Matt Hancock unveiling the new plaque

Santander opens Exeter’s new entrepreneurial space

Senior executives from Santander UK visited the University of Exeter last month to officially open a new incubator space within the Innovation Centre.

‘The Deck’ will add to the support already offered by Exeter’s Think, Try, Do programme  and help to drive entrepreneurship amongst students and graduates by providing access to facilities, advice and expertise.

Santander UK has provided considerable philanthropic support to the Think, Try, Do programme and other entrepreneurial activities over the past few years and staff were keen to see the impact that it has had on students. Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander UK, was joined by Remy Foucher, Relationship Manager, David Bird, Regional Director (Business), and Rebecca West, University Branch Manager, at the special event where they met with students and graduates who have benefited.

Matt said: “It was great to meet some of the young entrepreneurs who are in the process of starting, or in some cases have already founded, their own businesses. Santander UK is very proud of what is being achieved at Exeter thanks to our partnership, and we’re looking forward to meeting even more student entrepreneurs in future years!”

Guests were welcomed to the event by Sean Fielding, Director of Innovation, Impact and Business at the University of Exeter. He said: “We were delighted to welcome Santander staff back on to campus and to be able to update them on some of the latest developments. Their support has transformed what we have been able to do for students - encouraging and developing the next generation of business owners - and we are incredibly grateful for their generous and continued contribution.”

Also at the event, a celebratory plaque was unveiled to recognise Santander UK’s contribution to the ‘Think Try Do’ programme and to celebrate the success of the partnership.

Date: 5 December 2018