The new partnership aims to foster knowledge exchange between the academic and professional communities, and enhance the educational experience for students. It will leverage Whitecap’s active involvement in emerging technology sectors via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds, two regionally focused initiatives.
Students will be given the opportunity to gain events management experience via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds events, will participate in knowledge share and best practice sessions, and will be able to deliver relevant consulting project work as part of their courses.
The partnership will see the integration of real-world applications into the curriculum through live case studies. By doing so, the collaboration aims to prepare students for diverse careers in rapidly evolving markets. Students will benefit from hands-on experience with both the FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds initiatives, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge that will be crucial for their future careers.
Dr Peter Robinson, Head of Events Tourism and Hospitality, which includes the UK Centre for Events Management, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Whitecap, FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds to drive innovation in our curriculum. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to offering students unparalleled opportunities with leading corporate events in Yorkshire.”
In the long term, the collaboration seeks to develop joint research projects and internships, providing students with invaluable in-person experience. This initiative underscores the School of Events, Tourism, and Hospitality Management’s dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring students are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting, also highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration:
“Partnering with the UK Centre for Events Management allows us to access fresh perspectives and emerging talent, and combines our core competence as a strategy consultancy with our passion and enthusiasm for building regional event-based ecosystems. We see this partnership as a source of long-term benefit for all parties and the wider region.”
FinTech North was created by Whitecap Consulting and White Label Crowdfunding in 2016, and acts as a regional hub for the financial technology community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Since its launch, FinTech North has hosted approximately 130 events, including a prominent series of annual conferences across the north, drawing industry leaders and facilitating discussions on the future of financial technology.
Joe Roche, General Manager at FinTech North, said:
“FinTech has grown to be a significant part of the UK and regional tech economy, and over recent years FinTech North has developed into a highly active organisation, running an extensive programme of events and also developing international and skills related activities. Part of our mission is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of FinTech related career opportunities to young people, and we very much welcome the engagement and support of the UK Centre for Events Management students in our work.”
Launched in 2022 to advance the recommendations of the Leeds City Region LegalTech and Innovation Report, LegalTech in Leeds focuses on the intersection of law and technology. This initiative brings together legal professionals and tech innovators to explore how technology can transform the legal sector. LegalTech in Leeds has organised approximately 50 events, including its flagship LegalTech in Leeds Conference, attracting professionals from across the UK to discuss the latest developments in legal technology.
Chloe Thompson, Consultant at Whitecap, oversees the LegalTech in Leeds programme and said:
“LegalTech is an exciting and fast evolving field to work in. Since we first started running events in 2022 we have always benefited from the active engagement of students from across the region, both as attendees and also in helping run our events. For our annual conference earlier this year we worked with three students from the UK Centre for Events Management, who supported us with pre-event planning, exploration of ideas, and being part of the events management team on the day itself. They were a huge help and I’m delighted we are able to partner with Leeds Beckett University for future events and initiatives.”
For more information about the School of Events, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, visit Leeds Beckett University.