Member Article

Leeds students embark on research with business adviser

As part of its commitment to forging closer links with education, business adviser Grant Thornton is challenging MBA students from Leeds Metropolitan University’s Business School to undertake two research projects which will not only develop the students’ learning, but will also provide valuable information for local businesses.

Six international students from Leeds Business School will be working on the projects over the next four months. One project aims to give a regional analysis of the issues facing AIM listed businesses in Yorkshire and the purpose of the other is to provide enhanced benchmarking of the professional services sector in Yorkshire and the North East.

Dr Matt Stroh, associate director at Grant Thornton in Yorkshire, said: “Leeds has one of the region’s strongest business schools and this is a great opportunity to help students by giving them some real life research projects, but also to harness the talents of these bright, able minds to provide a fresh perspective.

“Grant Thornton already has a strong track record advising AIM listed companies and we also have a particular sector specialism in professional practices. The purpose of the projects we have set is to build on this knowledge by adding a detailed regional analysis which we plan to share with local businesses when the research is complete.”

Stratis Koutsoukos, senior lecturer at Leeds Business School, Leeds Metropolitan University, adds: “This type of joint initiative between further education and businesses is extremely valuable. Not only will our students have the chance to access and analyse data from a leading business adviser, we hope that local companies will benefit from the unique regional insight provided by the students’ work.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Grant Thornton .