G F Tomlinson and University of Nottingham celebrate success to date in landmark partnership driving record growth in Para and inclusive sport

The University of Nottingham and leading Midlands construction firm, G F Tomlinson, are celebrating the success achieved to date in the first year of their pioneering partnership, which is already driving record participation in Para and inclusive sport.

The collaboration, which launched in March last year, set out to accelerate the growth and development of Para and inclusive sport at the university, and progress so far has been transformative.

Engagement from disabled students has reached its highest level to date, with new Para-athletes recruited to Team UoN, the appointment of specialist Para sport roles, and significant progress made embedding inclusive design principles across both sport and construction projects.

So far in 2024/25, 4,625 disabled students have engaged in University of Nottingham sport programmes, ranging from clubs and gym sessions to classes – the highest figure on record and a substantial increase on previous years. Activity levels to date indicate the university is on track to reach new record-breaking engagement figures by the end of the academic year.

The number of students accessing the university’s Disability Sport Membership has also risen dramatically, up 47% year-on-year, with 437 memberships purchased in 2024/25.

With the support of the partnership, the university has expanded its inclusive provision by growing the Disability Membership Scheme, now offering 50% off membership for disabled users, including those in the local community.

To date, 550 supported fitness sessions have been delivered across all three sports centres, offering personalised 1:1 sessions to help disabled students navigate and feel confident in fitness environments. Quiet gym hours and 331 low-sensory fitness and wellbeing classes have also been provided.

The university’s research continues to highlight the impact of sport on student experience, and among disabled students who engaged in sport, 86% reported feeling part of the university community and 92% said they felt they belonged at the university.

The collaboration has already supported the rapid growth and competitive success of Para sport teams, most notably the UoN Wheelchair Basketball Team, which secured its first BUCS National Championship title at BUCS Big Wednesday 2025.

The university has also hosted its first-ever Para Sport Prospect Day, enabling the recruitment of a new cohort of Para-athletes for 2025/26. These include world-ranked Para-badminton players, GB pathway wheelchair basketball athletes and developing Para tennis talent, contributing to a stronger and more diverse sporting community.

As part of the partnership’s early impact, the university has appointed new specialist roles, including a Para Sport Development position and a dedicated Strength & Conditioning role for Para-athletes, strengthening its commitment to high-performance and inclusive sport.

Through consultations, training and experiential events with UoN Para-athletes, G F Tomlinson continues to enhance its reputation as a national leader in inclusive construction practices. New student pathways, including year-in-industry placements and degree apprenticeships, are also being developed, extending the benefits further across the university community.

Looking ahead, the partnership will support the launch of the University of Nottingham’s Para Vision for Sport, with a clear mission to become the leading Russell Group university for Para sport. Plans also include further growth of Para sport pathways, expanded inclusive programming, enhanced branding and visibility across the David Ross Sports Village and the wheelchair basketball first team.

Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “Working with the University of Nottingham so far has been extraordinary. The Para-athletes we’ve met, and the progress already achieved is truly inspiring. We’re proud to be playing a role in building a more inclusive campus environment, supporting the university community to thrive and seeing Nottingham’s athletes reach new heights.”

Jo Simpson, Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Nottingham, said: “Our partnership with G F Tomlinson is intentionally designed to go far beyond the traditional supplier model. Together we are accelerating progress in Para and inclusive sport, creating new opportunities for our students, and setting a new benchmark for what a strategic university-industry partnership can achieve.

“This partnership is enabling meaningful, lasting change, and together we are creating opportunities that have a profound impact across our community. Our initial ambition is to be recognised as the sector leader for Para and inclusive sport, and the progress to date shows just how powerful the partnership with G F Tomlinson has become”. 

About the University of Nottingham

Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia – part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.

Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.

The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The university is a major employer and industry partner – locally and globally – and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK’s top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.