Top 10 for the 16th consecutive year

Northumbria University has been ranked top in the North East for graduate business start-ups based on estimated turnover, according to the latest Higher Education Business and Communities Interaction (HEBCIS) survey.

And by placing fourth in the UK for the academic year 2023/24, Northumbria has now been in the top 10 nationally for graduate enterprises in each of the past 16 years under this metric. The University was also the highest placed in the region and seventh in the UK measured by the estimated current employment rate of active graduate firms. Northumbria was also ranked 18th in the UK for external investment raised, and 22nd nationally for active firms surviving three years or more.  

Estimated turnover for Northumbria graduate start-ups for the period was just over £160 million, with these businesses providing employment for 1,560 people. The figures reflect both the enterprise and innovation of Northumbria graduates, and the quality of entrepreneurial teaching and learning at the University.  

They are also a measure of the support and guidance available for business-minded graduates and students. Services such as Student and Graduate Enterprise offer help including entrepreneurial skills training, incubation/co-working  space, workshops, mentoring, and specialist advice in areas such as IP/Legal, marketing, Sales, Business Growth and Finance.

Commenting on the results, Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Northumbria, said: "Maintaining a top 10 ranking for start-ups over multiple years represents an exceptional achievement, particularly amid economic challenges and increasing competition. This success reflects the remarkable creativity, energy, and determination of our students and demonstrates Northumbria's vital role in driving an inclusive regional economy. In addition to launching innovative enterprises and creating employment through our entrepreneurial graduates, Northumbria also places more graduates in highly skilled North East positions than any other university."

Graham Baty, Head of Enterprise Development, Graduate Futures, at Northumbria added: “This is the 16th consecutive year that Northumbria has been placed amongst the top 10 universities based upon the Estimated Turnover metric, with five of those years holding the top spot. Our high national ranking for firms trading beyond three years also points to the calibre of our graduates and the quality of the businesses they create.”