Newcastle students stand out with their entrepreneurial skills

The head of UK banking at Santander has hailed Newcastle students as “standing out with their entrepreneurial skills” at a lecture at Newcastle University Business School yesterday.

Steve Pateman spoke about the UK’s economic recovery to more than 100 students, staff and alumni at in a lecture organised by the Santander Universities Global Division.

Mr Pateman’s lecture, which took place at the Business School on Barrack Road, was entitled ‘Creating a sustainable economic recovery’. Among his key points, Mr Pateman spoke about the importance of entrepreneurs and SMEs at providing the social pillars that lay the foundations of a stable and long-lasting buoyant economic cycle.

During his lecture he said: “There is no better place to talk about entrepreneurship and economic recovery than this Business School, which has seen the birth and growth of many great business ideas. These are the ideas that will allow the UK to shake off the remnants of the recession, ultimately becoming more competitive at a global level.

“Newcastle students stand out for having the drive and skills required to become successful entrepreneurs, and at Santander we are proud to be supporting them.”

Newcastle University has been shortlisted several times for the Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Awards, winning accolades on two occasions.

Radfan, a radiator device created to save on heating costs, won in the Postgraduate category; and Uni Car Ads, a company that advertises on parked cars was a winner, in the Undergraduate category. Both projects were launched after winning the awards and are now expanding their commercial activity.

Will Clowes, co-founder and director of Uni Car Ads said: “The support of Santander Universities and Newcastle University made a big difference when our venture was just an idea in our heads. When the private sector and universities get together to support students and entrepreneurs it is the whole community and ultimately the UK that benefits from this collaboration. Sadly, there are not enough entrepreneurs in the UK but initiatives like this one could definitely reverse the trend.”

The University is also taking part in an internship scheme launched by Santander in 2012, with Newcastle receiving funding for 44 internship opportunities with local SMEs.

Steve Pateman said: “The UK has many fantastic SMEs with great potential and at Santander we have linked the talent of these students with the expertise of the University sector to create an economic powerhouse that local communities can benefit from. Newcastle is a great example with 44 internships in just two years.”

The University and Santander formalised a partnership in September 2009. Since then, Santander, through its Santander Universities Global Division, has funded a wide range of scholarships, travel grants, awards and entrepreneurial activities at Newcastle.

Among those in attendance from Newcastle University were: Professor Charles Harvey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr Joanna Berry; Director of Engagement; and Luis Juste, Director Santander Universities UK.

Professor John Wilson, Director of the Business School said: “There has never been a more crucial time to ensure that the education we provide the next generation of business leaders is sound, stable and well informed. It is vital that we learn from practice as well as theory, so attracting speakers such as Steve Pateman is of real benefit to our students.

“The University and the Business School collaborate closely with companies such as Santander to enable our students not only to learn, adapt and tackle the challenges of the current economic climate, but also provide them with the skills to encourage innovation.”

Steve Pateman visited the Santander branch on campus, which has been in operation since 2009.