London South Bank University (LSBU) was established to confront challenges in London’s most deprived communities. We have demonstrated a rich legacy of providing opportunities through practical, technical education.
With a significantly higher number of widening participation students compared to the sector average, our approach to entrepreneurship is distinct, immersive, and deeply ingrained in our culture, activities, and strategic direction.
A Holistic Approach to Entrepreneurship
Our entrepreneurial strategy, led by the Enterprising Futures team within Research & Innovation Services, is scaled through comprehensive integration throughout the University’s academic schools and professional services, including dedicated enterprise remits across seniority and within schools.
We embrace entrepreneurial skills as vital not just for launching ventures but also for the future of work itself, therefore our approach is anchored within three key organising principles:
- Empowerment: Building Entrepreneurial Foundations for Life
Our curriculum integrates discipline-specific entrepreneurial skills development, upskilling 3,000+ students for graduate-level careers. This includes experiential activities such as hackathons, competitions, and masterclasses. Alongside the curriculum, our Enterprising Minds series shares cutting-edge insights with our entrepreneurial audience, including the local community.
- Experimentation: Nurturing Problem-Solvers
The South Bank Starters initiatives deliver training, opportunities, seed funding, and resources enabling 1,000+ students to validate their solutions, resulting in the creation of 40+ startups and social enterprises. Ideation is celebrated through the annual South Bank Ignite competition leading to more funding, space, and support for participants.
- Elevation: Scaling Success
The Clarence Centre for Enterprise and Innovation, the hub of entrepreneurship on our campus, is home to South Bank Works, our co-working incubator space. This centre plays a pivotal role in delivering specialist business growth support. It leverages our extensive networks, resources, and profile to assist over 30 startups in scaling their turnover and securing investments.
The centre also fosters a vibrant community by hosting regular events, coaching clubs, masterclasses, and games nights. The Centre also houses over 40 local SME tenants, who provide entrepreneurial internships, mentoring opportunities, and curricular projects.
Fostering Enterprising Academics
The Enterprising Academic Forum is instrumental in shaping high-impact pedagogies for entrepreneurial education. LSBU’s Entrepreneurial Midwives pedagogy is recognised as a sector leader by Enterprise Educators UK (EEUK). The forum also actively supports five Enterprise Educator fellowships annually, ensuring that entrepreneurial pedagogy continues to evolve and strengthen. It’s worth noting that the university is frequently invited to deliver best-practice masterclasses to sector leaders in the field of enterprise education.
Scaled Student-led Initiatives the provide High-Impact Community Support
Our student-led initiatives provide vital support to the local business and public community. The South Bank Collective, Business Solutions Centre, Energy Advice Centre and Legal Advice Clinic, collectively, have supported 5,000+ regional SMEs and individuals. Our latest addition, Solutionise, acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for startups, offering guidance on business plans, website design, and legal advice. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to empower students and serve the community, showcasing the value of entrepreneurship beyond the classroom.
Investment in Mentors and Entrepreneurs
Mentorship is a cornerstone of our entrepreneurial success. LSBU ensures that its students have access to world-class guidance. We commission six Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiR), all of whom are seasoned founders and growth specialists. They collectively deliver over 300 hours of advisory support to more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and senior leadership. This mentorship provides invaluable insights and practical advice to students and staff as they navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship.
We’re also committed to investing in software that empowers entrepreneurs. For instance, SimVenture Validate is a vital tool used within our Engineering and Product Design curriculum to help students commercialise their inventions.
The university also awards over £50,000 in seed funding through initiatives such as LSBU’s Engineering Dragons Den. This has led to our finalist’s gaining recognition in competitions such as the London Mayor’s Entrepreneur Programme. Notably, LSBU alumnus Aaron Branch’s appearance on the BBC’s Dragons Den led to crowdfunding exceeding £1.1 million, showcasing the tangible impact of our dedication to entrepreneurship.
Making a Global Impact
Our entrepreneurial impact is sourced locally and transcended to international audiences. We collaborate with over 50 institutions worldwide, helping them shape their entrepreneurial ambitions. Our Innovating African Universities partnership with Mangosuthu University of Technology received high praise from the British Council, highlighting how higher education can foster innovation to alleviate deprivation in developing countries. International delegations from Bahrain, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa have sought LSBU’s expertise to inform their entrepreneurial activities. Our staff have also presented at international conferences, including the Global Consortium.
Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving at LSBU and winning the Entrepreneurial University of the Year will be recognition
London South Bank University at Entrepreneurial Universities Conference 2024
London South Bank University will be speaking at the Entrepreneurial Universities Conference 2024 on 14th November 2024.