Award nomination success for enterprise education at LSBU
LSBU becomes the first university shortlisted for three awards in the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs Celebrate Enterprise AwardsEnterprise learning at London South Bank University (LSBU) has been recognised by three nominations at the annual Celebrate Enterprise Awards. The event organised by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) and the Sector Skills Body for Enterprise and Enterprise Support (SFEDI Group) has shortlisted LSBU for excellence in:
- Enterprise Educator of the Year Award: Anna Howard, Associate Professor in Enterprise Education in the School of Business
- Enterprising Learner of the Year: Martina Eco, School of Business postgraduate and current MSc Marketing student
- Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year
The awards celebrate the very best in enterprise learning and skill development across the UK. LSBU offers a wide range of enterprise support throughout the year to students and graduates via in-curriculum and extracurricular activities. Events, workshops and competitions are delivered by the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute in partnership with LSBU’s seven Schools.
As an LSBU Enterprise Champion, Anna Howard has played a leading role in embedding enterprise into the curriculum. Upon hearing the news of her nomination, she said: “I’m really pleased to have been shortlisted and am grateful to all my School of Business colleagues who help me run the projects that I’m involved in and the overwhelming support I receive from the Student Enterprise team.”
Professor Mike Molan, former Dean of the School of Business and Pro Vice Chancellor for Enhancement, reflected on the progress that has been made since last year’s recognition of the School of Business as a Centre of Excellence by the IOEE:
“Our three nominations reflect the great progress we have made as a Business School, and as a University, over the last 18 months in putting enterprise and innovation at the heart of the student experience, and in strengthening our links with local SMEs through initiatives such as our Business Solutions Centre. We greatly value our relationship with the IOEE, which has helped us continuously refine and improve our enterprise education initiatives and it is great to see that these developments have been recognised.”
Martina Eco is one of over 5,000 students and graduates who participated in student enterprise activities last year. Already shortlisted in the Institute of Directors Student of the Year Awards 2016, she works as a Student Adviser in LSBU’s Business Solutions Centre, whilst also growing her own business 3P Translation.
Martina said: “Being shortlisted is such a great honour. I hope it will inspire more students to take advantage of the great support LSBU and the Student Enterprise team offer. Attending the award ceremony will help to raise my profile, get my name out there and network and build new relationships, which is a big plus!”
Gurpreet Jagpal, LSBU’s former Director of Research, Enterprise and Innovation, added:
“This is great news for all those involved with enterprise education at LSBU. As a leading provider of enterprise learning we’re very proud of our achievements in driving students like Martina, to try out their ideas and push boundaries. Academic staff, like Anna, are vital in helping us to reach out to more students through a range of interactive workshops and initiatives that we run in partnership with all LSBU’s seven Schools across the University.”
The award winners will be announced at the Celebrate Enterprise event on 10 November 2016 at the House of Lords.
A full list of finalists is available on the awards website.