University of Northampton strengthens ties with Santander

The agreement was signed on Tuesday 22 November by Luis Juste, Director Santander Universities UK and Northampton’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nick Petford, at an on-campus ceremony attended by members of the University and the bank.

In addition to funding provided by the Bank for scholarships and mobility awards for students and staff, the University has given special importance to entrepreneurs in this agreement with five awards per year for Excellence in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, as well as support for a Business incubator space to provide a placement for the most promising entrepreneurial team or student. Other activities include round tables that will facilitate interaction between the most promising entrepreneurs and experts from the business community.

Finally, Santander will also be supporting Northampton’s Formula Student Racing Car and its associated engineering projects.

Prof. Nick Petford said:

Our relationship with Santander Universities has already paid huge dividends, not least in the bank’s support for scholarships and mobility awards which have proved hugely beneficial. Earlier this year one of our leading researchers in biodiversity, Dr Jeff Ollerton, teamed up with academics in Mexico in a project part-funded by Santander Universities. Their high profile work into the effect of natural selection on the flowering times of plants uncovered important findings about the potential impact of global warming on plants.

Luis Juste said:

At Santander we have a long-term commitment to universities and their communities, rooted in our belief that investing in education is the most powerful means of contributing to the future of the countries in which our Group is established. I am sure the renewal of this agreement we are signing today will have a very positive effect in the lives of many students at the University of Northampton.

Santander, through its Santander Universities Global Division, began its alliance with universities in 1996; since then the bank has signed 975 agreements with academic institutions from America, Asia and Europe. Santander Universities began its activity in the UK in 2007 and today the bank collaborates with 52 British universities.

On the same day Santander opened a new university branch on campus. Branch Manager, Kirsten Allen cut the ribbon with the Vice-Chancellor and other members of the university community. The branch will provide tailor-made products and services for students and staff.