Award for university business project

A PROJECT by Yorkshire universities to help graduates launch their own businesses has won a national award.

The Graduate Entrepreneurship Project was awarded the Enterprise “Champions” title at the National Educator Awards.

The project has helped create 269 businesses since it was launched five years ago which sees student entrepreneurs offered practical advice and financial support.

Bill Walker, from the University of Hull Knowledge Exchange, said: “This project is really inspiring our students to create new businesses and offers effective enterprise opportunities across the whole of the region. Our students have been able to benefit from a range of support – from networking opportunities to advice from academics and business leaders and we are pleased to have won the award.

“This is a fantastic recognition for the project and all of the partners involved.”

The project is a partnership between ten universities across the region and has been backed with £1.3m from the European Regional Development Fund.