Head of Santander UK gives lecture at the University of Exeter

The head of Santander UK gave a lecture to guests including students and staff entitled: ‘The Future of the UK Economy and the Role of Entrepreneurs’. During her lecture Ms Botin spoke about the importance of education, SMEs and banks in creating sustainable economic growth. It was followed by a Q & A session with the CEO and she also made a visit to the University of Exeter Santander branch.

The University of Exeter has strong links with the bank after the signing of a collaboration agreement in 2009. Ms. Botin was introduced by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, Professor Sir Steve Smith.

Santander, through its Santander Universities Global Division, has been funding scholarships, travel grants, awards and entrepreneurial activities at the University of Exeter for the past four years. The University is also receiving funding for part-funded internship opportunities with local SMEs through their agreement with Santander.

In total, 69 UK universities have now signed agreements with Santander. The Bank has committed £7 million in 2013 to fund UK universities.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter said:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome someone of Ana Botin’s calibre to Exeter for this special lecture. Her visit reflects the successful partnership between the University and Santander Universities, which has seen Santander give generous support to life-changing initiatives. We both recognise that investing in our talented students and graduates now, reaps rewards for wider society in the future.”

Graduate Molly Eade worked with renewable energy company Mosscliff Environmental Ltd through the Santander Universities internship programme

She said after her internship: “This Graduate internship with Mosscliff Environmental has been a perfect fit for me, letting me build on the skills I developed over the course of my undergraduate and postgraduate studies by applying them in a practical rather than strictly academic environment.

“Looking to the future, I am confident the internship will improve my career prospects.”

As well as gaining valuable experience, Molly was subsequently offered a role within the company.

“We now employ three former University of Exeter graduates at our Exeter office. We recruited Molly through Exeter’s Graduate Business Partnership scheme, with the help of the match funding by the Santander Internship Programme,” said Iain Beveridge, Regional Manager of Mosscliff Environmental Ltd. “It was a valuable tool enabling us to offer work experience on a subsidised basis. Molly joined our company full-time following her internship and has become a valued member of our community energy team.”