Member Article

Northumbria Alumni return to University to recruit next generation of graduate talent – and receive funding in the process

Alumni of Northumbria University are growing their own businesses by recruiting fellow graduates through funding available via the University.

One of these businesses is Lily Ella, a designer and manufacturer of women’s clothing. Zoe Glover – a Northumbria University Fashion graduate, founded the business four years ago. Since starting from Zoe’s kitchen table, Lily Ella has grown to employ thirteen staff and distributes over one million catalogues each year. The business recently recruited Megan Hincks, a 2017 Northumbria University Fashion Design and Marketing Graduate, as an Assistant Merchandiser through the University’s European Regional Development Fund Graduate Internship funding.

Zoe said “We have grown rapidly and being able to recruit Megan, a high-quality graduate, initially for six months as a Graduate Intern is really valuable to us at this stage of our development. The support means we have an exceptionally capable graduate with excellent sector knowledge and also many transferable skills relevant to our industry”.

“Northumbria is a special place for me. I loved studying there and when I saw the opportunity to benefit my business and employ a Northumbria Graduate it seemed perfect. I remember when I left University I was grateful to my first employer for giving me the opportunity to show my skills. Now I’m the employer, I’m really looking forward to Megan flourishing and helping Lily Ella maximise its potential,” added Zoe.

Victor Ottaway, Graduate Internship Manager at Northumbria University, commented: “I’m delighted Zoe has appointed Megan as her Graduate Intern. Lily Ella is a great example of Alumni of the University founding and running their own business and recruiting a recent Northumbria Graduate. With recent graduates seeking employment, this is an excellent time of year for employers to recruit individuals on a three or six month internship with a view to retaining them longer term.”

For more information, please visit: www.northumbria.ac.uk/NEBS

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