Northumbria University has been
ranked top in the North East for graduate business start-ups based on estimated
turnover, according to the latest Higher Education Business and Communities Interaction
(HEBCIS) survey.
And by placing fourth in the UK for
the academic year 2023/24, Northumbria has now been in the top 10 nationally for
graduate enterprises in each of the past 16 years under this metric. The
University was also the highest placed in the region and seventh in the UK measured
by the estimated current employment rate of active graduate firms. Northumbria
was also ranked 18th in the UK for external investment raised, and
22nd nationally for active firms surviving three years or more.
Estimated turnover for Northumbria
graduate start-ups for the period was just over £160 million, with these businesses
providing employment for 1,560 people. The figures reflect both the enterprise
and innovation of Northumbria graduates, and the quality of entrepreneurial
teaching and learning at the University.
They are also a measure of the support
and guidance available for business-minded graduates and students. Services
such as Student
and Graduate Enterprise offer help including entrepreneurial skills
training, incubation/co-working space,
workshops, mentoring, and specialist advice in areas such as IP/Legal,
marketing, Sales, Business Growth and Finance.
Commenting on
the results, Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Northumbria, said:
"Maintaining a top 10 ranking for start-ups over multiple years represents
an exceptional achievement, particularly amid economic challenges and
increasing competition. This success reflects the remarkable creativity,
energy, and determination of our students and demonstrates Northumbria's vital
role in driving an inclusive regional economy. In addition to launching
innovative enterprises and creating employment through our entrepreneurial
graduates, Northumbria also places more graduates in highly skilled North East
positions than any other university."
Graham Baty, Head of Enterprise
Development, Graduate Futures, at Northumbria added: “This is the 16th consecutive year that Northumbria has been placed amongst the top 10
universities based upon the Estimated Turnover metric, with five of those years
holding the top spot. Our high national ranking for firms trading beyond three
years also points to the calibre of our graduates and the quality of the
businesses they create.”
