North East uni tops entrepreneurial league for second year running

Northumbria University has come first in a ranking of the top UK universities for graduate business startups based on turnover.

The latest Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HEBCIS) marks the second year running that the North East institution has topped the list of the universities churning out the most successful entrepreneurs.

HEBCIS findings show that in 2016/17, turnover from Northumbria graduate businesses hit £80.3m – more than £30m ahead of the institution in second place.

The figure also represents a year-on-year increase of £10m for Northumbria.

Since 2009, the university has supported the development of over 200 graduate businesses, which today employ more than 1,000 and boast a combined turnover in excess of £80m.

Lucy Winskell OBE, pro vice-chancellor (employability and partnerships) at Northumbria, said of the report: “These sector-leading results are evidence of the wealth of entrepreneurial talent here at Northumbria, with our graduates creating thriving new enterprises and employment opportunities.

“Through our graduate start-up services and initiatives like NEBs, we will continue to support them as they build their businesses regionally, nationally and globally.”

Northumbria’s Enterprise Manager, Graham Baty, commented: “Heading the rankings for a second year running reflects a focus on sustainability.

“Our emphasis is on helping to secure long-term success, and not on the number of new startups.”