University of York partners with local businesses to shape the future of entrepreneurship education

News

Posted on Wednesday 10 September 2025

Enterprise Works has worked with the School for Business and Society to secure collaborations with leading local businesses as part of its MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. These partnerships will give students the opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs and organisations that are driving innovation and creating positive change across the region.

The businesses involved include:

Brew York – independent craft brewery
Intandem Communications – strategic communications specialists
Portakabin UK – market leader in modular building solutions
Cooper King Distillery – sustainable, small-batch distillery
Make It Wild – rewilding and nature-based business
Seagrown – offshore seaweed farming pioneers
Door 84 – community youth and development organisation
The Heroes Journey – food product manufacturer and consultancy.

Through masterclasses, experiential projects, and real-world case studies, students will benefit from first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities of starting, scaling, and sustaining innovative ventures. The collaborations also ensure that teaching remains grounded in practice, with a strong focus on responsible management, sustainable growth, and impact for business, society, and the environment.

Programme Leader, Dr. Alex Alterskye said: “Working with these fantastic businesses is at the heart of our approach. We want our students to learn not just in the classroom but in collaboration with those who are already building, innovating, and making a difference in Yorkshire and beyond. These partnerships will inspire our students while also contributing fresh ideas and research to the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Brew York co-founder, Lee Grabham, said: “We’re proud to support the next generation of entrepreneurs at the University of York. Sharing our story and lessons learned will hopefully inspire students to embrace creativity, resilience, and innovation in their own ventures.”

Intandem Communications founder, Rachel Goddard, said: “Working with the University offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fresh talent and new perspectives. We’re excited to see how students will engage with real-world business challenges and bring innovative solutions to the table.”

By connecting students with established and emerging leaders across diverse industries, the University of York aims to strengthen ties between higher education and enterprise, equipping graduates with the skills and confidence to create value wherever their careers take them.

Find out more about the MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management here.