Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme wins 'Accelerator of the Year award'

Innovation hub Nexus, and the University of Leeds, have been recognised for their 'West Yorkshire Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme' at the Yorkshire Financial Awards.

Lucy Savage (author) reveals that the triumph winner of the ‘West Yorkshire Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme’ goes to The University of Leeds and Nexus hub, crowning their programme the ‘Accelerator of the Year’. The programme is directed by the Business School's Rebecca Padgett, Abi Hunt and Tone Thomas. It is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and aims to transform opportunities for founders and early-stage businesses across Yorkshire. The initiative also includes working in coalition with 12 regional partners.

The initiative involved nine months of intensive business training, paired with one-to-one coaching and support to mentor and nurture individuals at the early stages of their business. Since its launch, 97 founders across West Yorkshire have joined the programme, exceeding its diversity engagement target by recruiting “59% female founders, 62% from ethnic minorities, and 13% founders with disabilities.”

With thanks to the 12 leading regional partners, including the University of Leeds (Leeds Business School and Nexus), University of Bradford, Leeds Beckett University, University of Huddersfield, Impact Hub Yorkshire, NorthInvest, RTC North, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Arup, KPMG, HSBC and Munroe K- the programme has set new benchmarks for inclusion and regional success, earning it the title of the ‘Accelerator of the Year’.

For more information, read the full article here: 'West Yorkshire Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme' crowned ‘Accelerator of the Year’