Leeds Beckett Graduate Shortlisted for Educate North Award Following Enterprise Success

Charlie graduated in 2025 with a first-class honours degree in Business Management with Enterprise. During his time at Leeds Beckett, he was actively involved in enterprise and entrepreneurship initiatives delivered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, where he quickly stood out for both the strength of his ideas and his determination to turn them into real ventures.

While studying, Charlie took part in both the Social Enterprise Awards and the EUREKA competition, two flagship enterprise initiatives organised by the Centre. He won first prize in both competitions with his business concept Padel Fit. The idea focused on tackling social inequalities by creating an accessible, community-focused padel and wellness facility in Oldham.

The concept combined affordable memberships, inclusive programmes for different age groups and health workshops aimed at improving physical activity and wellbeing in underserved communities. His proposal also demonstrated strong commercial thinking, with a clear business model based on court bookings, memberships, wellness services and community partnerships.

Charlie’s success and entrepreneurial progress have now been recognised through his shortlisting for the prestigious Educate North Awards, which celebrate excellence and impact across higher education, further education and sixth form sectors in the North of England.

Through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Business School supports students in developing entrepreneurial thinking, testing new venture ideas and connecting with mentors, investors and regional business networks. Charlie’s achievements demonstrate how these initiatives enable students to translate their ideas into real-world ventures with social and economic impact.

Since graduating, Charlie has continued to develop his entrepreneurial journey and has pivoted to launch a new venture called Real Reformer Studio, a fitness-focused business which he is currently building.

Charlie is a strong example of the type of entrepreneurial graduate Leeds Beckett aims to develop through initiatives such as EUREKA and the wider programmes delivered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, individuals who not only generate innovative ideas during their studies but continue to pursue them beyond graduation to create meaningful impact in their communities.

Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School, said: "Charlie is a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial mindset we champion at Leeds Beckett. His journey is an inspiration to other students looking to turn their ideas into real ventures. Being shortlisted for an Educate North Award is a well-deserved recognition, and it also reflects an important part of what CEKE is about - empowering our students to transform ambition into impact.” 

Charlie added: “I’m really proud to have been shortlisted for the ENAs because I know how much work went into my time at university, and because where I’m from this journey isn’t the “normal” one for someone like me. Coming from a background where most people go straight into work or trades, being recognised at this level for my achievements at university and beyond feels both surreal and significant.”