Businesses and charities across Northamptonshire have presented real-world challenges to final-year Business and Marketing students at the University of Northampton (UON) for its Business Challenge Project. This initiative provides organisations with access to new ideas, independent research, and practical recommendations, while students gain valuable consultancy experience by addressing genuine business issues.
This year, 33 final-year BA Business Management and BSc Marketing students are working in consultancy teams with nine organisations to tackle 11 live projects. Over the academic year, they will investigate business challenges and develop evidence-based solutions for their client organisations.
Dr Kiran Kaur, Senior Lecturer in Business Management and Module Leader, stated: “By working directly with businesses and organisations, students develop the professional, analytical and consultancy skills that employers value, while our partners benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. The enthusiasm and engagement from both students and organisations at the launch event was fantastic to see, and we are excited to watch these projects develop over the coming months.”
The project was launched at the University’s Business Clinic at Vulcan Works, bringing together students, academics, and employer partners. Participating organisations highlighted the scheme as a unique opportunity to benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
Nuffield Health, the UK's largest healthcare charity, has tasked students with identifying innovative ways to reach specific target audiences, particularly through marketing, communication, and social media channels. Autism charity EnFold has requested students review their policies to enhance accessibility and understanding for neurodivergent staff, volunteers, and service users.
Wicksteed Park, which has a long history of supporting educational opportunities in the county, is participating for the second year. Kelly Richardson, Wicksteed’s Director of Finance and Governance, commented: “The students have current knowledge on the latest ideas for business growth and an inherent understanding due to their age of how social media influences their own choices and therefore what an organisation like ours should do to maximise its own marketing opportunities through these channels.”
Organisations interested in partnering with future cohorts of students through the Business Challenge Project can find more information via the UON Business Clinic.
