Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith, and Director of Santander UK, Matt Hutnell.

Exeter host Director of Santander UK on campus to celebrate ongoing relationship

The University recently hosted Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander UK, to formally welcome to him to the University of Exeter and to celebrate the ongoing relationship between the two organisations.

The event, which was held at Reed Hall, was an opportunity to thank Santander UK for their ongoing support following the signing of a further funding agreement, and showcase the impact the funding has had at Exeter. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith, warmly welcomed Matt to Exeter and thanked him for Santander’s generous and longstanding support to Exeter, where philanthropic gifts have in the past exceeded £1million.

Sir Steve commented on Santander’s relationship with the University saying: “Support from Santander Universities UK has been absolutely fundamental to the continued success of the University of Exeter. Since our relationship with Santander began in 2009, more than £1 million has been given to support entrepreneurship, internationalisation and mobility for Exeter students.”

He also commented on the new funding agreement which was signed on the day saying: “I’m delighted to say that today we signed our fourth funding agreement with Santander. This new agreement will allow us to continue providing our students with an exceptional learning experience over the next three years.”

Santander UK’s support has helped to fund several student focused initiatives over the years. The ‘Think, Try Do’ Programme is just one project that has been supported by Santander UK. It helps to support student entrepreneurs, helping them to develop hugely important employability skills through the context of planning and developing start-up business ideas.

The support received from Santander is helping to ensure that students are able to fulfil their potential during their time at Exeter and in their future careers. The University looks forward to continuing this great partnership and working together for the benefit of Exeter students for years to come.

Photos of the event can be viewed online.

Date: 7 April 2017