Framing the future of tourism for sustainable transformation through collaboration and education

On Friday 26 September 2025, The Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research (STTAR) Centre at Nottingham University  Business School hosted a comprehensive World Tourism Day Celebration, bringing together a distinguished set of industry leaders, academic experts, and university students. The event, aligned with the annual UN Tourism #WorldTourismDay on 27 September, served as a vibrant platform to explore the theme of sustainable transformation through tourism collaboration, education, and impactful research.

At the STTAR Centre, we strive to make a transformative difference to the way travel and tourism are responsibly developed, managed, marketed, and consumed for a more sustainable future. This mission was outlined by Professor Marina Novelli, Centre Director, and Dr Carol Zhang, Deputy Director, who provided an overview of the Centre’s strategic vision, mission and recent activities. Dr Zhang introduced STTAR’s five interconnected research themes that guide its work: Consumption, Marketing and Management; Accessibility and Inclusivity; Travel Cultures; Politics, Policy and Practice; and Authenticity and Experience Design. Professor Novelli and Dr Zhang explained how these themes form a holistic framework for tackling complex challenges in the tourism sector, setting a clear and ambitious context for the day’s dialogues and directly linking academic research to real-world industry applications and impact.

Panellists

Ian Corbett, Elizabeth Bailie, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, Professor Marina Novelli, Dr Abbie-Gayle Johnson

A highlight of the event was the industry panel, facilitated by Professor Marina Novelli, which provided deep dives into the realities, challenges and opportunities of driving sustainable transformation though tourism. The panel featured global and local perspectives from Ian Corbett – Head of Sustainability for TUI Group; Elizabeth Bailie – Sustainable Development expert from GIZ – German Corporation for International Cooperation ; and Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

When asked, “What does sustainability mean for your organisation, both locally and globally?” the panellists provided distinct yet complementary perspectives.

Ian Corbett addressed the fundamental importance of sustainability for TUI Group, framing it not as an optional add-on but as a core, integral practice essential to their global business operations. He outlined the three building blocks of the TUI Sustainability Agenda ‘People, Planet and Progress’, which are underpinned by key focus areas to be implemented across the business – from investments in state-of-the-art aircraft to ambitious energy savings across the board, from promoting local sourcing in hotels and more sustainable fuels for cruise ships to expanding the certification of hotels and experiences according to internationally recognised sustainability criteria.

Elizabeth Bailie, drawing on her leading role on the transformative  GIZ programme called ‘More Income and Employment in Rural Areas (MIERA)’  project in Malawi, highlighted the critical role of power dynamics in sustainable transformation. She emphasised that managing diverse power relations among stakeholders is a central aspect of achieving sustainable tourism.

Megan Powell Vreeswijk explained the coordinating role of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in aligning a wide range of stakeholders with the region’s sustainable goals. She identified the crucial challenge and success factor as getting people to collaborate effectively, stating that this coordination has been vital for advancing sustainability initiatives in the city of Nottingham and the wider County.

When asked to identify the key challenges and facilitators of sustainable transformation, the panellists offered insights from their unique vantage points. Megan referred to the complexity of implementing sustainable principles and practices in MSMEs across the country. She used the example of Visit Britain’s Regenerative Tourism Guide, a toolkit designed to help tourism and hospitality organisations audit their practices. She pointed to the significant resource challenge of local MSMEs to fully engage with it. Providing a global perspective, Ian Corbett acknowledged the substantial carbon footprint of major travel operations while championing practical solutions. He detailed how TUI is attempting to empower consumers to make sustainable choices in a more accessible and seamless way.  He referred to the work of the TUI Care Foundation which builds on the potential of ‘tourism as a force for good’.

Elizabeth Bailie powerfully argued that the most significant challenges, such as waste management in protected areas, are often human-centric. She stressed the critical necessity of shifting from a mindset of competition to one of collaboration, emphasising the need to bring diverse stakeholders with differing interests to the same table.

A clear consensus emerged from the discussion: the scale of the sustainability challenge is too vast for any single entity to tackle alone. This underscored the critical need for multi-stakeholders’ collaboration that the STTAR-Centre is committed to facilitate.

Career paths

Professor Jillian Rickly

The event swiftly transitioned to an inspiring careers panel facilitated by Dr Abbie-Gayle Johnson, offering invaluable guidance to students. The panellists’ career paths into the industry, often described as non-linear, reinforced the value of diverse experiences. A resonant message, particularly for women in the audience, was to embrace individuality and build confidence. Elizabeth Bailie advised students to “follow your heart,” highlighting that one’s unique background and personal experiences are significant assets in crafting a meaningful career in tourism. Ian Corbett’s reference to his long-standing career at TUI spanning over 20 years highlighted how working in an organisation for a long time may provide the opportunity to contribute to the company positive evolution, which is the reason one may not seek change.

The afternoon culminated with Professor Jillian Rickly launching the ‘Nottingham Quest’, a student-centred interactive designed to encourage exploration of the University of Nottingham campus, the City of Nottingham, and the wider Nottinghamshire County, by directly engaging students with the local tourism landscape they will study.

Professor Novelli said:

‘By seamlessly integrating its core research themes into every aspect of this event, from high-level strategy to practical career advice, the STTAR Centre’s World Tourism Day 2025 celebration powerfully demonstrated its pivotal role as a nexus for thought leadership. The event not only disseminated knowledge, but also actively fostered the connections and inspiration necessary to build a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for global tourism.’

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About Professor Jillian Rickly 

Jillian Rickly is a Professor of Tourism and Head of Department (Marketing, Tourism and Analytics) at Nottingham University Business School. She is also the theme lead for accessibility and inclusivity for the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre (STTAR Centre). In this blog, Jillian discusses the language of disability and its importance in achieving the goals of accessible tourism.  

The problem by Professor Jillian Rickly 

Deciding to create a Handbook of Accessible Tourism was the (relatively) easy part of the journey. Our editorial team of Professor Nigel Halpern (Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, Norway), Professor Brian Garrod (Swansea University, UK) and Dr Marcus Hansen (Liverpool John Moores University, UK), and myself set out with optimism and energy to create a foundational resource for researchers, students, advocacy groups, industry practitioners and policymakers interested in improving the accessibility of the tourism and travel sector for people with disabilities. 

However, we soon found ourselves somewhat paralysed in making a decision about a paramount issue: the language of disability. In a book about accessibility, disability is THE core theme, but in the current cultural climate where inclusivity is non-negotiable, getting the language wrong (despite good intentions) can have serious repercussions. 

 Person-first or identity-first?  

The main debate in the language of disability is about which approach is more appropriate:  

• Person-first language prioritises the person, of which their disability is recognised as one part of their identity. Examples would include a person with vision impairment and a person with vision impairment, a person with autism. 
• Identity-first language emphasises that a person’s disability is embedded in their overall identity and lived experiences, and as a result, these cannot be separated. Examples would be an autistic person, a vision-impaired person.  

While both have positive intentions and have been championed by different advocacy groups to destigmatise disability, there remain stalwarts who will only accept one or the other as the ‘correct’ form. This is further complicated by differing legal preferences. For instance, person-first terminology is used by the United Nations and US law, whereas both identity-first and person-first terminology is found within UK law.  

The decision 

As a team, we debated this issue again and again but avoided making a decision that would commit us to arguing exclusively for one approach and against the other. To make matters worse, there was no clear agreement amongst the four of us, and as authors started to send in their chapter contributions, we were seeing both used.  

In the end, the one thing we could agree on is that the policing of language would more likely than not be counterproductive. Drawing lines in the sand about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and setting ultimatums to enforce compliance undermines the good intentions of those advancing accessible tourism. It runs counter to a core value of accessibility: inclusivity.  

Instead, we allowed authors to use the language of disability that most aligned with their (and their participants) worldview. But we also asked them to include a statement at the start of their chapter explaining that choice to readers. This allowed us to create a conversation throughout the entire book with each voice and perspective represented. Surely, one thing we can agree on is that open dialogue is a positive solution to our most vexing challenges?  

Further information: 

Learn more about the Handbook of Accessible Tourism.  

Find out more about Nottingham University Business School’s Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre (STTAR Centre) and the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Analytics. 

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Jillian Rickly is a Professor of Tourism and Head of Department (Marketing, Tourism and Analytics) at Nottingham University Business School. She is also the theme lead for accessibility and inclusivity for the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre (STTAR Centre). In this blog, Jillian discusses her latest collaborative project with Professor Nigel Halpern (Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, Norway), Professor Brian Garrod (Swansea University, UK) and Dr Marcus Hansen (Liverpool John Moores University, UK) to create a foundational resource for researchers, students, advocacy groups, industry practitioners and policymakers interested in improving the accessibility of the tourism and travel sector for people with disabilities.

Accessibility matters by Professor Jillian Rickly

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 16% of the world’s population experiences a disability that affects their daily life. That’s 1.3 billion people. Coincidentally, that figure is nearly equal to the number of international tourist arrivals recorded by UN Tourism for 2024.

Why does this matter? Even though people with disabilities demonstrate the same motivation to travel as the general population, in reality, they travel at a much-reduced rate due to a lack of reliable information and negative past experiences. In short, people with disabilities experience many barriers to tourism.

Importantly, though, many holiday destinations and tourism service providers are realising that with some carefully considered adjustments, accessible tourism can be an untapped opportunity to grow their businesses and diversify their customer base.

Research indicates that disabled people, on average, spend more and stay longer within a destination. According to the Purple Pound, total expenditure generated by disabled people or those travelling within a group where a member is disabled is an estimated £14.6 billion, representing a considerable consumer group.

What is accessible tourism?

It might seem obvious that accessible tourism means creating tourism opportunities for people with disabilities, but there are several important dimensions to this endeavour. Accessible tourism:

• accommodates a full range of consumers, including people with disabilities, chronic medical conditions, temporary injuries and illnesses, and ageing persons.
• is driven by the values of independence, equity and dignity.
• reduces attitudinal, informational and physical barriers to access.
• embraces stakeholder collaboration in the design of products and services.
• is not a supplement to ‘traditional’ tourism but integrated to provide seamless experiences through the tourism system.
• acknowledges the diversity of disability and that there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to accessibility.

The future of accessible tourism

Advancing these dimensions of accessible tourism means celebrating best practices and leaning into the gaps where there is still work to be done. This handbook does just that. It includes 35 chapters contributed by 69 researchers and practitioners from around the world, including a breadth of professional experience representing 38 organisations.

As the first handbook on accessible tourism, it is a crucial resource for establishing the foundations of the topic and identifying our next steps for bridging scholarship and industry to foster real change.

Learn more about the Handbook of Accessible Tourism.

Discover more about Nottingham University Business School:

Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre

Department of Marketing, Tourism and Analytics.

Unlocking the power of the purple pound – Barclays

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At Nottingham University Business School, our company-based challenges for MSc and MBA students offer a unique opportunity for both students and participating companies. Students gain valuable real-world experience by working on consultancy briefs, developing key skills in teamwork, research, and communication. In return, companies benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas delivered through a free consultancy project undertaken by a team of motivated and creative students.

A few weeks ago, our MSc students started this year’s MSc Consultancy Competition. Following an introduction and team-building session, students were divided into groups and briefed by participating companies. With support from experienced mentors, many of whom are Professor of Practice in the Business School, the teams are now working collaboratively on real business challenges.

Last week, some teams had the opportunity to visit their allocated companies on-site. These visits provided valuable insights into each organisation’s operations, challenges and gave context, helping students to bring their consultancy briefs to life.

Hear from some of our students as they reflect on their experience, what they gained, and why taking part in the competition is valuable.

Student reflections on company visits.

Jaguar Land Rover’s global headquarters

Inside Jaguar Landrover global headquarters

Haya Jafri (MSc Supply Chain and Operations Management) and her team visited Jaguar Land Rover’s global headquarters in Coventry and shared her experience.

“Visiting JLR brought our consultancy project brief to life, especially seeing how real teams are shaping the future of procurement. It’s exciting to work on a challenge that’s not hypothetical but genuinely connected to what JLR is building.”

Busch Vacuum Solutions

Ashok Gowda (MSc Business Administration) and his team visited Busch Vacuum Solutions, accompanied by mentor and Professor of Practice at Nottingham University Business School,  Professor David Pemberton, student Mohan Ashok Gowda said:

“Gaining firsthand exposure to the advanced vacuum technologies that support hydrogen production truly deepened my understanding of our consulting project. Huge thanks to the Busch team for the warm welcome and valuable insights – this experience has sparked even more curiosity and motivation to contribute meaningfully to the future of clean energy!

Saili Sawantt (MSc Marketing) and her team also visited Busch Vacuum Solutions, added:

“I really enjoyed visiting Busch! It was eye-opening to learn about their innovative products and see the operations up close. Speaking with the team and asking questions gave me a much deeper understanding of the industry – such a valuable and fun experience!”

Looking ahead

The MSc Consultancy Competition finishes with team presentations and a prize-giving event, where students showcase their solutions and recommendations to participating companies.

We’d like to thank all the businesses involved for supporting this year’s competition and for providing such valuable experiences for our students.

Find out more

Find out more about our company-based challenges.

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Launched in 2024, the Sustainability and Societal Impact (SSI) Fellows Programme at Nottingham University Business School continues to shape the next generation of responsible leaders and changemakers. Designed to equip students with practical skills, cross-disciplinary insights, and a strong sense of purpose, the programme encourages collaboration and an innovative attitude to sustainability challenges.

Sustainability and Societal Impact Fellows reflections

Three students reflect on their diverse experiences and shared passion for driving sustainable impact.

Xinying Hong – BSc Management

For Xinying, the programme was an invaluable opportunity to gain essential skills – such as project management, research and marketing – while contributing to a cause that aligns with her personal values. She said:

“I was drawn to this programme as working for better environments is necessary. Besides, sustainability has been an ongoing topic for years, and many companies have pushed sustainability to the top of the agenda. As a student who wants to contribute to caring for the environment and boost working skills, I would like to embed sustainability efforts to make a positive impact. The SSI Fellows Programme fits my values very well, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.”

Working closely with a peer and mentor, Xingying benefitted from a structured programme that encouraged reflection, skills development, and collaboration. Weekly meetings helped guide progress and define priorities in alignment with the School’s Societal Impact Plan, Positive Impact Rating, and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). She reflected:

“I am glad that I made the decision to apply for this programme. I strongly recommend students who want to undertake an invaluable project and are interested in driving positive change for the planet, and this programme is advantageous.”

Advait Angawalkar – MSc Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Advait was drawn to the programme’s focus on integrating sustainability into daily life and systems which is a natural extension of his academic interests in efficiency and value creation. He said:

“The SSI Fellows Programme gave me the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping a greener, more socially responsible university environment. I was part of the Student Events and Engagement project, focused on raising awareness and participation in sustainable living and responsible business practices. From brainstorming event ideas to collaborating with other students and university staff, it was a meaningful experience.

“What made the programme truly stand out was its ability to bring together people from different disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives all with a common goal – to make sustainability an everyday conversation, not just a distant ideal. I had the chance to contribute ideas, lead initiatives, and most importantly, learn from a passionate and driven community.

“Being an SSI Fellow wasn’t just about holding a title, it was about being part of something bigger, something that drives real, positive change within and beyond campus.”

As part of the programme, Advait represented the University of Nottingham at the 2025 PRME UK and Ireland Chapter Conference in Belfast. He engaged with student changemakers and global thought leaders, strengthening his belief in the power of collective. Reflecting on his experience, Advait said:

“The programme helped me build lasting connections with peers and mentors who are as passionate about sustainable futures as I am. These relationships continue to inspire and support me, both personally and professionally. To anyone considering getting involved, it’s a great platform for growth, leadership, and community. If you want to be part of something meaningful, where your voice matters and your actions create ripples of change, the SSI Fellows Programme is where your journey begins.”

Chinmayi Madhuraj – MBA

Before coming to the UK, Chinmayi worked for a corporate secretary firm in India, managing corporate sustainability reporting for clients. Keen to move from observation to action, she saw the programme as the perfect bridge between theory and hands-on leadership. She said:

“I chose Nottingham University Business School for my MBA specifically because of its strong emphasis on sustainability. The SSI Fellows Programme felt like the cherry on top. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the challenges of sustainability while learning the value of teamwork and mindful decision-making in driving real-world impact.”

Chinmayi joined the Edible Campus project, which aligned closely with her personal passion for plants and food sustainability. She said: “back home, I care for 52 beautiful plants that mean the world to me. The opportunity to grow edible plants on campus felt like a true blessing.”

Together with a teammate, she developed a food-sharing initiative using WhatsApp to help students exchange surplus items and reduce food waste. From stakeholder planning to promotion at the Sustainability Fair in May 2025, the initiative was both strategic and impactful.

Two standout moments from the programme for Chinmayi included lectures by Professor Mihaela Keleman who spoke passionately about the devastating effects of global warming, and Professor Steve Martin who talked about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Both deepened her understanding of global sustainability challenges and inspired her to regularly calculate her own carbon footprint, a practice she’s since adopted in daily life.

Chinmayi also took part in the Teaching and Learning Conference and volunteered at the Business School’s Sustainability Fair.

A journey of growth

Each student expressed that they experienced personal growth, practical learning, and a deepened sense of responsibility. Fellows reflected on the balance of academic study with meaningful project work, all supported by mentors and like-minded peers. They gained not only knowledge, but also confidence and a renewed belief in their ability to lead change. Their experiences highlight the importance of embedding sustainability into business education and to the value of empowering students with the tools to turn ideals into action.

Further information:

Find out more about the Sustainability and Societal Impact Fellows Programme and meet the Fellows.

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The Department of Marketing, Tourism and Analytics at Nottingham University Business School recently hosted a thought-provoking sandpit event focused on coopetition (where companies both collaborate and compete), the strategic interplay of cooperation and competition in business contexts. Led by Dr Sara Galehbakhtiari (Assistant Professor in Marketing), the event brought together a dynamic mix of researchers and practitioners to explore this increasingly important topic, particularly within B2B contexts

With three principal guest speakers and a room of engaged participants, the sandpit created a space for challenging assumptions, sharing insights, and forging meaningful research connections.

Spotlight on speakers

The session featured presentations from three leading voices in coopetition research:

Dr Tatbeeq Raza-Ullah

Associate Professor of Strategy and Marketing – Nottingham Business School (Nottingham Trent University)

The session opened with Dr Raza-Ullah providing a comprehensive overview of coopetition management, highlighting the strategic tensions and paradoxes that emerge when firms both cooperate and compete simultaneously. He shared:

“The Coopetition Sandpit was a unique opportunity to challenge conventional thinking on strategic alliances. We unpacked not only the theoretical aspects but also the practical challenges and opportunities that arise when companies engage in coopetition. I’m thrilled to contribute to the growth of this community.”

Dr Zsofia Toth

Associate Professor in Marketing – Durham University Business School

This was followed with a deep dive into coopetition in the aerospace industry by Dr Toth. Drawing from her research in the aerospace industry, Dr Toth illustrated how inter-organisational collaboration plays out in highly technical, interdependent environments. Reflecting on the event, she said:

“It was a very well-organised sandpit that enabled building meaningful connections between researchers interested in coopetition. I especially liked that we started with a retrospective view, then delved into empirics, and opened the discussion towards future research directions. The sandpit also provided a platform to plan ahead with research collaborations. It would be great to have even more of such events in the future.”

Dr James Crick

Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship – University of Leicester

Rounding off the panel, Dr Crick discussed emerging research pathways, encouraging attendees to explore new theoretical and empirical contributions. He shared his appreciation of the event, stating:

“I enjoyed meaningful conversations about coopetition, current topics, and future pathways. The plans for developing this research cluster will be very useful and I encourage all coopetition researchers to join this group.”

Energising collaboration and inclusion

After the presentations, participants engaged in discussions on collaboration opportunities, expressing interest in future joint projects, particularly those that could further strengthen our B2B Coopetition Research Cluster.

Importantly, the sandpit also offered a valuable platform for early-career researchers. Final-year PhD candidate and GTA, Ali Aliakbari, reflected:

“This coopetition sandpit came at a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It opened up exciting new avenues for collaboration, fresh research ideas, and long-term partnerships. Engaging with both established scholars and emerging voices enriched my perspective and energised my pursuit of a full-time academic role.”

That sense of community and inspiration was shared by many, including Dr Samuel Ogundipe – Assistant Professor in Marketing at Nottingham University Business School – who added:

“The Sandpit was a great opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and gain valuable insights from their academic journeys. There was practical guidance on career management and navigating publication challenges. Pizza for lunch, coffee and tea throughout the day, and lots of jokes – what else could one ask for? Next one, please!”

Looking ahead

This event demonstrated the power of collaborative academic spaces where ideas flourish, connections are made, and research with real-world impact takes shape.

We invite all interested researchers – whether your focus is strategic management, marketing, entrepreneurship, or organisational behaviour – to join our growing B2B Coopetition Research Cluster.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s shape the future of coopetition research together.

For further information, contact Dr Sara Galehbakhtiari: Sara.galehbakhtiari@nottingham.ac.uk

Academic profiles:

Dr Tatbeeq Raza-Ullah – Associate Professor of Strategy and Marketing – Nottingham Business School (Nottingham Trent University)

Dr Zsofia Toth – Associate Professor in Marketing – Durham University Business School

Dr James Crick – Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship – University of Leicester

Dr Samuel Ogundipe – Assistant Professor in Marketing – University of Nottingham

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Students from Enactus Nottingham travelled to ExCeL London from 7 to 8 April 2025 to participate in the Enactus UK & Ireland World Cup Qualifier and Expo. The two-day event brought together over 20 university teams and more than 15 employer partners, including competition judges, mentors, and graduate recruiters.

What is Enactus Nottingham?

Enactus Nottingham is a not-for-profit, student-led organisation at the University of Nottingham. It creates social enterprises that provide employment while generating a positive social and environmental impact.

A team of over 200 students deliver projects locally and internationally, using innovative, sustainable solutions to tackle real-world issues. They identify community needs and develop practical responses through strong partnerships and corporate support.

Reflections by student participant Jingwei Tang

Student Jingwei Tang reflects on the experience:

The Nottingham team proudly represented the university with a year’s worth of work across eight social enterprise projects. These initiatives addressed pressing real-world challenges from youth development to sustainability, demonstrating how business skills can be used as a force for social benefits.

Our students took the opportunity to present the progress and social impact of several key projects to a national audience. Months of planning and teamwork were behind each pitch. As one of our team members, Harriet, a first-year BSc Management student, said:

“We’ve been meeting three times a week, running regular rehearsals and practice sessions. There’s a strong sense of community here – it’s a great vibe and an amazing experience.”

Each student contributed to developing their respective projects and gained valuable experience in public speaking, problem-solving, and collaboration. These projects were more than case studies – they were live ventures making a real difference.

Bridging purpose and profession

Beyond the competition, the Expo served as a career development platform. Students engaged with industry employers, including HSBC, BDO, SAP, and Unilever, receiving first-hand insights into recruitment trends, employer expectations, and graduate pathways.

Ella, a first-year Computer Science student, said:

“It was a really insightful and engaging experience, especially with such a wide range of companies involved. We gained valuable insider knowledge and discovered exciting early career opportunities. It was great to have the freedom to ask as many questions as we liked.”

These interactions extended beyond job prospects. Employers also provided mentorship and career guidance. A representative from SAP explained:

“I just want to be able to connect with students, explain our opportunities, and provide some guidance. It’s good to bounce ideas off and help people find their next step.”

From the employers’ perspective, Enactus students were considered particularly strong candidates. Hasan, a Talent Specialist at Enterprise Mobility, commented:

“Enactus students already have the communication, work ethic, and resilience we value. They tend to transition from student mindset to employee mindset faster.”

These conversations reaffirmed Enactus’s value as a bridge between social purpose and professional development, turning values-driven students into confident, career-ready graduates.

Empowering future changemakers

We organised this trip to empower our students with real-world exposure and help them connect their values with their ambitions. While we did not progress to the final round, the learning, confidence, and network built during these two days were far more meaningful.

Tom Perry, a Business Advisor for Enactus Nottingham and a former student of the University, shared:

“Enactus students are very entrepreneurial and like individuals who want to make a difference in the world, and in whatever capacity they can. I’ve had great interaction with University of Nottingham students like you, who are very proactive. We also deliver impact where we can, so lots of positive words to say.”

His reflection highlights the strength of the Enactus community – not just as a student society, but as a long-term platform for developing purpose-driven leaders. The National Expo reminded us that the journey matters as much as the outcome. Our students returned not only as representatives of Nottingham but as changemakers ready to lead with impact.

Find out more about Enactus Nottingham?

Discover how Enactus Nottingham empowers University of Nottingham students to create social and environmental impact through entrepreneurship.

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As the new US tariffs on global trade loom large, businesses around the world are bracing for a significant impact. From supply chain disruptions to rising costs and political uncertainty, the return of international trade protectionism is reshaping the international business landscape and global trade system.

For students of international business, this is more than headline news. It is a vivid, real-time case study.

At Nottingham University Business School, our MSc International Business programme instructs students in international trade theories, strategies, and tools so that they can confidently navigate these challenges when they take up their jobs after graduation.

MSc International Business programme ranked 16th place globally in the QS International Trade Rankings 2025

Ranked 16th in the world in the QS International Trade Rankings 2025: MBA and Master’s, our course equips graduates to understand and respond to the very issues dominating global headlines in international business and trade effectively, helping firms achieve success in global competition.

Business Economics and International Business Environment, two core modules in our programme, explore the causes and consequences of tariffs, quotas, subsidies, and other international trade policy tools.

These modules also provide economic models and theoretical frameworks to help students understand how businesses can adapt to international trade protectionism effectively, and how to plan for resilience in uncertain times. Dr Luciana Nicollier, module convenor, Business Economics said:

“In my Business Economics lectures, we look at how trade theories apply to real-world scenarios. Tariffs, quotas and subsidies are not just concepts – they’re tools used by governments to shape markets. Students leave with a deep understanding of how these levers impact firms, industries, and economies.”

Whether you are looking to work in multinational corporations, consultancies, government bodies, international organisations or start-ups with international ambitions, the ability to anticipate and adapt to global trade dynamics is a powerful skill to help you achieve success in your future career.

More about the MSc International Business course

Apply now for our MSc International Business and develop the strategic insight to thrive in a fast-changing global economy. Discover the International Business MSc course

In February 2025, Nottingham University Business School rose to 16th place in the world in the QS International Trade Rankings 2025 for its MSc in International Business – an increase of two places from 2024 in an increasingly competitive field.

The post Getting ahead of international trade wars: why now is the time to study MSc International Business by Dr Jinmin Wang appeared first on Nottingham University Business School.

The Inclusive Financial Technology Hub (INFINITY) at the University of Nottingham was established in partnership with the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick to bridge the gap between university research and the financial services sector. The hub aims to maintain a continuous pipeline of financial technology research and facilitate the application of cutting-edge research to develop the next generation of financial products and services for consumers and businesses.

Professor Meryem Duygun, Co-Director of INFINITY and Professor of Banking and Finance at Nottingham University Business School, holds the Aviva Chair in Risk and Insurance. She has been recognised for her contributions to financial technology, having been named to the Women in FinTech Powerlist in 2020, 2022, and 2023 and 2024.

Meryem’s research focuses on financial inclusion, literacy, and poverty, particularly in China, Brazil and India. Her work highlights the evolving nature of financial accessibility and its broader socio-economic impacts.

Why Financial Inclusion Matters

The United Nations identifies financial inclusion as a key instrument for reducing poverty and encouraging prosperity. Individuals and businesses can better navigate financial challenges and build resilience by ensuring access to appropriate financial products. Increased access to finance stimulates entrepreneurship, investment, and overall economic growth. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting decent work, economic growth, health, and well-being. The urgency of financial inclusion efforts is clear – without intervention, 575 million people will remain in extreme poverty, particularly in low-income countries.

The evolution of financial inclusion research

Research on financial inclusion has evolved through three distinct phases.

• Early research: Initially, the focus was on poverty traps and limited banking access, constrained by a lack of granular data.
• Expanded scope: Over time, the scope broadened to include geographical barriers, credit availability, and the impact of financial liberalization.
• Behavioural economics integration: Research has recently incorporated behavioural economics, examining how factors like present bias and intra-household conflicts affect financial decisions alongside traditional barriers like banking fees and documentation requirements.

Brazil’s financial inclusion journey

Brazil has made substantial progress in expanding financial inclusion;

2001: The journey began with the introduction of Banco Postal

2003: The authorization of banking correspondents significantly increases access to financial services.

2004: Launch of the Banks for All programme leading to a surge in new accounts

2010: The expansion of banking correspondents increased access in remote areas.

Despite these efforts, a significant portion of the population remained unbanked until the advent of digital solutions like PIX and the Caixa Tem app, which facilitated widespread financial inclusion.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite these advancements, Brazil continues to face challenges with low financial literacy scores and high levels of bad credit and gambling. The gap between awareness of basic and complex financial products highlights the need for targeted education and literacy programmes. These programmes are crucial to ensuring that increased access to financial services translates into tangible improvements in financial well-being. Our research aims to quantify the impact of financial inclusion on poverty, evaluate public policies, and analyze the influence of financial education on decision-making.

Research insights and findings

Using comprehensive datasets covering 27 Brazilian provinces from 2012 to 2023, our research integrates data from various sources to offer a holistic perspective on financial inclusion, literacy, and poverty. Using a multivariate regression model, we systematically examine the relationships between key variables, analyzing the direct and indirect effects of financial inclusion and literacy on financial fragility and poverty.

The empirical results of our project reveal a complex relationship between financial literacy and poverty.

Key findings:

• Higher financial literacy does not always correlate with lower poverty levels.
• Increased credit access can exacerbate financial vulnerability if not properly managed.
• Demographic factors such as age distribution and unemployment rates significantly influence poverty levels.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, our research indicates that financial education alone cannot alleviate poverty. Instead, strategic policy interventions and responsible financial product design are necessary to drive meaningful change.

Meryem Duygun and Linh Nguyen at The Caixa Econômica Federal

Collaboration and policy impact

To maximize the impact of our research, we initiated strategic collaborations with the Brazilian Ministry of Economy, the Central Bank of Brazil, and Caixa Econômica Federal. These partnerships will facilitate the development of evidence-based policies and programmes to enhance financial inclusion and alleviate poverty in Brazil.

Further information

This research has been conducted in collaboration with prominent researchers from Brazil and the UK: Vinicius Dezem (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC)), Dr Linh Nguyen and Professor Sanjay Banerji (Nottingham University Business School) and Professor Mohamed Shaban (University of Leicester)

This research is funded by the University of Nottingham International Research Collaboration Fund.

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Dr Lorna Treanor, an Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Nottingham University Business School, is co-author of the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship, which aims to create a more inclusive enterprise ecosystem across the UK. 

Under-represented social groups – including women, ethnic minorities, young people, migrants and people experiencing disabilities – face unique barriers to entrepreneurship. The Charter aims to break down these barriers through policy initiatives, inclusive practices, and collective action, ensuring equal opportunities and outcomes for all. 

The Charter commits to building an inclusive ecosystem where anyone can launch a successful and sustainable business regardless of their personal characteristics or background. 

Nottingham University Business School hosted a landmark event at the House of Commons on inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss how greater inclusivity can drive economic growth. 

Hear from Lorna as she reflects on the event and shares updates following the Charter’s national launch at the Shard, London in October 2024. 

Dr Lorna Treanor: That was the week that was! And what a week that was! 

I’ve been to London quite a bit and have experienced most of the sights – so I’ve walked past Parliament buildings and Big Ben many times. If you’d asked me if I’d ever go inside or how I might envision my first visit to the House of Commons, I probably would have pictured heavy rainfall and it being the nearest refuge to avoid getting soaked! I never thought I’d ever be going to the House of Commons to host an event on the Terrace Pavillion. 

Yet, on Wednesday 26 February 2025 that’s exactly where I was, hosting an event themed ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a pathway to inclusive growth.’  I started my talk by outlining the potential of inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation to fulfil Government objectives of inclusive growth in the context of increasing devolution. I introduced the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship, which provides a framework to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, to a large turnout of business leaders, policymakers, Venture Capitalists, academics, and diverse entrepreneurs from across the UK.  

Thought-provoking panel discussions 

Then it was time for a panel discussion involving Dr Adigo Atabo, a former surgeon turned med-tech entrepreneur who, supported by the Ingenuity Lab at Nottingham University Business School, founded Persomic; Natalie Gasson McKinley MBE, Senior Policy Manager at the British Business Bank; and Professor Maggie O’Carroll, an award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of The Women’s Organisation. 

My research at Nottingham University Business School informed the questions presented to the panel for discussion. The panel was asked how we might finally tackle the continuing problem of discrimination leading to unequal access to finance for some when trying to start or grow their businesses. There was a consensus that the issues were systemic and required systemic change.  

Adigo shared her experience and challenges in seeking finance – her personal story brought to life the reality faced by black women entrepreneurs trying to fund their businesses in a way statistics alone can’t convey. Maggie highlighted the scarcity of funds dedicated to women, despite women comprising 52% of the population. Natalie offered some hope of progress – highlighting a new report from the British Business Bank and suggesting that new developments may be introduced soon.  

The panel also considered other potential challenges highlighted by the research, such as messy ecosystem boundaries and stakeholder definitions and roles. This means that while devolution offers the opportunity for regional experimentation, the challenge may be in capturing and disseminating good practice. There was also recognition of the fear that not all devolved authorities may mandate and dedicate resources to inclusive business support. Based on the Charter’s principles, the panel then considered how we support inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation responsibly, highlighting the need to create routes out of entrepreneurship when necessary and the importance of data in facilitating progress through action and accountability.  

Closing reflections 

The formal panel discussion ended with a Q&A which was brought to a close with one attendee reflecting on the necessity for the Charter and more inclusive practices – as an atypical, underrepresented entrepreneur, others dismissed the potential that she and her business had. Highlighting the current standing of her business showed just how wrong those bystanders were in underestimating her and, also, reinforced the need to create change to avoid the same thing happening to other individuals – constraining, not only their personal wealth creation and ability to change their life outcomes but also, their returns to the national economy that can generate economic renewal characterised by balanced, regional and inclusive growth.  

A special thank you 

A massive thank you to Samantha Niblett MP for sponsoring this event and for her commitment to advancing women’s position in society through her efforts with Labour Women in Tech and her work to support women entrepreneurs and their access to finance.   

Further information

Read more about the event: Nottingham University Business School champions inclusive entrepreneurship at House of Commons 

Find out more about the Charter for inclusive entrepreneurship

Learn more about the Ingenuity Lab where students and alumni of the University of Nottingham can explore their business ideas and start their own enterprises.  

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