Congratulations to the Management School’s External Engagement Team and Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship, which have both been shortlisted for major awards in recognition of their outstanding work supporting students, graduates and the wider business community.
The Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship has been shortlisted for the Small Business Charter Excellence Awards in the Outstanding Support for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship category. This nomination recognises the Centre’s far-reaching and impactful enterprise support for students, graduates and young people.
Through a dynamic programme of initiatives including monthly entrepreneur meet-ups, an AI-focused Start-Up School and a growing secondary school enterprise programme for 11–19-year-olds, the Centre continues to build confidence, develop skills, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
These innovative activities attract strong participation, secure external funding and generate excellent feedback, helping to widen access, create opportunities and strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The winner will be announced at the Small Business Charter Annual Conference and Summer Reception on 15 June 2026.
Secondly, the External Engagement Team has been named a finalist at the Educate North Awards in the Business Engagement Award (University) category for its Project Partners initiative.
Project Partners was developed to bring together student consultancy-style opportunities into a single, clear, and accessible offer for businesses. Organisations can now submit project ideas to the Management School at any point throughout the year, making collaboration simpler and more flexible.
Since its launch, expressions of interest from businesses have increased fourfold. Students have contributed more than 7,000 hours of work, supporting over 54 organisations. This initiative enables students to gain valuable real-world experience while providing businesses with research-informed insights and fresh perspectives on key challenges and opportunities.
Winners of the Educate North Awards will be announced on 7 May.