University’s business clinic model goes global

A “trailblazing” education initiative pioneered in the North East is being adopted by universities across the UK and internationally.

Northumbria University’s Business Clinic, which gives students hands-on experience working with real organisations, has now shared its model with institutions in cities including York St John, Huddersfield, Leeds and Aston in the UK, as well as Deakin University, in Victoria, Australia.

Launched by academic and industry specialist Nigel Coates in 2013, the clinic has supported around 870 live consultancy projects and involved more than 3500 students. 

Final-year undergraduates work with businesses, charities and social enterprises on projects ranging from marketing and HR to finance and logistics.

Ed Cottam, director of Northumbria University’s Business Clinic, said: “We are thrilled to be helping other universities trial a concept that has worked so well in the North East. 

“Not only has our experiential learning programme enabled students to apply their knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial talent to find solutions to real-world problems, it has also helped hundreds of organisations to become more robust, competitive and efficient.

“Our aim is to give students the best chance of gaining meaningful employment, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, and to help organisations solve day-today challenges. 

“The benefits of our programme are numerous so it makes sense to support other academic institutions that want to implement similar programmes in other parts of the UK and overseas. 

“This will add value to dozens of other organisations, act as a catalyst for economic growth and create further opportunities for students to get invaluable experience that will help them progress in their chosen careers.”

Sarah Czarnecki, director of The Business Clinic at York St John University Business School, added: “Universities are increasingly looking to The Business Clinic at Northumbria University as a leading model of experiential learning and vehicle for regional and national impact working with businesses. 

“As universities come under increasing pressure to demonstrate good value, institutions are turning to the clinic as an exemplar of meaningful and impact higher education.” 

Northumbria University’s track record in enterprise has seen it ranked first in the region and fourth nationally for graduate business start-up turnover. 

It has also been recognised for supporting employment through its graduate firms, maintaining a top ten ranking in the UK for 16 consecutive years according to the latest Higher Education Business and Communities Interaction (HEBCIS) survey.

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