Leeds University Business School open day
A business school has an important role to play in supporting a successful economy and building a resilient local business community, providing the skills, knowledge and talent needed in a dynamic and changing world.
Here at Leeds University Business School, we’re a well-established international institution with global ambition, yet grounded in local roots. As well as producing world-leading research and curriculum for the next generation of global citizens, we’re strong advocates and actors in supporting the local region and economy.
However, I often hear from members of our local business community that they are uncertain about the idea of working with a University partner; their concern being that the academic processes wouldn’t relate to their everyday business world. We want to work with people in the region, reassure the hesitant and propel all of our partners to growth and success.
This June we are hosting our first Business open day, giving local industry professionals like you the opportunity to come and find out more about what it’s like to work with a Business School.
The event on 23 June, will give people the chance to hear first-hand from those who have already benefited from our expertise, and who want to share their experiences with you. You can also meet with our academic, professional and support team who can explain more about the opportunities to collaborate, inspire and learn with us.
Learn with us
As well as providing further education after school and college, we also cater for those already in well-established careers, providing a range of professional learning programmes. We have a key role to play in reskilling and upskilling the workforce as jobs evolve and new jobs emerge. We recently partnered with Wakefield Council and Creative Wakefield to develop a leadership programme for those working in the creative industries. By working with industry experts and the local council we have developed something really unique that meets the needs of those working in the sector, and benefits the local creative infrastructure
Collaborate on research
The University of Leeds is what we call a research-intensive university, which means that undertaking research is in our DNA – it’s what we practice and what we teach. As a business school, our research can provide insights and solutions to support Yorkshire’s business community. Research can drive innovation and provide practical solutions.
I am keen to bridge the divide between academia and the practical application of our research. There are multiple ways that businesses can work with us, from supporting major research projects to direct consultancy.
We were recently placed 5th in the UK for ‘research power’ out of 108 UK business schools by the Times Higher Education (based on the recent Research Excellence Framework 2021).
One of our flagship research projects ‘Adapting offices for the future of work’, is a collaborative project with partners including law firm, Walker Morris, Leeds City Council and the OneMedical Group, and is providing recommendations for supporting the transition of workers back into offices.
Inspiring the next generation
We welcome hundreds of bright and ambitious students to Leeds every autumn to receive a high quality education underpinned by the latest thinking and research. In an average year around one-third of undergraduate students take a paid placement in industry during their studies. This is a great way for a company to work with a talented student, and for students to learn what life working in industry is really like.
We also provide a number of opportunities for local industry professionals to get involved and inspire our students, graduates and future leaders through the curriculum and beyond. For example, through our ‘Enterprise ambassador’ scheme, successful small business founders and owners contribute their time to support teaching and to mentor students. This group of 25 entrepreneurs also benefit from working with the Business School through taking on student placements and projects, where they can work with some of the brightest new graduate talent in the region.
So why not come along to our Open for Business event on 23 June and find out for yourself. You might just find your next perfect partner.
Open for Business is on 23 June 2022 (9.30am – 1pm), and is hosted at the Business School’s new Esther Simpson Building on the campus of the University of Leeds.