Director commented: “FLEX has played a prominent part in helping local industry, commerce, public services, the professions and individuals to meet the demands of an ever expanding multilingual market and society. At a time of increasing competitiveness, being able to communicate effectively is of growing importance in all sectors of economic life and may often be the decisive factor in securing contracts.”

For further information on FLEX interpretation, translation and tuition services, please contact Regine McCullough, Director, telephone 028 9036 6546 or email r.mccullough@ulster.ac.uk.

People in Focus

Peter Devine has recently been appointed to the post of Business Development Manager of The Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) at the Magee campus. Peter will be responsible for promoting and monitoring the commercialisation of the Centre’s research output and its contribution to the economic regeneration of the region. He joined the University in 2005 having worked previously for Ericsson Services Ireland. Prior to his current appointment, he worked as manager of EpiCentre, focusing on technology transfer between academia and local industry.

To contact Peter, telephone 028 7137 5263 or email p.devine@ulster.ac.uk.

Barry Henderson has over six years experience working in biomedical research and has also worked in sales and marketing in the biotechnology sector for over fours years. Barry currently works as a Business Liaison Executive, Office of Innovation, based at the Magee campus, developing collaborative research links between Ulster’s centres of excellence and industry. A key role within his current position is the fostering and development of academic, business and clinical linkages.

To contact Barry, telephone 028 7137 5564 or email bp.henderson@ulster.ac.uk.

University Of Ulster – Purchasing Card Scheme

Companies currently supplying goods or services to the University, or considering bidding for future contracts, may be interested to learn about new procurement policies.

Ulster has introduced the University Purchase Card (PCard) to streamline the procurement/payments process and to expedite the delivery of goods and services, as the administrative costs involved in procuring such items are often disproportionate to the actual cost of the goods and services involved.

Clare Egan, Procurement Manager, said: “The PCard is designed to reduce transaction costs and is suited for use in procuring high volume, low value items. The Purchasing Card is similar in principle to credit cards used by consumers, but with extra features which make them more suitable for business-to-business purchasing.” University policy only permits using the Purchasing card with those suppliers who can supply ‘line item detail’ which provides details of the transaction, a description of each item in the transaction and for each transaction, the net amount, the VAT amount and the total.

Suppliers will benefit from guaranteed payment within 3-4 working days resulting in improved cash flow and reduced overdraft charges, reduced process costs and reduced administration.

For further information on the Purchasing Card Scheme, please contact Clare Egan, Procurement Manager, telephone 028 7032 4227 or email cm.egan@ulster.ac.uk.

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U2B is a Business Liaison Office Publication

CONTACT DETAILS
The Business Liaison Office is your gateway to the University of Ulster. Contact us with any business enquiry.

Business Liaison Office,
University of Ulster
Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB

T: 028 9036 8019
F: 028 9036 8265
E: enquiry@ulster.ac.uk
W: oi.ulster.ac.uk

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