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Two new businesses announce their support to create eleven scholarships at Northumbria University

Northumbria students are set to receive a boost from two new corporate supporters – Robson Laidler Accountants and Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB).

Both companies are leaders in their sectors, financial services, and the built environment. Each boasting national and international profiles and customers. The new scholarships will enable undergraduate and postgraduate students from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in higher education to study and succeed at Northumbria University.

As part of the Higher Education Without Barriers programme, Northumbria is working in partnership with Newcastle and Durham based Robson Laidler Accountants, founded over 100 years ago, to support ten multi-discipline undergraduate scholarships for underrepresented students. Their support will bring diverse talent into their sector, enable students to pursue their career goals and forms part of their investment in future generations.

Amy Park, Director at Robson Laidler shared:

“Robson Laidler Accountants is truly proud to support the Northumbria University scholarship programme and delighted to contribute to the nurturing of fresh talent. Our mission to 'make a positive difference to people's lives' aligns seamlessly with this initiative as well as our commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities. We recognize and value the innovative ideas, enthusiasm, and diversity the students will bring to our industry, and we are excited to see the outcomes for us all.” 

As part of its continuing investment in the North East, local construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has partnered with Northumbria University to provide a new scholarship to support those with an interest in the Built Environment.   

The RLB team is proud to be supporting a female student who started studying for her degree in Quantity Surveying this academic year.

Lucy Fisher, Senior Associate and North East lead for RLB, said: 

“We send huge congratulations to the first recipient of the scholarship and wish her well as she embarks on her degree. Exciting times ahead, we are sure.

As an alumna of Northumbria University, and having grown up in the region, I am passionate about providing the right skills, development opportunities and encouraging much needed diverse talent into the built environment sector so we can support our fantastic region.  

Within our own team we have a number of colleagues who attended universities in the North East including 14 who are Northumbria University alumni.  The initiatives we take part in are a fantastic way for us to give back personally for the support we received, while contributing to the continuing growth of the region.”

The scholarships continue the progress of Northumbria’s successful Higher Education Without Barriers programme. With support from alumni, businesses, and charitable partners, it provides a range of financial initiatives, mental health & well-being services, and community-based projects, to make participation and progression in higher education more achievable for motivated students, regardless of their circumstances.

Thanks to generous donations of money and time, the Fund has raised over £3.1 million, created 160 new scholarships, and supported more than 2,000 students since it launched in January 2022.

Contact james.wilkinson@northumbria.ac.uk

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