Top ranking for entrepreneurial university
The latest Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show graduate start-ups are continuing to increase and that Liverpool John Moores University is one of the top performing innovative and entrepreneurial institutions.
LJMU is ranked in the top 20 UK universities for graduate business start-ups and in the top 10 for the number of businesses created and number of active firms. The survey included over 160 higher education institutions.
This data reveals that Alliance universities grow at over twice the rate of rest of higher education sector. The University Alliance of which LJMU is a member, brings together global universities with excellence in science, technology, design and the professions. Alliance universities are leaders in industry links, work-ready graduates and creating a research-rich, entrepreneurial environment.
Turning business plans into achievements
The LJMU results reflect the work of the Centre for Entrepreneurship with Faculties. The Centre supports students and graduates who want to set up their own businesses, work as freelancers or become self-employed.
The University first launched its Student Enterprise programme in 2003 and this was so successful that a dedicated Centre was established soon after. LJMU's large start-up network connects students to mentors, collaborators and potential customers. The Centre also runs a competitive scheme for students to access a start-up grant and provides expert training and advice on how to research the marketplace, write a business plan, and get ideas off the ground.
Emma Robinson, Head of the LJMU Centre for Entrepreneurship commented:
“I am delighted with these results. It shows that the Centre for Entrepreneurship is operating at national level. LJMU is a great place to study and Liverpool is a fantastic place to start a business. Any students who have a business idea, no matter what discipline they are studying, can find a whole range of services and personalised support to help turn an idea into reality.”
In response to the results of the Survey, Maddalaine Ansell, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said:
“More than 1,200 businesses were launched by Alliance graduates over the year, growing at more than twice the rate of the rest of the sector. This success comes because Alliance universities are entrepreneurial in everything they do. Our universities are serious about providing an environment that helps graduates and researchers turn their business ideas into reality. These results are yet another example of the value universities bring to the economy and society.”
The HE Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey shows the results of new and on-going spin-off companies associated with UK Higher Education Providers.