PULSE News and opinion from Liverpool Hope Business School September 2018 | Issue 4
AWARD WINNERS CLASS OF 2018
INSIGHT TO BUSINESS
INTRODUCING
Students celebrate at summer graduation
Placement awards for top business school students
Neil Ashbridge talks accreditation
News and opinion from Liverpool Hope Business School September 2018 | Issue 4
WELCOME TO PULSE It’s been a successful few months for the Business School, with both our students and the School winning a series of prestigious awards. Educate North named us Business School of the Year, while student business MealMate picked up a Strategic Marketing Award at the Young Enterprise National Final. The celebrations continued at the Insight to Business Awards and Summer Graduation, where we marked the hard work and achievements of our students. We hear from the Class of 2018 on pages 8 and 9, and celebrate our Insight to Business Award winners on pages 4 and 5. On page 11, Chair of Liverpool and Sefton Chamber of Commerce Neil Ashbridge speaks to Pulse about his work on the Business School’s AACSB accreditation bid, and what it means for students. As one of the Schools’ Accountancy tutors, I would be thrilled to see our Business and Accounting programmes receiving the AACSB accreditation. The award would be an important achievement for the School and students. Brian Ricketts Senior Professional Tutor in Accountancy and Finance
IN THIS ISSUE 3
BUSINESS SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
7
PARTNER NEWS
4
STUDENT AWARDS
8
CLASS OF 2018 CELEBRATES
6
STUDENT SUCCESS IN BUSINESS
11
INTRODUCING NEIL ASHBRIDGE
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NEWS IN BRIEF Hope Solutions launches Do you want to gain professional experience working on live projects alongside your degree? Are you a company with a business problem that needs solving? Hope Solutions can help. Launching in October 2018, the student-led consultancy service is a new venture from Liverpool Hope Business School. The innovative programme will see students working with businesses and academic experts on a series of projects. The pilot programme, which was launched in collaboration with Crowne Plaza Liverpool John Lennon Airport, saw more than 10 students working with the hotel’s local and national team to complete marketing projects. Earlier this year, the hotel launched Jin, an authentic Chinese restaurant. Three Business School students were given the opportunity to work on a live project to launch and run the new restaurant’s social media channels and you can see their work via www. facebook.com/JINLiverpool. Final year Marketing and Business Management student Amy Yong (pictured above) was part of the team, she said: “I have worked on numerous projects using social media platforms, creating and managing the hotel’s social media presence. I have gained valuable experience, which has enabled me to put the theory I have learned in the classroom in to practice. This will contribute towards helping me gain graduate employment in the marketing industry.”
BUSINESS SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
Educate North Award for Business School
Liverpool Hope Business School has been named Business School of the Year at the Educate North Awards 2018. The award was presented jointly with the University of Chester Business School, and recognises outstanding performance in areas of business finance, teaching, research, student experience, innovation and economic impact in the north of the UK.
Head of the School Professor Ian Vandewalle said: “We’re delighted to have been named Business School of the Year, an accolade that honours the great achievements of our staff and students. This recognition reflects our drive to engage with the international business landscape and ensure Liverpool Hope is not only making a difference, but is also the home of tomorrow’s leaders.”
“This recognition reflects our drive to... ensure Liverpool Hope is not only making a difference, but is also the home of tomorrow’s leaders.”
Liverpool Hope Business School has three teaching and research areas; Economics, Finance and Accounting; Business Management; and Marketing.
The event also celebrated Professor Jim Keaton (MBE), Honorary Business Fellow and Non-Executive Chair of the Liverpool Hope Business School Advisory Board. Professor Keaton, who recently took on the role of Chairman of the Liverpool Hope University Foundation, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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STUDENT AWARDS
Insight to Business Awards 2018
The outstanding achievements of 24 students were recognised at the Insight to Business Awards 2018, which saw 16 individuals presented with coveted placement opportunities. Regional and national businesses sponsor the annual event, which celebrates the hard work and commitment of Liverpool Hope Business School students. More than 40 undergraduate and postgraduate students were nominated by staff from the Business School to take part in an exclusive Employability Bootcamp. Sponsored by Aldi’s Graduate Recruitment Team, the Bootcamp featured workshops focusing on CV writing, interview skills and career planning. 4 | PULSE Magazine
Business sponsors then interviewed the nominees and selected the 16 most outstanding candidates to receive a two-week professional placement in their organisation. Peter Smith, from Marketing Liverpool, said: “It was a really tough choice as the students were enthusiastic, articulate and showed a lot of initiative.� Completed in June, the placements allowed students the chance to gain professional experience and key employability skills to support their personal development and graduate career. Opportunities included experience of PR, Marketing, Wealth Management, Accounting and more.
STUDENT AWARDS
Accounting and Finance student Ross Jamison (pictured below), who received the Santander Award, said: “My placement was great, I learnt so much. The experience I gained will definitely prove highly beneficial in my career.”
Lynne Robertson, from Santander, added: “I’m so glad we were able to give Ross this opportunity, and I have to say he really impressed everyone – he was curious, attentive and developed a good understanding of the roles available here at Santander. We would really love to be able to support the Awards again next year.”
Transforming enterprise - a Big Hope
A group of students from across the globe discovered how the power of social enterprise can offer transformative solutions to seemingly intractable problems, in a workshop led by Professional Tutor Reverend Tony Bradley. As part of the University’s Big Hope 2 Young Leaders Congress, Mr Bradley organised a learning track exploring the theme of Transforming Enterprise – from Self to Community Business. Organised into three multi-cultural teams, the 17 participants, were tasked with devising a business that would unleash ‘the power of we’ to solve a social problem. Despite having just six hours, the outcomes were remarkable.
In addition to the placements, eight students received certificates of commendation with a £30 voucher prize sponsored by Pearson and Proquest. Thank you to our award sponsors: • • • • •
Brabners The Brain Charity De Winter PR Everton Football Club Fraser Wealth Management • Jon Davies Accountants • Lloyds Bank
• • • • • • • • •
Little League Sports Marketing Liverpool McGinley Education MSB Solicitors Pearson Proquest RSM Santander Vodafone
If you would like to get involved with the Insight to Business Awards 2019, get in touch with us at businessschool@hope.ac.uk
Mr Bradley said: “The Learning Track demonstrated how effective cross-cultural collaboration can be in seeking to solve problems for the 21st century. Liverpool Hope Business School is at the forefront of research and development in societal entrepreneurship and the sub-discipline of Integral Economics, seeking to connect communities, culture, technology and markets together.” Three businesses evolved - CollaboNation: bringing Houstonians from divided neighbourhoods together through community walks; EduLight: generating renewable energy for learning in comfort; Neptunus: water cleansing for village farmers in Udaipur. These were viable enterprises to confront issues of racial tension in the Southern USA, the problems of sustainable energy for assisting children’s education in sub-Saharan Africa, and dealing with land and water source pollution in rural India.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Young Enterprise marketing award for student business
SME event sparks technology in business debate
The Business School teamed up with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to host a technology discussion session for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Held at the Santander Incubation Hub in Liverpool, Harnessing Tech to Build your Business offered SMEs the chance to hear from technology experts, including Associate Professor David Reid from Liverpool Hope’s Computer Science Department, Managing Director Andy MacGregor from BT Local Business, and Technical Director Steve Todd from Mashbo.
Student business MealMate picked up the Strategic Marketing Award at the Young Enterprise (YE) National Final. The team, which is on a mission to provide students with healthy and cheap meal ideas, was just one of five businesses to take home a coveted award. Professional Tutor in Business Reverend Tony Bradley, who runs the YE programme at Hope alongside Paula Raper, said: “This was a stunning success and very much unexpected.” MealMate has already secured business from both Liverpool Hope and Loughborough College’s accommodation and student welfare departments, due to it’s emphasis on simple recipes, shopping to a budget and reducing food waste. MealMate Managing Director Robyn Harrison-Reid discussed what she got out of the experience: “I’ve enjoyed developing as a business woman and becoming more educated and gaining the skills I needed to take this business forward. I want to gain experience in being in management and taking responsibility for a company and its assets.” Becca Ali, who was responsible for the companies IT development, added: “I’ve gained lots of confidence in public speaking and really enjoyed the team spirit - when we were all working together we understood and supported each other. Because of the intensity of our studies we weren’t sure we would be ready for the National Finals - but we were!” 6 | PULSE Magazine
Liverpool Hope’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Operations) and Dean of Arts and Humanities Professor Ian Vandewalle hosted the panel, which explored the idea that technology advancements should be recognised by SMEs and opportunities seized. Associate Professor Reid highlighted how disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and automation, the Internet of Things, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Spatial Computing and robotics are already upon us, and businesses should embrace these advancements. He claimed that failing to keep up with the pace of technological change could lead to SMEs struggling to remain competitive and ultimately paying the price. Sarah Goulden, Employment and Enterprise Officer at Liverpool Hope University, said: “Collaborative events such as this, are a great way for us to share the University’s expert academic knowledge with the regional and national business community.”
HIGHLIGHTS
MAKING AN IMPACT Everton in the Community, followed, explaining how socioeconomic issues are being addressed through some of Everton Football Club’s charitable projects.
The inaugural SEARCH Conference featured a surprising confession from keynote speaker Professor Fred Coalter of the Brussels FREE University. Despite 30 years’ experience and a high-standing academic in his field, Professor Coalter admitted being the final speaker made him nervous. However, he had no need to worry, as his presentation on a Systems Theory approach to evaluating community sport programmes, was received with great interest by academics, practitioners and students. The conference opened with a contextualisation of current aims for social and economic expansion by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram. Phil Duffy, Head of
Several of these projects were the subject of presentations throughout the conference, as Liverpool Hope University’s unique partnership with Everton FC begins to bear fruit. Papers delivered by SEARCH members from within the School of Social Sciences and the Business School explored evaluation and theory building in a sports-plus project, partnership working on a disability football project, the social impact of Everton Free School, and the assumptions attached to measuring the impact of an employability programme for NEET young people. A blend of practitioner-led presentations and academic papers gave audience members the opportunity to debate and discuss the practical use of theory and the application of academic research for creating social and economic change.
Little League Sports launches new hotel Liverpool’s tourist industry, which will give visitors ‘a taste of what the city has to offer’. The Metro Mayor, who has been a supporter of LLS since its early years, said: “Liverpool is the cultural capital of Europe and Your Tour is another exciting step for the business and the city.”
After delivering an impressive 32 tours in its debut season, the tourism branch of Little League Sports (LLS) - Your Tour - unveiled The Strawberry Fields Hotel in Woolton, Liverpool. The 52-bed hotel, which features football-themed en-suite rooms, a games area and large screens, opened in time for guests to enjoy the World Cup 2018. Your Tour operate global sports experiences for schools, teams and universities across the world, visiting top-class facilities in the capital cities of Finland, Sri Lanka and Spain. Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram officially opened The Strawberry Fields Hotel and described Your Tour as an innovative addition to 7 | PULSE Magazine
You Tour has brought more than a 1,000 sports fanatics to Liverpool, either with their school or club, to take part in first-class sports itineraries tailor-made to their needs. This includes UEFA coaching sessions, stadium tours, fixtures, live Premier League matches and special guest appearances from sports industry professionals. The LLS programme has already attracted teams from China, Sri Lanka, Germany, Finland, Norway, as well as the North and the Republic of Ireland. Jordan Wright, LLS Managing Director and an alumnus of Liverpool Hope University, said: “We are passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences for young people and adding value to their CVs, and we especially enjoy welcoming them to the Liverpool City Region to sample its rich sporting culture.” Representatives of Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City Football Clubs; Wigan Athletic; Liverpool Hope University and a host of community partners, who make the tours possible, attended the launch. PULSE Magazine | 7
GRADUATION 2018
The Class of 2018
Graduation is always an exciting time on campus, and this year we had plenty to celebrate as our Business School students donned their caps and gowns. Four of our graduates look back on their time at Liverpool Hope… Amy Yong, Business Management and Marketing “I chose to study at Hope as it allowed me to study not just one but two subjects I love, and I also liked the fact it’s a small university where more one-on-one support is available. Throughout my three years at Hope, I received a huge amount of support from tutors, especially the Marketing team, who have provided me with indepth help with assignments and exam preparation, and different work experience opportunities to improve practical skills. “I enjoyed being able to study many different topics, which gave me an insight of different potential job roles, and the guest lectures, which gave us industry knowledge from experts in the field. In my second year 8 | PULSE Magazine
in Business Management, I got through to the regional finals of Young Enterprise, whereby we had to create a business plan for a new business in a team of 10 people using just £20. “The highlight of my time at Hope has got to be gaining a placement at Crowne Plaza Liverpool as a Social Media Coordinator during my second year. I worked for Crowne Plaza until the end of my degree and have come away with a fantastic reference, skills and experiences that have enhanced my CV. I also worked within the Business School as an Administrative Assistant, which gave me some extra pocket money throughout my degree and relevant experience to my degree subjects. “My greatest achievement at Hope is achieving a First in every assignment throughout my time at the University, and gaining a First Class degree after three years of extremely hard work!”
GRADUATION 2018 Joshua Pierce, Business Management and Special Educational Needs “The unique combined honours offered by the University allowed me the chance to combine my two interests, which was great as I was a little bit nervous about whether I was suited to university. I told myself in first year that I would be made up just to get a 2:2, and I ended up getting a First, which shows how far I’ve come. “Getting through to the Young Enterprise Regional Finals was one of the best things about the course. Being involved in the whole process was exciting and definitely opened my eyes. Another highlight was being nominated for the business awards in second and third year, and winning an award at both events. “In June, I started working for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Bootle, Liverpool, were I secured a graduate job working with businesses in the local area on corporate accounts.”
Heather Roberts, Business Management and Law “I’ve joined Enterprise Rent-A-Car as a Trainee Management Assistant on a graduate job scheme and hope to progress with the company. My placement with MSB Solicitors in second year definitely helped me build my confidence to be able to go through the recruitment process with Enterprise. “The thing I enjoyed most about my course was being able to push myself, and having the flexibility to learn how I want to and in a way that is best for me. “I can’t thank the tutors enough for all the support they have given me throughout my three years at university. Whenever I had a problem or an issue, I could go to them and talk and they would put me at ease. “The highlight of my time at Liverpool Hope was taking part in the Young Enterprise programme in the second year of my studies. At first my group didn’t get through to the next stage and two other groups, did but we spoke to the organiser of Young Enterprise and he was so shocked at our group’s effort and determination, so he put us through to the next round. “My biggest achievement at university has got to be my overall grade - a First - something I never thought I would be able to achieve.”
Tom Whittle, Marketing and Media & Communication “I was worried about transitioning to university and taking written assessments and exams. However, the support from the academics was great and they helped to prepare me for academic writing. I was also concerned with studying two subjects that I hadn’t previously studied. However, the subjects where taught from an introductory perspective giving me the background and basis knowledge needed. “I won a placement with DeWinter PR and Marketing firm in Liverpool at the Insight to Business Awards. The four-week placement gave me valuable on-the-job experience of working in an industry I’m very interested in. “I also enjoyed the practical assessments as Hope, such as working on a radio show for Media, and group presentations in Marketing when creating a new product for children. My greatest achievement at Hope has to be receiving a First Class grade in each assessment and exam for both subjects. I also won the award for Best Performing Student in Media & Communication and Marketing.”
Top 2 for graduate employment The University is celebrating being named top two in the UK and first in England for graduate employment. Latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveal 98.1 per cent of Liverpool Hope graduates were in employment or further education six months after graduating. A rise has also been seen in the number of graduates who have gone on to professional-level employment and/or postgraduate study, up 3.5 percentage points to 83.8 per cent. The 2016/17 statistics are drawn from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, which collects information on what leavers from higher education programmes are doing six months after qualifying from their course.
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IN PROFILE
INTRODUCING With more than 40-years’ experience working for the Bank of England, Neil Ashbridge is a key member of Liverpool Hope’s Executive Business Advisory Board (EBAB). Pulse caught up with Neil to find out how he is helping the Business School in its latest accreditation bid. Why do you think course accreditations are important?
What challenges do you think today’s Business students face?
Accreditations create and demonstrate a discipline, which must be adhered to by the Business School. They are very important for reputation and not given out lightly. The AACSB award would mean accreditation for the School’s Business and Accounting programmes, and in today’s world - when university offerings are so broad - course accreditations can play an important role in influencing people’s choice.
The world today is very different from when I set out my career in the 1970s. The idea or opportunity of a 40-year career with one organisation or skillset is no longer the norm. Young people need to think about what they want to achieve between now and retirement, and map it out. They should be realistic that their future may involve several employers and skillsets. I think it’s important to consider the work-life balance and where your enjoyment lies. Work experience is vital in helping people find their path, and I believe business degrees require hands on experience – it’s not enough to just study the theory.
The applied programmes at Liverpool Hope trend towards the preparation for the world of work. This accreditation will have a very positive impact and raise the profile of the Business School on both a national and international level. Students will feel the benefit of studying at a university where the degree programmes are competitive in the sector and designed to ensure they are prepared for the business world. As I was approaching retirement, I was keen to take up advisory, non-executive roles and felt I had something to offer as part of the team working towards the AACSB accreditation. The success of getting the accreditation would be a great achievement, and I would be proud to play a small part in that.
Work experience gives people the chance to see what they enjoy and how certain environments suit them. I did placements and internships myself, which soon made me realise I didn’t want to pursue a job in the hospitality sector, despite what I first thought. I’d advise people to ask themselves whether they respond better in an office community or working on their own, and to do their due diligence on any potential employers. Do they suit what you want to get out of a career? You are as important to them as they are to you, and it’s important to go into a job thinking this.
CV
Additional roles
• 2016 – to date: Chair of Liverpool and Sefton Chamber of Commerce • 2014 – to date: Member of Liverpool Hope’s Executive Business Advisory Board • 2009 – 2015: Agent for Wales, Bank of England • 2001 – 2009: Deputy Agent in the North West, Bank of England • 1992 – 2001: Assistant Agent, Bank of England, Liverpool • 1976 – 1992: Bank of England, Threadneedle Street London • 1973 – 1976: Joined Bank of England, Liverpool
Neil has also held numerous director positions, including at Glyndwr University, Wales Industrial Development Board, University of Liverpool Management School, Professional Liverpool, and West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
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THE BUSINESS SCHOOL
ABOUT US: LIVERPOOL HOPE BUSINESS SCHOOL have run successful businesses. This means the School is highly qualified at an academic, professional and experiential level, to engage in research that connects with the business sector. With strong links to a range of leading local and national companies, professional bodies and organisations, and a range of innovative ethical and social enterprises, the School has a reputation for developing students with sound theoretical principles and a thorough understanding of contemporary business practices. The Business School curriculum is cuttingedge with all teaching research-informed and delivered by staff with both professional and practical backgrounds. A high number of staff have PhDs, while three members of the School
The School is organised into three teaching and research clusters; Accounting and Finance, Business Management, and Marketing. Guest lecturers and practitioner input, allows students the opportunity to visit companies, study abroad and work via Young Enterprise to develop and run their own business.
WHO WE WORK WITH:
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CLUB
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CLUB
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To find out more please visit: www.hope.ac.uk/businessschool
Pulse is published by Liverpool Hope Business School, Hope Park, L16 9JD.
T: 0151 291 3087 E: businessschool@hope.ac.uk
The views expressed in the magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of Liverpool Hope University.
LiverpoolHopeUniversity @LiverpoolHopeUK