LBU is also ranked highly for its research partnerships and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Graduate start-ups. Professor Silke Machold, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: "We are immensely proud of this important recognition. To be placed so highly in the national KEF really reflects and celebrates our commitment at LBU to deliver positive change and impact through research and knowledge exchange as an anchor institution in our region. We are dedicated to turning academic insight into practical innovation, sharing our knowledge and cutting-edge research to help businesses and communities grow and thrive. As always, we are open to developing new and exciting partnerships and collaborations with businesses and public and third sectors. LBU's approach to research and knowledge exchange is focused on co-producing research with communities, businesses and policymakers to make sure it works in the real world, and addresses three core global challenges where this approach can effect meaningful change: Greener Sustainable Communities, Sport and Healthy Communities, and Inclusive, Prosperous Communities. Putting people and purpose at the forefront: Working with business LBU is dedicated to supporting its community of businesses, working in genuine partnership to achieve growth, maximise productivity, and create long-term sustainability. The Knowledge Exchange city-centre hub hosts regular networking events and masterclasses; whilst businesses have access to expert support from Leeds Business School through initiatives including Help to Grow: Management, #WECAN (Women Empowered through Coaching and Networking), and the new Peer Productivity Network. LBUs partnership with Exemplas has resulted in a productivity podcast series and set of insight papers for businesses and policymakers. LBUs partnership approach has seen many businesses connect with the university through programmes such as Help to Grow, and go on to develop Knowledge Exchange Partnerships (KTPs), student and graduate projects, and research consultancy work. Building on this success, in 2026, LBU launched Carnegie Innovation, a new sport health tech incubator, using cutting-edge research and facilities to help tackle health inequalities and drive business growth. LBU also leads the Innovation Pathways (In-Path) programme, in partnership with three other West Yorkshire Universities, to connect businesses across the region to expertise to accelerate business growth in health and digital technologies.
The 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, will see LBU business and data science experts work with Ardent to develop an intelligent business system to improve operational efficiency, support growth, and enable data-driven decision-making. Ardent Limited is a specialist supplier of fire protection and electronic safety systems. The company designs, manufactures, supplies, installs and services its products in the UK and internationally. Dr Alfred Chinta, Head of Degree Apprenticeships in Leeds Business School and project leader, explained: "Through the new KTP, we will support Ardent's growth ambitions by developing and embedding an intelligent system to improve business operations, and enable data-driven decisions, greater efficiency and more sustainable performance. The system will optimise how Ardent delivers its services and manages its existing portfolio, while lowering operational emissions. "This capability is expected to increase productivity and net profit margins, and to support international expansion by leveraging data and existing resources." This is the second KTP between LBU and Ardent - the first project was completed in 2025 and embedded a new international marketing strategy and corporate culture into Ardent. The project was awarded the highest possible grading of Outstanding from Innovate UK, and KTP Associate, Stephanie Leung, has now been made a permanent member of the Ardent team, continuing to embed and progress the KTP legacy. Matt Lewindon, Managing Director of Ardent Limited, said: "Following the success of our first KTP, we're delighted to be continuing our partnership with Leeds Beckett University. This project supports an important part of Ardent's growth strategy, helping us explore new ways to improve efficiency and build greater scalability into our operations. "Knowledge Transfer Partnerships provide a unique opportunity to combine academic expertise with real-world business challenges. We're excited to work with the Leeds Beckett team to embed new knowledge and capabilities within Ardent, strengthening our business for the future and supporting continued innovation across the manufacturing sector." An experienced graduate will be recruited to manage the project as a KTP Associate. The role, Business Systems Lead, will be a full-time member of the Ardent team, with full support of the LBU academics. For more information and to apply for the role, please visit the LBU Jobswebsite. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 23 September 2026. The full LBU KTP team consists of: Dr Alfred Chinta, Course Director in Leeds Business School; Dr Adekunle Oke, Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Leeds Business School; Dr Farrukh Saleem, Senior Lecturer in AI and Data Science in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing.
Lilly Argent, Will Turner, Lauren Knowles and Abby Sullivan - competing under the agency name Above the Bar PR - claimed the top prize after pitching their campaign for a major UK pub brand as part of their BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations studies. The annual Grayling Prize, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, is a long-standing partnership between Leeds Beckett University and integrated communications agency Grayling. The competition gives final-year students the opportunity to work on a real client brief, developing and pitching integrated PR campaigns to communications professionals from Grayling's North team, based in Leeds and Manchester. As part of the module, students form their own agencies before responding to a live brief, with campaigns judged on creativity, strategic thinking and their ability to address contemporary communications challenges. This year's judging panel included Grayling's Kerryn Sorhaindo and Leeds Beckett graduate Olivia Withnell, who joined the agency after graduating in 2025. Alice Newsham, Head of North at Grayling, said: "The Grayling Prize is about more than developing great campaigns. It's about helping the next generation of communications professionals gain real world experience and build successful careers in the North. By nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for graduates to stay and thrive in the region, we're supporting both the future of our industry and the continued growth of the northern economy." Lilly Argent, speaking on behalf of the winning team, said: "We are thrilled to win this important prize at the end of our course at the Business School. This really helps all the students with their career plans with real life experiences." Professor George Lodorfos, Dean of Leeds Business School, said: "For the Business School, connecting and supporting the regional economy and international business community is vital. This year's 30th anniversary Grayling Prize has continued to highlight how valuable it is for our students to apply their learning in real workplace situations. Our long-term relationship with Grayling offers our students so much to be proud of with the benefits to graduates' employability. We're proud of the work delivered by all of the students that pitched to the Grayling North team and are excited to see where their career paths take them next." The Grayling Prize has been a key feature of the Leeds Beckett curriculum for three decades, reflecting Leeds Business School's commitment to industry-connected learning and giving students opportunities to apply their knowledge in professional environments before they graduate. The BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations course maintains close links with industry partners, ensuring students gain practical experience and develop the skills employers are looking for throughout their studies.
The recognition highlights the significant commercial impact, innovation, and long term growth and sustainability delivered through the universitys research expertise and close collaboration with its industry partners in the region and beyond. Jo Griffiths, Head of KTP at Leeds Beckett, explained: "The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships have brought exceptional expertise, innovative new ways of working, and lasting impact to Sniffers and Ardent. KTPs are a unique and powerful partnership which brings together academic experts, a company wanting to grow sustainably and innovate in their field, and a skilled KTP Associate recruited to carry out the project as a full-time member of the company. "At LBU we are in the top 10 universities in the country for the size of our KTP programme. Our team is dedicated to creating true partnerships with the businesses we work with, which extend beyond the life of the project and into further programmes of support and opportunities across the university and our talented students and academic experts. Both of the KTP Associates for Sniffers and Ardent are graduates of LBU." The highlights of the Sniffers project achievements include: Launching new natural pet treat brand NAW into mainstream retailers including Sainsbury's and Morrisons Creating a base of brand advocates for NAW leading to a returning customer rate of more than 60% Introducing a new trade website, achieving a 31% increase in orders
The two-year project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, and is led by Dr Catherine Ashworth, Senior Lecturer in Global and Strategic Marketing in Leeds Business School. Dr Ashworth explained:"Specialised Covers are an ambitious company with a strong reputation in the UK textiles industry, designing and manufacturing British-made protective covers for vehicles, caravans, defence, motorsport and garden equipment. "The KTP aims to accelerate the companys growth and resilience through introducing strategic marketing and AI-driven tools, expanding into new international markets, diversifying product offerings across market sectors, and creating a culture change across the organisation to encourage sharing of knowledge and expertise between colleagues."
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."
The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by Innovate UK. In the first six months of the KTP, the team has created: New branding and labelling throughout the business Brand new Instagram and TikTok accounts, and a refreshed Facebook account A suite of video reels to build strong social media engagement 'Too Good to Go': surprise bags that support Haighs' core sustainability principles and reduce food waste A new low-carb range - including bread, biscuits and desserts - have been developed, test marketed and are starting to be launched to new customers A unique Master Baker Experience, providing a new innovation service to 'test bake' new products for other companies To drive change within Haighs Bakery and manage the running of the KTP, LBU recruited Leeds Beckett BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing graduate, Katie Johnson, to the role of Strategic and Digital Marketing Lead. Dr Catherine Ashworth, Academic Lead on the KTP, said: "In only six months the KTP has already brought significant value and impact to Haighs. Katie is doing a fantastic job as KTP Associate - the new Too Good to Go surprise bags are consistently selling out, and the new low-carb thins bread sold out within a week and has already achieved five-star customer reviews."
The Leeds City Challenge, unveiled at a launch event on Friday 27 February 2026, will support students and recent graduates to develop business ideas that tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the city and surrounding region. Bringing together civic leaders, business figures, entrepreneurs, staff and students, the event marked the start of a programme focused on innovation, inclusive growth and tangible civic impact. A 10,000 boost for bold ideas At the heart of the challenge is a 10,000 prize funded by Leeds Beckett University, underlining the university's commitment to backing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Leeds City Challenge is open to all students from first-year undergraduates through to PhD candidates - as well as alumni up to 18 months after graduation. Participants will propose innovative business ideas responding directly to challenges within Leeds and the wider city region. The initiative is the first challenge of its kind to be launched by a UK university. The programme will include enterprise workshops, expert mentoring and a shortlisting process, culminating in a final pitch event where shortlisted teams will present their ideas to a high-profile judging panel. Civic leadership and collaboration The launch opened with remarks from Professor George Lodorfos, Dean of Leeds Business School, followed by Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Slee. A keynote address was delivered by Ed Whiting OBE, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, who highlighted both the opportunities and inequalities within the city and encouraged students to engage directly with the challenges Leeds faces over the coming decade. Professor Lebene Richmond Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School and Academic Director of the LBS Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, outlined how the challenge connects student creativity and ambition with the needs of the city's economy. More than 20 students have already signed up to take part. Ed Whiting OBE, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said: "Leeds is a city that is growing and changing, we're a big and diverse city, but we have poverty, inequality and gaps in life expectancy between different wards in our city. We have to close those gaps. I hope the students leading the Leeds City Challenge and getting involved will really get stuck into those challenges and help us make the most of the decade ahead." Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor, Leeds Beckett University, said: "It's a brilliant opportunity for students to be involved in real-life learning that makes a difference to communities, organisations and people. This is an anchor project because it's linking our organisation with others in common purpose. It's about helping Leeds to grow and thrive and for our students to make a difference while gaining skills and experience that will be unique." Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School said: "This is a unique platform for our students to think about Leeds and make an impact. We are a university for Leeds, and this challenge offers our students an opportunity to think about the problems that this city faces. Business ideas solve problems, and good businesses solve great problems - we want our students to think that way and be problem solvers for our city." Student Gemma Hunt, studying for an MA in Entrepreneurship and Business Development said: "My idea is about youth unemployment and in order to be able to do this challenge, the experience and support of the university and Leeds City Council will be really beneficial." Student Senyo Kofi Agbleze, studying for an MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics said: "You can identify a problem in the classroom and take it to the real world, to make an impact, to make lives better, to make the city better. I need to put my entrepreneur cap on and take action, this is an opportunity and a platform for me to push forward." Supporting Leeds Anchors and Leeds Ambitions The Leeds City Challenge reinforces Leeds Beckett's role within the Leeds Anchor Network. Anchor institutions - including councils, universities, colleges, hospitals and major employers - use their employment power, spending, assets and expertise to support local economic and social development. As a partner in the network, Leeds Beckett works collaboratively with other major institutions committed to strengthening Leeds' economic, cultural and social life. Professor Peter Slee currently chairs the Leeds Anchors Network, underlining the university's civic leadership role. The challenge also aligns with the city's long-term vision set out in Leeds Ambitions - a shared plan driven by organisations and communities across the city. Its four priorities are: Healthy - making Leeds a healthy and caring city for everyone Growing - reducing poverty and inequality through inclusive economic growth Thriving - building strong, welcoming and safe communities Resilient - becoming the UK's first net zero and nature positive city By encouraging students and graduates to design businesses that respond directly to these priorities, the challenge positions entrepreneurship as a practical tool for delivering meaningful change. A platform for impact More than a competition, the Leeds City Challenge has been designed as a platform for collaboration, creativity and civic engagement. By connecting students and recent graduates with mentors, civic leaders and industry partners, the university aims to strengthen the pipeline of innovative, locally rooted enterprises. Participants will benefit from structured support and the opportunity to refine their ideas in response to real feedback from business and civic stakeholders. The final pitching event will provide a public platform to showcase ventures with the potential to drive economic growth, social impact and long-term resilience in Leeds. The challenge also introduces students to the wider support available through the Leeds Business School Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, reinforcing Leeds Beckett's commitment to enterprise at every stage of the student journey. Business leaders, SMEs and external partners interested in mentoring, judging, sponsoring or collaborating are encouraged to get involved. Find out more about the Leeds City Challenge and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange.
The collaboration brings together LBU's expertise in computing, data systems and applied research with Zenergy Solar's experience in delivering bespoke renewable energy solutions for the commercial, public and third sectors. Together, they will develop a new digital platform to address the complexity that often prevents businesses from adopting solar energy at scale. The 28-month project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, and is led by Dr Akbar Sheikh-Akbari, Reader in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing. Dr Sheikh-Akbari said: "Zenergy Solar build and supply custom-built solar energy solutions, including solar panels and battery storage. They work mainly with commercial and public and third sector clients, including care homes, social housing associations and schools. The solar energy market can be complex, with a wide range of suppliers, technologies, and considerations around cost and long term maintenance. "Our KTP with Zenergy Solar aims to support their ambition to make solar energy solutions easier to implement and manage for organisations, such as social housing landlords and care home providers, who have multiple properties and a complex infrastructure of solar energy to manage." At the heart of the project is the development of ZenSmart, a new research-informed digital platform that will allow businesses and organisations to manage solar energy systems across multiple properties from one place. Using advanced computing and data modelling, ZenSmart will enable organisations to: Monitor energy generation in real-time, enabling quicker fault detection and resolution Manage multiple buildings and sites through a single, user-friendly dashboard Create bespoke solutions that optimise different solar panels, battery sizes and manufacturers in one platform Julian Wiley, Managing Director at Zenergy Solar, said: The solar energy sector faces significant challenges due to the diverse suppliers available, complicated monitoring systems and ineffective fault detection technologies. ZenSmart will be an innovative product, bringing LBU's advanced technical expertise and cutting-edge research to simplify the social energy market and encourage broader adoption and ongoing innovation. It will track and operate multiple potential solutions without the added headache of multiple portals and data repositories. "Using advanced AI, we will be able to enhance fault detection, reduce downtime and improve reliability, whilst performance modelling will support more complex product installations." An experienced graduate will be recruited to manage the project as a KTP Associate. The role, Smart Energy Systems Engineer, will be a full-time member of the Zenergy Solar team, with full support of the LBU academics. For more information and to apply for the role, please visit the Leeds Beckett University Jobs site. The closing date for applications is 26 February 2026. The full LBU KTP team consists of: Dr Akbar Sheikh-Akbari, Reader in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Professor Amar Aggoun, Head of Computer Science and Professor of Visual Computing Dr Pooneh Bagheri Zadeh, Course Director for MEng/BSc Computer Science in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing
The collaboration brings together academic expertise from across LBU in supply chain management, leadership and computing systems. Working closely with Dent Steel, the team will apply research-driven approaches to introduce data-led warehouse management, alongside organisational and cultural transformation to support future growth. The 30-month project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK. It is led by Richard Hitchcock, Lecturer within the Operations and Supply Chain Management subject group at Leeds Business School, who specialises in improving efficiency and resilience in complex industrial environments. Richard Hitchcock said: "The KTP is an exciting opportunity to overcome the traditional growth barriers in the steel industry, and to help secure the British steel industry's place in a global market. "As well as strengthening Dent Steel's supply chain position, the partnership will transform the working culture at Dent Steel - from succession planning strategies to creating new progression routes and embedding digital skills to attract and retain talent."
The Innovation Pathways (In-Path) programme - led by Leeds Beckett in partnership with the Universities of Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford - is backed by 1.7m in funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the West Yorkshire Investment Zone. At the heart of the programme are four new Relationship Managers, one based at each university, who will act as expert 'connectors' - helping businesses access the right research expertise, innovation programmes and funding opportunities to accelerate growth and impact. Bridging the gap between research and real-world health innovation The In-Path programme is designed to strength the link between cutting-edge university research and the needs of health and digital technology businesses working on the frontlines of innovation. Natalie Allen, Head of Business Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, said: "There is a plethora of support out there for businesses, but it can be very complex to navigate. Our Relationship Managers will really drill down with the businesses, getting a thorough understanding of exactly what they need for their innovation and growth journey. They will matchmake them to the most appropriate programmes available across the region, acting as 'super-connectors'."
Backed by a 1.1million investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, the new Incubator will be based within the Carnegie School of Sport at the university's Headingley Campus. It will see the transformation of the ground floor of the historic Fairfax Hall into a dynamic, research-informed hub for entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses. Harnessing research to tackle real-world health challenges The Incubator will provide access to world-leading academic expertise, collaborative innovation programmes and state-of-the-art sport science and health technology facilities. It will focus on developing technologies that promote physical activity, improve health and fitness and help prevent complex conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.