Loughborough University London hosted the Consultancy Challenge: Breakthrough to International Markets event in May

40 postgraduate students from the Loughborough University and Loughborough University London campuses were selected to take part in the consultancy challenge, helping 6 organisations breakthrough into new markets. 

Students were guided through the challenge by our careers and enterprise advisers and with the support from our partners, our students worked in teams on 6 local businesses export challenges.

It was an opportunity for our students to put into practice some of their business-related knowledge and skills on a live export business problem. Our students provided tailored advice and insights on one of the three areas:

1. Potential Markets and Buyers;
2. Language and Culture
3. Products and Marketing

Hayley Jones, Student Enterprise Adviser, said:

The challenge is designed to foster our postgraduates’ skills, teaching them how to apply their learnings from their studies onto practical real-world needs. Students were given the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills, build their networks, apply business theory in practice and learn how to pitch and present effectively.

Recognising that a key skill of the modern world is being able to communicate across different geographical locations we created teams with a mixture of Loughborough and London based students - the aim being that the students learn to adapt to different working environments.

The students worked exceptionally well in their teams and produced some impressive work.

Each student consultancy team presented their research and recommendations to their organisation and to a live audience at the event in May.

At the event, we were delighted to have heard from our partners on:

• How Santander’s Trade Portal can help you grow your business abroad.
• How to access expert advice and guidance from Department of International Trade.
• How to discover the best talent through working with Loughborough University.
• Connect your business to talent and support to help you grow your business

Sophie Kanabar, Employer Engagement Associate at Loughborough University’s Careers Network said:

Here at Loughborough University we are keen to understand the needs of industry better and this event successfully bridged the gap between employment and education. The employers, many of whom were small to medium sized organisations, commented on how impressive the student research and delivery skills were and how well they understood the industry needs.

One employer commented:

It was a terrific event connecting business with great young talent, well organised and the sessions very informative.

If you are an organisation that would like to get involved or find out more, please contact: Employer.services@lboro.ac.uk

If you are a student who would like to find out more or join the next challenge, please contact: LEN@lboro.ac.uk

You can also see pictures from the event over on the Loughborough Enterprise Network's Facebook page.