UWTSD tops the table for supporting graduate start-up businesses
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is a top-performing higher education institution in the UK for helping graduate start-up businesses which are still active after three years. Figures from the 2022/23 Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HE-BCI) show that UWTSD is ranked in first place out of 220 universities across the UK for new graduate start-ups that are still active after 3-years (894) and has also secured a first for the number of active businesses (1,056).
The survey is the main vehicle for measuring the volume and direction of interactions between UK higher education providers and business and the wider community. The University has a proud track record for its entrepreneurial and enterprise education and was awarded the Triple E European Entrepreneurial University of the Year 2022.
This latest prestigious ranking highlights not only the initial support students receive but the ongoing relationships that are cultivated between the University’s alumni, current students, and staff. UWTSD’s entrepreneurial graduates, who are leaders in their respective fields, generously share their expertise and experiences, creating a vibrant, supportive network that fuels continuous learning and success.
“The latest figures are more than just numbers; they reflect the heart and soul of our community,” said Professor Kathryn Penaluna, Professor of Enterprise Education, Head of Enterprise, and Director of the International Institute of Creative Entrepreneurial Development (IICED) at UWTSD. “Our dedicated lecturers and professional teams do not simply launch start-ups; they engage in lifelong relationships with our graduates. These enduring connections not only help new businesses thrive but also bring invaluable real-world insights back to our classrooms.
“We are incredibly proud of our alumni, who contribute significantly to the university and the broader business community. With over 1,000 successful entrepreneurs connected to UWTSD, their willingness to give back and support the next generation of business leaders is truly inspiring.
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our alumni. I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all for their continued support and engagement. Their contributions are crucial in helping us maintain our leadership in business education and entrepreneurial success.”
UWTSD remains committed to fostering an environment where practical experience and academic knowledge intersect seamlessly, enhancing both student education and entrepreneurial outcomes.
The university’s Institute for Sustainable Practice, Innovation, Research & Enterprise (INSPIRE) team offers a range of support for fledgling businesses, most of which is inspired by, and designed in collaboration with entrepreneurial alumni and supported by the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Wales initiative.
Professor Penaluna added: “The demand for entrepreneurial skills in our graduates has never been stronger. Creative and critical thinking, flexibility to respond to challenges and opportunities, as well as understanding business and sustainability are key and help us to progress our learners’ careers in whichever field they may choose. An employee who understands the essence of a company is a valuable employee indeed.”
Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of the Swansea and Cardiff Campuses and Head of INSPIRE said:
“This is an important recognition of the dedication of our staff in supporting entrepreneurial learning and teaching, business start-ups and SMEs.
“The University’s sustained investment has seen entrepreneurship and employability principles embedded throughout the whole organisation, including its teaching, industry partnerships and research programmes.
“We have created a culture of enterprise that is engaging an increasing number of students and graduates through our innovative projects and programmes. We are also driving business engagement through collaborative research projects with industry and supporting businesses to grow and upskill.”
One former student who has benefitted from the support of the enterprise team is Naomi Seaward of Naomi Elizabeth Design. Naomi studied Surface Pattern & Textiles at Swansea College of Art UWTSD and discovered her passion for Home and Interior Print whilst learning and developing her skills at University.
After graduating with an MDes Surface Pattern Design Degree, Naomi decided to take her love for curious tales and mythical histories into the world of design, establishing Naomi Elizabeth Design as a way to bring the oddities of our natural world into your home.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071