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Coventry University’s emergence as a leading entrepreneurial university received a welcome boost last week as it received praise for the work it does to encourage and support new business ventures.

At the Times Higher Awards in London, Coventry was one of six universities shortlisted for Entrepreneurial University of the Year and was judged “Highly Commended” coming a very close second to Nottingham University.

This was the first time that the category of Entrepreneurial University of Year had featured in the Times Higher Awards in London with 34 universities entering for the competition. It demonstrates growing levels of entrepreneurialism throughout the higher education sector and the increased seriousness with which graduate entrepreneurship is being taken.

Professor Madeleine Atkins, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “Enterprise is core to everything we do – regionally, nationally and internationally – so it is immensely satisfying to gain recognition for our commitment to entrepreneurial activity by being ‘Highly Commended’ in the Times Higher ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ category.

“We have developed new programmes and introduced new staff posts to ensure that enterprise runs through every strand of our activity for all staff and students – and our recently launched Institute for Applied Entrepreneurship brings together our business support initiatives for students, alumni and the community for the first time.”

Ian Robertson, chief executive of the NCGE, sponsors of the award category, said:

“Coventry University impressed us tremendously. Under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Madeleine Atkins, enterprise has been placed at the strategic heart of the institution. Everyone who works there has a part to play in Coventry’s transformation and it is clearly investing in staff development as well as taking a completely fresh look at how to support the enterprise needs of the world beyond the University.

“Coventry has a long history of working with local and regional stakeholders – government, the business community and local entrepreneurs – and the University is now developing an increasingly international perspective.”

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For further information, contact Alison Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer on 024 7688 8245.