Partnership set to open doors in China

Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School has joined an elite group of UK universities backing a challenge-based initiative to build greater entrepreneurial relationships between China and the UK.

The China-UK Entrepreneurship Challenge is an international initiative which brings together established businesses and new student-led start-ups that are looking to develop commercial relationships and exploit market opportunities offered by collaborations between the two countries. Venture capitalists are also behind the Challenge and ready to offer expert advice and financial support to start-up companies.

Now in its eighth year, the highly successful campaign is widely supported by universities, governments and businesses in both China and the UK.

This years’ Challenge will be officially launched at the China Britain Business Council Headquarter in London on 17^th March, and will include entrepreneurial-style competitions with cash prizes worth £7,000 and an investment opportunity of £500,000 for the best business plan, and free office spaces in central London.

As the number one university in the UK for graduate start-ups based on turnover, according to a report by the Higher Education and Community Interaction Survey in 2014, Northumbria is well positioned to support the Challenge. With a double accreditation in Business and Accountancy by the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB) Newcastle Business School has a strong international presence.

Executive Dean of Newcastle Business School, Kevin Kerrigan, said: “As a newly AACSB International accredited Business School that works extensively in Hong Kong and mainland China, we are delighted to partner in the China – UK Entrepreneurship Challenge. Our interest and involvement in entrepreneurship teaching and research is long-standing and integrated into all of our activities. The Competition offers an opportunity to join these two aspects of our strategy together in a really creative manner.”

Professor Yu Xiong, who was recently appointed at Newcastle Business School, was the founder of this China-UK Entrepreneurship Challenge eight years ago. He said: “The competition has struck a chord with a number of universities and is now gaining significant influence with organisations such as government, parliament, science parks and Local Enterprise Partnerships. At the Business school we will try to use the initiative to bring closer relationship between the North East of England and China – opening up greater opportunities for students and staff alike”.  

Professor Yu Xiong is a core member of the China UK Innovation Expert Group run by the UK department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

To find out more please visit www.chinaukchallenge.com.