Harper Adams University

Harper Adams climbs further in top 100 as new global University rankings released

Harper Adams University — 26/03/2026

Harper Adams University has climbed further in global rankings - which have once again named it one of the world’s top 100 institutions for agriculture and forestry.

For the second year running, the specialist institution has been named a top 100 global university in its subject in the QS World University by Subject rankings.

Its 2026 placing not only surpasses its previous highest ranking – seeing it move up to 87 from 99 - but also continues a rise which has seen it rise more than 100 places in less than five years.

Today’s figures show Harper Adams was also rated second in the UK in its subject category for its reputation among academic experts – and third for its reputation among employers.

Harper Adams Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Lee said: “It is good to see the reputation of the University among academics has risen, and we also saw a rise in the number of citations per research paper in the new rankings.

“Our tailored strategy ensures that our research is industry-relevant for the sectors we serve – making a real-world difference.”

The 2026 edition of the rankings examines more than 18,300 individual university programmes, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world, across 55 academic disciplines.

Both academic and employer views are used to analyse the reputation of the ranked institutions - with more than 200,000 people surveyed.

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: “The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 highlight a global higher education landscape that is becoming both more competitive and more specialised.

“Institutions are increasingly building global reputations through targeted subject excellence, research collaboration and industry engagement. This year’s results show that strategic investment in specific disciplines – not just overall institutional strength – is becoming a defining feature of how universities compete and gain international recognition.”

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “It is good to see the University not only holding its place as a top 100 institution – but climbing up this year’s rankings for our founding subject.

“This is another year-on-year improvement in the QS World University by Subject rankings – underlining our strength as a specialist institution applying science and technology to the sectors we serve.”

Winners celebrated at inaugural University Apprenticeship Awards

Harper Adams University — 06/05/2026

The work of apprentices and employers at Harper Adams has been celebrated at the University’s inaugural Apprenticeship Awards.

Attended by apprentices, employers, partners, friends and family, as well as the many Harper Adams employees who work with apprentices, the event saw winners chosen from five degree and higher-level routes offered by the University.

Prizes were awarded to students on the Food Industry Technical Professional, Veterinary Technician and Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Programmes, as well as a prize each for both the Level Six and MProf Rural Chartered Surveyor routes.

The work of the firms offering Apprenticeships in partner with the University was recognised with an award for Employer of the Year.

Finally, prizes were also awarded to the Apprentice most judged worthy by their fellow students, with a Peer Recognition award, and to the apprentice who made an outstanding contribution in the workplace – as chosen by their employers.

Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan was unable to attend the ceremony in person as he was representing the University in China. However, in a specially recorded message for the event, he said: “This marks a really important moment in Harper’s history - because it’s a time when we celebrate those who are supporters of those who take part in, and those who engage with, our Apprenticeship programmes.

“I do want to say a big thank you to all of our students, our employers, our partners and the parents and families and carers of those who have been doing Apprenticeship programmes.”

Professor Sloan also thanked the event’s sponsors.

Chartered surveyors FGP – who specialise in renewables, utilities and infrastructure - and Dalcour Maclaren, a firm of land and environmental specialists working in the utilities and infrastructure sector, were the lead event sponsors for the evening, with further support from ABP Food Group and National Grid.

He concluded: “I just want to say a big thank you to our Apprenticeship team for the work they do to support us in running these programmes and making them so successful.

“I wish you all the best for an amazing evening, and my many, many congratulations to everyone who is nominated and everyone who wins.”

In total, more than 50 different apprentices and companies were shortlisted across eight different categories.

The winners were:

Chartered Surveyor Apprentice of the Year 2026: Pip Maddocks
Chartered Surveyor MProf Apprentice of the year 2026: Ed Lockwood
Environmental Practitioner Apprentice of the Year 2026: Grace Glennie-Smith
Food Industry Technical Professional Apprentice of the Year 2026: Donna Murphy
Vet Technician Apprentice of the Year 2026: Jorja Snook-Bevis
Employer of the year: Dalcour Maclaren
Peer Recognition Award 2026: Cecilia Ordonez
Outstanding Contribution in the Workplace 2026: Sarah Alderson

Apprenticeships Manager Carol Rogers said: “The awards were a fantastic evening and, as Ken said, a great way to celebrate the contributions our Apprentices make.

“There were fewer than 40 Apprentices when we first began running programmes at Harper Adams University – and there are now more than 300, working right across the country at a diverse range of firms – and each making a difference to their employer and to the sectors we serve.

“I’d like to add my congratulations to everyone who won – each category was extremely competitive and each winner should be rightly proud!”

Harper Adams University holds Clearing events for potential students

Harper Adams University — 16/08/2024

A series of Open Days and campus tour events are being held for prospective students considering starting a course at Harper Adams University this September.

Each is designed to give students the chance to see the University campus and its award-winning facilities, to find out more about the course they’re planning to study – and to speak with Harper Adams staff and students.

Harper Adams Head of Student Recruitment, Carl Mansell-Griffiths, said: “We’re very proud of our recent achievements; in the past year, we’ve been named Specialist University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times, were the top Modern University in the UK in the Daily Mail University Guide, and took the top spot in the Career Prospects category for the eighth year in a row at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards.

“However, we know that is no match for actually experiencing our campus and seeing Harper Adams for yourself – indeed, many of our current students tell us this was one of the key factors that helped them make up their mind to study here.

“We’ve already welcomed hundreds of students to our Open Days in March and June, but we know from enquiries there are still lots of people keen to see our campus before starting University this September.

“We will be holding the second of our Clearing Open Days this Monday, August 19. Our summer campus tours began on August 9, and will run through until September 2.

“Each of these are designed for prospective students planning to start their studies this September – whether they are undergraduates or postgraduates. For postgraduate students, we’ll also be holding a Virtual Open Day on Thursday, September 5.”

Information about all of these events – and more, is available on the Harper Adams University website, as is a dedicated section aimed at helping guide students through the Clearing process.

Carl added: “Clearing can be an uncertain time – so we’ve got a hotline set up with our friendly Admissions team to help people decide both if it’s right for them, and if so, to find out more about what studying at Harper Adams would mean.

“So whether a student may need to review their university choice based on their results; have changed their mind about their degree, university or location; or had never before thought about studying at university but would now like to join us – we’ll be on the phones and on the campus ready to help.

“With the right support and guidance, Clearing can help unlock wonderful opportunities – whether you haven’t quite got the grades you wanted – or have done better than expected!

“Whatever your personal circumstances, we’re here to help – and the hotline will be running every weekday from 9am to 5pm throughout the month to answer whatever questions you have.”

The Harper Adams Clearing hotline is on 0300 131 3950 – and to find out more about the Open Days and Tours, visit harper.ac.uk/events

Packed summer for prospective students kicks off at Harper Adams University

Harper Adams University — 09/06/2026

A packed summer of events for prospective students considering a course at Harper Adams University is set to begin this weekend.

The University’s first Open Day of 2026 - to be held on Saturday, June 13 - will see it welcoming hundreds of prospective students to its Edgmond campus, as well as throwing open the doors of its Digital Skills Hub in The Quad in central Telford.

The full-day event is packed with activities, talks and more – and the chance to see all that Harper Adams has to offer.

Teresa Jones, Acting Student Recruitment Manager, said: “There’s a real buzz around Harper Adams at the moment.

“We’ve just been named one of the top three Modern Universities in the country - and a leading higher education website has noted ‘if you want a job, study at Harper Adams.’

“Our Open Days are a great way to start finding out why people are talking about us - and to why so many students find their place with us after visiting.

“We’ve brought back our popular tractor-trailer tours too!

“These are a great way to see our campus and our Future Farm, and to appreciate our wonderful surroundings at the height of summer.”

Alongside course talks and all-day hubs where student can discuss their plans with lecturers, support staff will also be on hand to answer questions about accommodation, admissions, learning support and much more.

Ther’s also a chance to talk to the University’s award-winning careers and placement team - and discover why so many students go on to great jobs in their chosen careers after studying at Harper Adams.

Following the Open Day in June, the University also be welcoming prospective students to the Harper Adams Experience – a two-day residential event to help 16–17-year-olds get a taste for University life.

Teresa added: “The Harper Adams Experience is completely free- and great fun!

“It offers a chance for young people to sample the best of Harper life, to eat in our dining room and to stay in our halls – and to meet the people they might be at University with, too.

“We’ve had keen interest but there’s places still available to book – simply head to our website to find out more.”

The Harper Adams Experience will then be followed by a new August Open Day, held on Saturday, August 15, the weekend after A-Level results are released.

To find out more about both the Harper Adams Experience and University Open Days, visit: harper.ac.uk/haopenday

Harper Adams continues run as UK’s best University for Career Prospects

Harper Adams University — 23/05/2025

Harper Adams University is marking a nine-year unbroken run as the UK’s best University for Career Prospects - as voted by students themselves.

On Wednesday, the University picked up the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for Career Prospects from event host Alexander Armstrong at a glittering ceremony in London.

A team of Harper Adams representatives from professional services and academic departments, as well as the Students Union, attended the awards, held at the Brewery events venue.

Careers Advisor and Service Manager Maria Simpson, who was among the attendees from the University, said: “It’s fantastic to win this award, voted for by our students, for the ninth time!

“We feel very proud and privileged for this student recognition of the collaboration we have with employers in supporting them on placement, in apprenticeships, with internships and graduate recruitment.

“Our support starts for our students with pre -entry guidance looking at career pathways and runs through the whole student experience - which is recognised with this award.”

The awards are the only UK event of their kind where students alone judge and review their universities. Its 12 categories reflect the views of more than 36,000 students from across the UK whose reviews were collected over the past year.

The data collected shows that student satisfaction levels have increased across all 12 award categories. Career Prospects – the award Harper Adams once again took home - saw the biggest increase in satisfaction levels across the country, rising from 4.18 out of 5 in 2024 to 4.28 in 2025.

Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect who organise the WUSCAs, said: “The increased performance in student satisfaction reflected in this year’s awards, and by the ongoing stream of Whatuni student reviews, demonstrates just how much the UK higher education sector is constantly improving and striving for excellence.

“We know that capturing the views and measurements of students (and these awards) – based entirely on their real-life experiences - is helping to drive positive changes for the sector and to highlight best practice. The WUSCAs are about celebrating universities and colleges that are truly placing students at the heart of the system.”

Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan added: “Being voted best in the UK for Career Prospects by our students for a decade demonstrates the consistency of our approach to equipping our students for their future careers.

“This approach begins the moment prospective students step onto campus for one of our Open Days and extends well after they graduate – as our thriving alumni network can attest.

“I’d like to thank everybody at the University and in our Students’ Union, as well as our alumni, donors, and partner employers and organisations, who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to career prospects for our students.

“As ever, of course, our biggest thanks must go to our students themselves, both for their reviews which led to this award, and to their confidence in us as an institution.”

Harper Adams has won the Career Prospects Award (previously named Job Prospects) in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. No award was made in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Discover digital and technology opportunities at new University hub in Telford

Harper Adams University — 22/10/2024

Business across the West Midlands and beyond can discover how they can help forge new digital and technology careers of the future at the first public event at Harper Adams University Telford.

The digitally-dedicated hub has just been officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in front of a guest list of VIPs, including representatives of some of the companies who will be collaborating with the University on the new courses it will deliver.

At the University’s Discovery Day, on November 2 at The Quad, Telford, businesses, the public, and prospective students will get their own chance to see the new building, to hear about the degrees and short courses which will be taught there – and to find out more about some of the employers who hope to find new talent among the hub’s students.

The site’s Executive Academic Director, Parmjit Chima, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to the site and to explain about the work we will be doing here.

“That work will help provide companies, in the West Midlands and beyond, with students who are equipped with the digital and technology skills so many of these companies are seeking, while also offering business support, knowledge transfer, and professional development to help drive industry growth and innovation”

“We’ll be showcasing some of the tech which students can expect to be working with on our courses, with lots of interactive sessions going on throughout the day.”

Among the activities will be Robotics, Engineering, Automation, Business and Data Science events during the day – as well as friendly staff on hand from the Harper Adams Students Union and Student Services teams.

Attendees can get hands-on with a range of STEM activities including F1 in Schools and VEX Robotics, join a Hackathon exploring how data shapes modern industries, hear how digital business skills can give them the cutting edge, and see some of the latest robotics technology our graduates will be using.

There will also be a chance to play 4-in-a-row with a robot machine - and win a prize if you can beat it!

Experts will be on hand to explain how automation is making industry both faster and smarter – in ways you might not expect – and there’ll also be the chance to discover more about some of the many companies who will be working with Harper Adams at the hub. There will displays by companies based in the region - including BlueHub, Holloway Controls, Nidec Drives, Protolabs and many more.

Among the companies who will be working with staff and students at the hub is Phoenix Contact - a family-owned, German-founded leader in industrial automation component and systems manufacturer with operations in several countries with more 20,000 employees.

Its UK subsidiary, Phoenix Contact Ltd, was established in 1985 in Telford. The company quickly grew from providing only sales and marketing support to today offering to its customers a range of engineering services and support.

Managing Director at Phoenix Contact Limited, Andy Mills, said: “We pride ourselves on 100 years of innovation and take great pride in relationships with our colleagues, customers, and partners. Together, we set out to shape a sustainable world through technology and innovation.

“Our role with the Hub is to be a technology partner - not only providing the necessary equipment to enable the next generation to have access to physical products of the future, but also to provide the decades of knowledge from our technical specialists. 

“We are here to help the next phase of Shropshire based engineers reach their full potential.”

Phoenix Contact Limited’s Finance Manager, Lauren Davies, added: “Coming from Telford, to see a facility like the hub opening on our doorstep is amazing.

“It gives new much needed opportunities for students to learn more about how their studies can create an impact and bring awareness to local businesses like Phoenix Contact whose purpose is to create a sustainable world based on our own passion for technology and innovation together - in partnership with the students of tomorrow. 

“It makes us proud to be a part of something key to the local community.”

To find out more about the Harper Adams Discovery Day, and to book your place, visit: harper.ac.uk/discoverhaut

Finalists announced for inaugural Harper Adams University Apprenticeship Awards

Harper Adams University — 25/02/2026

Finalists have been announced for the inaugural Harper Adams University Apprenticeship awards evening.

The event, on April 22, celebrates the achievements of apprentices and the successes of employers on degree and higher-level programmes at the University – with awards chosen by both the firms involved and the apprentices themselves.

Apprentices have chosen an Employer of the Year from a shortlist of seven leading companies – GSC Grays, Pilgrims Europe, Roger Parry, Brown & Co, ABP, FGP Surveyors, and Dalcour Maclaren.

They have also voted for their fellow apprentices in a Peer Recognition award – with five shortlisted in the category.

Every Harper Adams University apprentice works for an employer whilst also studying for their degree, and employers have selected an award for the Apprentice who has made an Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace – with nineteen shortlisted nominations in the category.

Meanwhile, staff at Harper Adams University working across its diverse range of programmes have put forward their nominations for Apprentice of the Year.

Harper Adams University offers Food Industry Technical Professional, Veterinary Technician and Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeships and each programme will have a winning apprentice.

A winner will also be announced for both the Level Six and MProf Rural Chartered Surveyor routes on the night.

Chartered surveyors FGP – who specialise in renewables, utilities and infrastructure - and Dalcour Maclaren, a firm of land and environmental specialists working in the utilities and infrastructure sector, will be the lead event sponsors for the evening, with further support from ABP Food Group and National Grid.

Apprenticeships Manager Carol Rogers said: “In less than a decade, Harper Adams has established itself as an apprenticeships provider in so many of the industries the University serves – growing from an initial cohort of fewer than 40 in 2018 to more than 300 now.

“We’ve been getting in touch with each of our finalists to let them know about their success – and to encourage them to attend our awards in April.

“Tickets are now on sale, and employers and apprentices have been sharing their delight at being announced finalists – and we’re looking forward to what promises to be a great evening!”

Tickets for the event can be reserved by contacting kheirene@harper-adams.ac.uk

Prizewinning design to be manufactured by Shropshire firm

Harper Adams University — 20/06/2024

An innovative concrete trough design for a Shropshire firm has helped a Harper Adams Engineering student secure a £1,000 prize.

Fourth year MEng Mechanical Engineering student, Will Creed, from Cheshire, was picked as the winning student in a new product competition launched by Elite Precast Concrete, based in Telford.

The newly-established competition included staff from Elite Precast visiting Harper Adams to explain the competition, with Business Development Director Paul Cartwright and Business Development Manager Louise Chouhan-Hodges discussing the company’s current product profile, the manufacturing and quality processes of its concrete products, and the requirements of any new product design.

During the one-day event which included their visit, students were challenged to design a concrete water trough that could be manufactured in Telford commercially.

Harper Adams academics from both the Engineering and Agriculture and Environment departments discussed the brief with students – with Senior Lecturer in Animal Science Dr Emma Bleach talking about the importance of water for livestock and the issues farmers face, and Engineering Lecturer Sarah Pickthall discussing concrete and its manufacturing capabilities.

Several students decided to take on the challenge, and were then invited to visit Elite’s three manufacturing units in Telford to see for themselves the machinery and processes that ensure the quality and durability of the company’s walling, drainage and security products. During their visit, the students were able to watch the company manufacture concrete blocks which will be used in the Paris Olympics.

Each then went away to work on their designs – with Will’s trough being selected as the winning entry. He returned to the company’s offices to pick up £1,000 prize this month – and will also have the chance to have his entry produced and marketed the company.

Business Development Director Paul Cartwright said: “Working with Harper Adams has been fantastic. Will has taken on the challenge of looking at concrete agri-products and designed a something that takes account of our production techniques, along with customer needs. We are looking forward to making and marketing his designs soon.”

And Will added: “I am truly pleased and honoured to have won Elite's design competition. Participating in this challenge was a great experience, and it is immensely satisfying to see Elite recognise the potential of my design and take it forward into production.

“Many thanks again to Elite for running the competition and providing the opportunity for all of us to engage and compete in some real engineering!”

Harper Adams shines as a top performer in Complete University Guide 2027

Harper Adams University — 03/06/2026

Harper Adams has been ranked as a top three Modern University, top three in the West Midlands - and as a top 40 institution overall - in newly-released national league tables

The Complete University Guide, whose latest edition was published this morning, ranks 130 higher education institutions across the UK.

The Guide places Harper Adams first in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Agriculture and Forestry courses, with a top five placing in the subject overall.

The publishers noted the University’s work in ensuring strong graduate employment for students across its full subject suite – which includes all aspects of agri-food production, plus animal health, behaviour and welfare routes, business management, food science, engineering, environmental science, land and property management and more.

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “We’re delighted to be named as one of the top modern universities, as well as rising in the ranks overall.

“As Shropshire’s University, with bases in both central Telford and Edgmond, we’re also very pleased to be recognised among the West Midlands’ top institutions.

“We’ve maintained our keen focus on making sure our students get the jobs they want – and by helping them secure roles in their chosen careers, we’re driving forward both our region’s and our country’s key sectors.”

In the most recent Graduate Outcomes survey, which measures how many students are in work or further study 15 months after finishing their studies, 99 per cent of students and 98.7 per cent of full-time undergraduates were either working or studying.

Professor Sloan added: “We’ve recently announced a partnership with the School of Coding in Birmingham to offer a Digital Business Management Degree, and are preparing to make courses available under the Government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement – which aims to equip a wider range of students than ever before with the skills they need to succeed.”

In further successes in this year’s Complete University Guide figures, Harper Adams was ranked the second highest University in the UK for investment in facilities.

Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: “Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect what students care most about - teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.

"This year’s rankings show that the opportunity to attend a prestigious university has never been more accessible.

“Students who might previously have ruled out certain universities should look again. The right university is not always the one with the highest entry requirements; it is the one that is the best fit for you, your ambitions and your future."

Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer, IDP UK, said: "What stands out in this year's data is the breadth of opportunity across UK higher education. The fact that more universities in the top 40 are welcoming a wider range of students, while maintaining strong graduate outcomes, is a genuine positive for prospective applicants.”

M&S launches collaborative Farm of the Future Programme in drive to help farms achieve Net Zero

Harper Adams University — 15/12/2023

M&S has announced the launch of its new Farm of the Future programme, which aims to support livestock farmers to rapidly decarbonise, demonstrating leadership on the road to Net Zero.

The seven-year programme, which sees M&S collaborate with suppliers and Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming, will work with seven M&S Select Farms as ‘Farm of the Future’ focus farms across six key production sectors to identify and implement practical, on-farm activities that will help farms achieve Net Zero.

It will also create a supportive network, with access to advice and mentoring from recognised practitioners across the fields of agricultural sustainability, farm efficiency and animal welfare. Knowledge will then be shared across all M&S Select Farms and the wider industry.

The programme will cover the beef, lamb, dairy, chicken, pork and egg sectors, and aims to help the nominated farms to decarbonise and maximise wildlife and habitat creation. The programme will also provide the opportunity to identify where system change may be required, all within the context of continuing to produce the high-quality food that M&S is known for.

Head of Agriculture & Fisheries at M&S Food, Steve McLean, said: “As part of our sustainability action plan ‘Plan A’, we have committed to reducing our carbon footprint to net zero by 2040.

“Over 70 per cent of the emissions of our food business come from primary agriculture, particularly the livestock and ruminant sectors, so it is clear this needs real focus.

“We recognise the challenges this brings on farm, and the need to continue to produce affordable, high-quality food from sustainable supply chain relationships. We are committed to helping our M&S Select Farmers navigate these challenges, and this new initiative will enable us to support innovative approaches on seven of our M&S Select Farms, with the findings being shared across our whole supply base and the wider industry to help drive real change.

“We are committed to collaborating with our M&S Select Farmers, our suppliers and with Harper Adams’ School of Sustainable Food and Farming to deliver this exciting project and we are confident that this collaborative approach will deliver a step-change in the industry’s approach to decarbonising food production.”

And Simon Thelwell, Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, added: “A key part of the work the School of Sustainable Food and Farming does is centred around making sure that every part of our supply chain – from farm to fork – is kept up to date with the latest innovations, knowledge and training around sustainable agricultural production.

“Strengthening that relationship between farmers, retailers and centres of specialist knowledge such as Harper Adams University is mutually beneficial and helps drive improvement throughout the supply chain.

“With that in mind, this latest partnership with M&S, which places us at the heart of a key decarbonisation drive for the company, is excellent news – and we can’t wait to get started on the project.”

The M&S Farm of the Future programme is being delivered in collaboration with Cranswick, Skea Eggs, Dunbia, Scotbeef, Linden Foods, Müller and 2 Sisters Food Group.

It builds on the success of M&S’ Farming with Nature programme, which has focused on increasing biodiversity and long-term climate resilience in the fresh produce supply chain, as part of M&S’ wider Plan A roadmap to Net Zero.

Since launching in 2021, the programme has supported the trials of in-field Agrisound sensors, which use acoustic technology to measure pollinator abundance and support growers to deliver interventions to increase pollinator numbers. Following a successful trial in two M&S Select farms, this year, the technology has been scaled to a further 18 M&S Select Farms making up eight per cent of M&S growers.

University's commitment to business development highlighted in new knowledge exchange figures

Harper Adams University — 23/09/2025

An ongoing commitment by Harper Adams University to helping businesses tackle challenges is highlighted in today’s Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) figures.

For the past five years, KEF has provided a range of information on the ways Universities and other higher education providers undertake Knowledge Exchange – their work with partners such as businesses, community groups and more.

It measures the impact of this work, and how effective Universities like Harper Adams are when working with external partners.

Harper Adams University is part of KEF’s STEM cluster of specialist institutions covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The University has a long history of working with industrial partners to share its research and knowledge - and this year’s figures demonstrate the continuing success of this approach.

The latest KEF results show the university scoring maximum marks for very high engagement in the Working with Business category, significantly above the average for its STEM cluster - which sees most institutions achieving medium engagement.

The University also scores above the STEM cluster average in the local growth and regeneration metric – with a high engagement rating following recent developments such as its work with local businesses at Harper Adams University, Telford as well as through departments such as Harper Food Innovation and the Harper Business School.

Director of Business Development and Knowledge Exchange, Alastair Dawes, said “Engaging our innovative staff and students with industrial partners sits at the centre of our university strategy.

“As Shropshire’s University, we’re proud that our work makes a measurable difference to our regional and national partners – including Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Councils, as well as many businesses across the county and beyond.

“When we combine the expertise of that of external partners, the results are more than the sum of their parts – we’re supporting growth and helping them protect the planet for future generations.

“We welcome these latest KEF results that clearly demonstrate our commitment to UK industry.”

In the five years since KEF was established, Harper Adams has seen significant growth in its Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with businesses not only in Shropshire, but across the country – and is looking to work with other firms to grow this work even further.

Head of Business Engagement, Philip O’Neill, added: “Since joining Harper Adams University earlier this year it has been eye-opening to see the breadth and depth of relationships the University has with our current industrial partners.

“As you might expect from a University which offers courses in everything from data science to mechanical engineering and from robotics to food science, we have the expertise to help solve challenges in a wide range of sectors – as today’s figures have demonstrated.

“So if your business is facing a challenge, get in touch with us on businessengagement@harper-adams.ac.uk – and find out how our innovative approaches could support you.”

To see the full tables for Harper Adams from today’s Knowledge Exchange Framework results, please click here and select the University from the dropdown menu.

First wines from Harper Adams University's vineyard launched

Harper Adams University — 01/05/2026

Wine growers, sellers and more from across the West Midlands have come together to celebrate the launch of a unique wine – the first ever produced by Harper Adams University.

The new Buttery Hill Rosé is one of the first two commercially available wine ranges produced from grapes grown on the University’s own estate in Edgmond, Shropshire.

Frank Vriesekoop is a Professor in the University’s Harper Food Innovation department and was closely involved with the University vineyard’s development.

He said: “It is quite a fulfilling feeling - the fact that we planted a variety of vines in 2023, and by 2024 obtained a small harvest that yielded our first rosé wine from across all our varieties, is very satisfying. That 2024 rose is now bottled and available for drinking.

“Then, in 2025, we were able to achieve a proper harvest that has gone into three main batches for future wines. The first batch - a still white wine - has now been bottled and is an extremely pleasant dry-white.”

More than 1,100 vineyards are registered across England and Wales, and with a changing climate opening new possibilities for wine growing in regions such as the West Midlands, it’s hoped that Harper Adams can act as an anchor academic institution for viticulture in the region and beyond.

Professor Vriesekoop added: “The Harper Adams vineyard has been designed to do three main things – to be a classroom, be a laboratory, and be a production site.

“This allows the university to, firstly, develop and deliver hands-on courses.

“These enable people wanting to enter into the grape-growing and wine industry to be exposed to a wide range of grape varieties that are planted and pruned and maintained in a variety of ways.

“The Harper Adams vineyard is not a ‘one size fits all’ vineyard – the vine varieties range from very traditional to the more recently-developed vines that are highly disease resistant and will get to maturation in the climatic conditions of the Midlands.

“Secondly, it is set up to explore a range of vineyard management options that can be used in research projects, ranging from soil-related research to vines with different rootstocks, to rows of vines planted in different orientations, and so on.

“And finally, of course, the university will produce wines.

“These wines are examples of what future producers can exploit using different grape varieties, and the wines itself will offset the cost of maintaining the vineyard.”

A viticulture short course has already been developed by the University.

Among its aims is offering guidance farmers and landowners considering vineyard development as part of their diversification plans, with successful vineyards offering two income streams – through wine production and as tourist attractions.

Professor Vriesekoop added: “Having a teaching and research vineyard at Harper Adams provides the British wine industry – and those hoping to enter it – with an educational platform that is within reach, with no need to travel as far as previously to see and get that information.

“We purposely planted newer grape varieties that stand a much better chance to combat most common diseases encountered in grape vines, especially in a slightly cooler and damper country like the UK - when compared to most of Europe.

“This sets the scene to teach how to manage more modern grape varieties to produce grapes that will achieve maturity for the production of high-quality wines.”

The West Midlands industry already boasts a diversity of producers, with many represented at the sold-out launch of Buttery Hill Rosé - held at Shrewsbury Museum.

Among those who spoke during the night were two people representing vineyards set up by former students at the University.

Rowton Vineyard was set up by alumna Zoe Evans as her family farm near Shrewsbury sought to diversify, while Halfpenny Green Vineyard, in South Staffordshire, boasts three generations of the same family who are Harper Adams alumni.

Halfpenny Green was founded by the late Martin Vickers, who went on to help set up the Harper Adams vineyard four decades later in 2023.

His son, Clive, was on a producer panel at the wine launch, and said: “Here at Halfpenny Green, we’re proud of our association with Harper, which goes back to the late 1950’s when my late father attended, followed by myself in the 80’s and now my daughters Imogen, who has just graduated, and Emily - now in her second year.

“To have been involved in the development of the vineyard at Harper and now making the wine makes us extremely proud - however, what is more important is that the English and Welsh wine industry now has the chance to develop its skills in viticulture through courses at Harper.

“This is essential to the sector as vineyards spread ever further north.”

Innovative series of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships set to launch this year at Harper Adams University

Harper Adams University — 28/01/2026

An innovative series of partnerships linking Harper Adams University expertise with businesses across the country are set to launch this year.

The five new Knowledge Transfer Partnerships were agreed at the close of 2025 – and will see the University providing graduates to help solve firms’ challenges in the months ahead.

Head of Business Engagement, Philip O'Neill, said: “A Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a UK programme that helps businesses solve problems or develop new ideas by teaming up with a university.

“Businesses should think of it as a way to bring cutting-edge expertise into their organisation without breaking the bank - your business brings the challenge or opportunity, a University like Harper Adams provides the specialist knowledge, and one of our graduates works full-time on the project, based in your company.”

Each project is part-funded by Innovate UK, reducing the costs to each business involved, and can run from one year up to three.

Projects which will involve Harper Adams and its graduates in the coming year include:

Working with the Royal Entomological Society to develop a consultancy arm, delivering expert insect science services that support evidence-based practices in agriculture, conservation, and land management

Working with Epwin Window Systems PLC to develop advanced simulation capabilities for optimising uPVC compound blending operations using modelling and digital twin robotic technologies

Working with Sandfield Farms to create the world's first automated spring-onion line. The line will combine digital-twin simulation with bespoke robotics, halving labour whilst safeguarding quality for major retailers

Optimal Risk have partnered with Harper Adams University to support their Rural Safeguard programme, which aims to help communities, farmers, and responders make informed choices and take action to reduce rural crime.

and working with Tallis Amos to develop a new service which will integrate innovative pesticide and nutrient prescription mapping tools into the company’s portfolio of services for the agricultural sector.

Philip added: “Harper Adams University’s research and teaching has always been applied – meaning we take what we are doing out of the laboratory and lecture theatre and use it in industry.

“These Knowledge Transfer Partnerships move that work one step further – offering businesses an expert embedded in their company to work on a problem full-time, a graduate the chance to get a career-defining role, and Harper Adams a further chance to show how expertise helps drive forward innovation and economic growth.

“We’re always looking for fresh challenges like these – so if you’ve got a problem to solve or an idea you’d love to explore, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership might be the smartest way to make it happen.

“If you think there’s a way we could help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on businessengagement@harper-adams.ac.uk – we look forward to hearing from you!”

Exciting short courses unveiled at Harper Adams University Telford

Harper Adams University — 21/08/2025

A series of exciting short courses are set to run at Harper Adams University, Telford this autumn – with several ready for September starts.

The new courses are the latest to be announced at the University’s Telford hub which will also welcome the first undergraduates to its sute of digital degrees this September.

Operations and Business Co-ordinator Helen Walker said: “As Shropshire’s University, we’ve worked to develop these courses to answer demand from both people and businesses in the region.

“The central location of Harper Adams University, Telford offers means we can take full advantage of the town’s great transport links – and as we’ve expanded and developed our short course provision over the past year, we’ve been able to do so alongside some great Shropshire businesses.”

Upcoming this September are a six-week Leadership and Management course – acclaimed as ‘excellent’ by one of its initial graduates - and a short course analysing the Foundations of Project Management, both of which begin on September 16.

Also launching on September 16 will be an evening course - Eat Well, Live Better: An Introduction to Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing.

This four-week course is led by experts, including Harper Adams University academics, and is for anybody interested in food and nutrition.

Meanwhile, for those who might not see their core skills as that of a salesperson – but still find themselves needing to sell – a Sales for Non-Sales two-part programme will be launched in October and delivered by Sales Geek, specialists in sales training.

Helen added: “This is designed for those who might not be a traditional salesperson – such as designers, developers, engineers or those running their own business – and helps them identify potential customers, understand their needs – and close deals with assurance and ease.”

The programme begins on October 15.

Helen added: “As we add to our Short Courses, we want there to be something which appeals to everyone – though as you’d expect, we’re going to keep a keen focus on our region’s businesses.

“There’s definitely lots more to come – so watch this space!”

To find out more about Harper Adams University, Telford, and the range of short courses available for Autumn starts, visit: harper.ac.uk/telford

Future Fest community festival to welcome visitors to Harper Adams University this weekend!

Harper Adams University — 20/06/2024

A community festival for all ages is set to take place at Harper Adams University this weekend.

Future Fest will be held at the Harper Adams Campus in Edgmond this Saturday, June 22 – the same day as the University’s June Open Day.

With a wide range of music, food, education, and experiences for all the family, the festival will see the campus transformed – and offer attendees their chance to see an international art installation which invites its visitors to think about the effects of pollution.

Harper Adams Chief Global Impact Officer, Ian Rowley, who has been instrumental in shaping the festival, said: “Future Fest is all about community. Whether local, national, or global, we want to build connections through fun and learning that create a more sustainable future!

“We have got a wonderful day planned, ready to spark the imaginations of all ages – and to get them thinking about some of the challenges our world faces, and some of the ways in which we are going to solve them.

“Our festival will celebrate the incredible talent and produce we have in Shropshire, as well as feature some of the brightest minds fighting for a better planet – at Harper Adams, among our friends and partners, and beyond.

“There is also the chance to see and experience the thought-provoking pollution pods installation – which has featured in London, New York, Madrid, Melbourne, at the UN, the COP Climate Change conferences – and can now be seen in Shropshire for the first time.”

The Pollution Pods are a simple but effective idea by artist Michael Pinsky – a series of interlinked geodesic domes which replicate the air conditions in a series of environments around the world – showing the effects of pollution and letting people feel its effects for themselves.

The Pods have already been on the Harper Adams campus for several days before the festival, hosting school groups and educational visits – before festival visitors get to experience them on June 22.

During the day, there will also be a host of talks – from the science of happy cows to how to make great meals which cut food waste. There will be stages of entertainment and music, a farmers’ market, street food, the Future Food stage, presented in association with Harper Adams University and University College Birmingham, and the FutureEd Zone – full of fascinating education exhibits for younger festivalgoers.

The Harper Adams Future Farm will also be opening its doors for a special one-off event in collaboration with LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday. Self-guided tours offer visitors to see some of the animals, machinery and more on the farm – with interactive exhibits, demonstrations, games and much more.

The event has been backed by Headline Sponsor Oscar Mayer and is free of charge – with shuttle buses provided free of charge from Telford and Newport or pre-paid on-site parking for £5.

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “We are thrilled to launch our inaugural Future Fest and witness how these festivities will strength our connection with the local community, while also contributing to a brighter future for our planet.

“My heartfelt wish is that this festival leaves a lasting legacy, with its lessons and joys cherished for years to come. I sincerely hope you can join us on June 22!”

To find out more, and to register your interest in attending, visit: harper.ac.uk/FutureFest

Harper Adams University receives £500,000 high-tech learning and teaching funding boost from Office for Students

Harper Adams University — 27/11/2025

Harper Adams University is to invest more than £500,000 in high-tech equipment to boost learning and teaching in AI and Engineering over the next year.

The new technology, which will help the University bring its digital skills training and immersive simulation technology to more students and business, has been made available thanks to funding from the Office for Students.

At the University’s digital skills hub, based at the Quad in the heart of Telford, a £400,000 investment will develop Ai:MATES – a new Centre for AI in Manufacturing, Agri-Tech and Engineering Skills. The Centre will be a collaboration between Harper Adams University and fellow Quad tenant European Innovation.

Its high-specification IT equipment, including AI workstations, immersive learning pods, edge computing servers, and VR/AR devices – will boost teaching and learning in AI, data science, and applied digital technologies with the latest devices. The Centre will bring new learners into Harper Adams University, Telford’s town-centre base and expand the number of people in the region who can develop their skills at the University.

Meanwhile, at the University’s Edgmond campus, a further £150,000 investment will help expand the existing Collaborative Simulation Laboratory.
The laboratory helps to develop prototypes virtually, using advanced simulation techniques to test and refine products before physical versions are made. Already at the heart of engineering teaching and research at the University, it brings together researchers, students and industry - fostering innovation and meeting new agricultural challenges.

The OfS is providing project funding for 60 universities and colleges overall, including Harper Adams University.

Winning bids had to show how they could meet the government’s industrial strategy and build growth or meet the needs of local employers and regional economies. Each also needed to offer excellent value for money and support environmental sustainability measures as appropriate.

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “This funding will help us to deliver high-quality AI learning in the heart of the community we serve – and help businesses and organisations visualise and test products before they are even built.

“Together, they will equip the next generation of learners with the skills employers are telling us they need – and businesses with the confidence to develop products knowing their design has been optimised using the latest virtual technologies.

“While the Ai:MATES Centre will be based in the heart of an urban environment, we also intend to ensure its services are available to reach all kinds of communities – as the funding will enable us to offer remote access AI labs and cloud-based environments, which we will use to reach students in rural and under-served areas.”

OfS Director of Resources and Finance, Nolan Smith, said: “This year’s funding allocation will help a broad range of universities and colleges to ensure their students can access the facilities and equipment they need to succeed.

“This was a very competitive funding round, and the projects we are supporting will make a tangible difference to current and future students. As well as expanding opportunities for students in strategically important subject areas, these projects will offer a boost to local and regional economies and promote national growth.”

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “This government is committed to supporting colleges and universities as engines of opportunity and growth up and down the country.

“This cash boost from government ensures young people are using the most up-to-date tech and facilities, helping them to secure a future in the well-paying, highly-skilled jobs that are crucial for our Plan for Change.

“It will help build towards the Prime Minister’s target of two thirds of young people taking a gold standard apprenticeship or heading to university by the age of 25 – driving prosperity for families in every town and city.”

Harper Adams University announces launch of dedicated Unitemps branch

Harper Adams University — 25/09/2025

Harper Adams University has officially launched its recruitment agency - Unitemps Harper Adams.

The University joined the Unitemps network earlier this year, and the new agency will deliver flexible and efficient workforce solutions for students, graduates and local jobseekers.

Alastair Dawes, Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at Harper Adams, said: “Our partnership with the national Unitemps network further strengthens our commitment to equipping students with practical, real-world experience and the skills essential for long-term career success.

“By enhancing employability, we’ll be making a meaningful contribution to the future prospects of both our students and jobseekers across the local community.

“We’re committed to our region, and this investment, establishing a dedicated recruitment agency, further reinforces our work supporting employers across Telford & Wrekin and the wider county of Shropshire.

“Through our Unitemps branch, we aim to help employers address current skills shortages by providing fast, reliable access to a skilled and motivated workforce.”

Staff from the Unitemps Team will be based both in the Bamford building, on the University’s Edgmond Campus, and at The Quad, located in the Station Quarter area of Telford.

The team will be led by Branch Manager Jenice Forde, an outstanding recruitment professional who has held several senior positions, most recently as Regional Manager at Reed Recruitment in Manchester, recruiting talent in Engineering, Accountancy, Finance, Legal, Business Support & Sales. Jenice is a Harper Adams University Business Graduate.

Jenice added: “I am excited to lead Harper Adams’ Unitemps Branch. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the University and Shropshire’s employers to place our exceptional students and the local community in roles to meet their staffing needs.”

To find out more about Unitemps Harper Adams, visit: unitemps.com/branches/harper-adams-university/

Harper Adams remains leading University for undergraduate employment in new figures

Harper Adams University — 19/06/2026

A consistent focus on the prospects of its students has ensured Harper Adams has remained the leading University for full-time UK undergraduate employment.

Graduate Outcomes figures track how many UK-based undergraduates who completed their studies in 2024 are in work or further study 15 months later.

The latest stats have just been released, with Harper Adams leading the sector for the proportion of those graduating from their first undergraduate degree in full-time employment and with the lowest proportion unemployed.

Seven undergraduate degree subject areas at the University - Agriculture, Business, Environment, Sustainability and Wildlife, Food, Land and Property Management, Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Physiotherapy - each saw more than 90 per cent of respondents reporting they were in work or further study.

Four subject areas – Business, Food, Land and Property Management, and Veterinary Nursing – also had more than 80 per cent of respondents in full-time employment – compared to a UK sector average of 53.4 per cent.

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “The employment market is proving challenging for young people nationally, so to see our graduates bucking that trend is a testament both to the work we do to boost their employability – and, of course, to the calibre of those students themselves.

“With most undergraduate courses at Harper Adams offering students the chance to secure industry placements, by the time our many of those students come to graduation, they have not only learned about the industries in which they want to build their careers – they have already completed their first jobs in them.

“Our courses have also been designed with significant industry input, ensuring that we’re producing graduates with the skills employers want – skills which are then tested in the real world.

“It’s little wonder many of our students end up taking up roles with placement employers after completing their studies with us. Indeed, as leading higher education analysts WonkHE put it in their assessment of the figures: ‘if you want a job, study at Harper Adams.’”

Careers support at Harper Adams begins before students even take up their studies, with advice and guidance available at the University’s Open Days – and continues throughout their time at the institution and beyond.

Head of Careers and Employability Lisa McWilliams said: “While other universities are starting to move towards securing some kind of placement experiences for their students, it has been at the heart of what we’ve done for decades.

“This work takes time and effort, but as our consistent graduate employment figures show, that investment reaps rewards – for both students and employers.

“Our long track record of working with employers means in many firms, senior staff understand exactly the value of a providing a placement opportunity for a Harper Adams student– because they have undertaken one themselves.

“Each year, we hold well-attended careers fairs and Scholarship fairs for our students in the Autumn term – events which both students and employers are keen to attend.

“Alongside the significant work undertaken by the University’s Development Trust to offer Scholarships – many with industry placements – and a strong alumni network, this focus means our graduates leave University with the contacts, skills and experience they need to start making their mark in their chosen career.”

New courses are coming for adult learners to gain funded access to university education

Harper Adams University — 26/05/2026

Preparations are underway at Harper Adams University to launch more programmes designed deliberately for anyone balancing responsibilities such as work and family care, to give them access to university qualifications.

Government reform has created a new, more flexible student finance system that will give learners access to bite-sized courses as well as full-time university degrees and apprenticeships.

Harper Adams has been confirmed as one of the first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer the new courses.

Welcoming the news, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “Harper Adams was delighted with the Government’s plan to make access to higher education more flexible for future students. People are increasingly looking to how they can build their education and skills around other responsibilities, including work and family life. The Lifelong Learning Entitlement provides the way to do this.

“We're pleased to be within the first wave of providers to develop provision which will contribute to the delivery of the Government’s Industrial Strategy”

The system change is part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, which was set out in the government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper last year.

Harper Adams already offers a range of different ways to learn, including full-time programmes, apprenticeships, block study, and professional courses.

But the university understands that more options are important to people who need different ways to fit study around wider life commitments or who want to return to learning to upskill.

The funding of new, smaller courses means people can gain qualifications over time, allowing learners to proactively manage their study around existing important commitments. This means higher education will be accessible to many thousands more people.

Full-time degrees are composed of multiple modules and the new scheme will allow learners to buy into one module at a time, supported by student finance.

The scheme is prioritising subjects that will tackle skills shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.

Professor Lydia Arnold, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Digital) at Harper Adams, added: “We have been reviewing our course portfolio, identifying existing modules that can be accessed through this new funding approach.

“At the same, as we have been developing new undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, we have been considering ways to teach and support each module in a way that is accessible to learners needing flexibility.

“This includes the planned introduction of more online provision and a new Harper Adams MBA*, with starting points throughout the year rather than just at one or two points in the year.

“We also have a suite of new degrees being delivered in central Telford, focused on key digital skills in demand by employers and the Government: digital business, data science, robotics and automation.

“LLE eligible module options will be announced as plans progress, alongside guidance on how to apply.”

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “Financial support should be available whether you want to do a degree, take a short course, or retrain later in life. Our changes will make that happen, with the option to access student finance in any stage of life.”

Applications for student finance will open in September 2026, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027.

Under the new system, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160. This money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees over the course of their working lives.

Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs and funding will be provided in smaller amounts linked to the size of the course being studied, rather than only through full academic years.

People who already have a degree may still be able to access the new funding, either if they have remaining student finance available in their pot or want to retrain in certain priority subject areas.

*Want to learn more about the MBA when it launches? Register your interest here.

Student-led motorsport initiative unveils latest sponsor

Harper Adams University — 01/04/2026

A motorsport initiative based at Harper Adams University has unveiled a multi-disciplinary construction partner as its latest sponsor.

JPS Projects Ltd, which has bases in London, Manchester and Chesterfield, will be sponsoring Rallying the Wright Way, - and, in the process, helping to provide students with hands-on experience in preparing, maintaining and engineering competition cars, as well as the on-event logistics and operations of running a motorsport team.

The partnership reflects JPS Projetcs' commitment to supporting young talent and advancing careers within the engineering industry. Rallying the Wright Way offers a unique platform for practical learning and professional development.

Managing Director of JPS Projects Mark Ollerneshaw said: “JPS Projects are delighted to support Rallying The Wright Way and to back Charlie and the team for the season ahead.

“We hope our sponsorship helps provide that extra edge to put some wins on the board, while also supporting the invaluable real-world experience that can help turn ambition into reality for the fantastic young mechanics. Wishing the team every success for the season ahead.”

The company is a multi-disciplinary construction partner delivering fit-out, refurbishment and compliance projects across the UK, working with public and private sector clients, Tier 1 contractors and Facilities Management providers to deliver projects with clarity, control and confidence.

The M-Sport Fiesta R2T unveiled as part of the sponsorship detail is the first outing for its newly- updated brand, after a successful private equity investment before Christmas.

The partnership will provide significant support for the team’s activities throughout each competitive season, ensuring students in the RWW team are able to experience proper competitive rallies and extract the learning from them. It is also hoped the new link-up will allow JPS Projects to explore new avenues with Harper Adams University.

RWW Team Principal and Automotive Engineering alumnus Charlie Wright added: “It’s great to have such a successful company backing Rallying the Wright Way, The support of JPS Projects will help drive Rallying the Wright Way forward in many different ways.”

JPS Projects join a family of more than 11 partners who support the Rallying the Wright Way team – including Harper Adams University, M-Sport and Hills Ford.

Harper Adams University joins Forging Ahead partnership to unlock more commercialisation opportunities

Harper Adams University — 22/01/2026

Harper Adams - the UK’s premier educational institution for agri-food - has joined Forging Ahead Project, strengthening one of the UK’s largest university partnerships with world-leading agri-tech expertise.

The addition of Harper Adams takes Forging Ahead from 15 to 16 universities and will broaden cross-university collaboration across the Midlands.

Harper Adams University specialises in agri-food, agri-tech, animal wellbeing and their connected industries, and has built strong partnerships within these sectors.

With many of its students undertaking an industry placement year, these connections range from undergraduate opportunities to major international partnerships.

Collaborations with Innovate UK are seeing the University help farmers discover new income streams by harnessing waste slurry for new fertilisers, cut pesticide use by predicting slug behaviour, and build bespoke robots for tailored agro-ecology projects.

Its innovative and award-winning facilities and technical support are being sought out by businesses large and small already.

Its Collaborative Simulation Laboratory develops prototypes virtually, using advanced simulation techniques to test and refine products before physical versions are made. The Harper Institute of Technology is honing innovative agri-tech for sustainable agriculture and precision farming using automation and robotics - and its on-site Future Farm offers more than 400 hectares for research, innovation and teaching while also functioning as a commercial enterprise.

In the past 18 months, the development of both the University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and spinouts from its work have seen notable growth.

Harper Adams currently employs an award-winning Innovation Strategist whose work has seen her secure a place on the Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence scheme – and who is currently readying five different projects for market.

This work is set to continue with the imminent launch of Harper Enterprise, which will draw upon the University’s huge pool of industry-ready student talent, as well as the expertise of its staff, to develop further spin-out projects and business opportunities.

Forging Ahead is set to prove a key player in this work – not only helping Harper Adams reach an ambitious target of establishing more than 15 spin-out businesses per year, but enabling it to couple its unique strengths in research and development with other organisations, boosting the innovation ecosystem across the Midlands and beyond.

As part of Forging Ahead, Harper Adams academics and commercial teams will gain access to major, region-wide initiatives. These include:

A Peer-to-Peer learning programme encouraging knowledge sharing between universities, with events taking place throughout 2026
The ‘Commercial Champions’ network of external individuals with significant expertise who can lead and mentor spinouts
Expanding across the Midlands through funded places on entrepreneurial training opportunities - such as the Medici Programme - and other commercial pathways, which Forging Ahead is expanding across the region
Access to the Midlands Ecosystem Platform on Dealroom

The inclusion of Harper Adams to the partnership underlines Forging Ahead’s growing value and role as a major new force in the commercialisation ecosystem throughout the Midlands since its inception May last year.

Forging Ahead Project Lead and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation at Loughborough University, Professor Dan Parsons, said: “We are thrilled to have Harper Adams University join the Forging Ahead project. It broadens our impact in the West Midlands and brings specialist knowledge in critical areas, developing solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture, for example.

"Harper Adams will enhance and extend agri-tech knowledge already in our partnership: from the University of Lincoln’s Institute for Agri-Food Technology to the University of Birmingham’s Plant Science research, to name just a few examples.

"I’m excited to see how Forging Ahead can enable Harper Adams both to share and gain knowledge which supports greater commercialisation, all in aid of driving economic growth and impact in this sector for the wider region.”

Alastair Dawes, Director of Business Development and Knowledge Exchange at Harper Adams University, said: " Joining Forging Ahead will accelerate our ambitions to develop and grow more agri-tech businesses across the Midlands.

“We look forward to collaborating with other members of the partnership to bring impactful levels of growth, innovation and investment to our region.

“Our technical strengths in agriculture - from crops to new product development in food- robotics, AI, automation, simulation, and digital twinning will make us a valuable partner, supporting regional start-ups and other institutions to develop better products and services.”

Recruitment innovation sees reinvestment in local enterprise

Harper Adams University — 06/03/2026

An innovative new recruitment service is reshaping how employers across Telford and the wider Shropshire County access skilled staff, whilst ensuring that all profits generated are reinvested to fuel innovation and enterprise.

Unitemps Harper Adams was only formally launched at the University which shares its name back in September 2025 but is already rapidly emerging as one of Shropshire’s most forward‑thinking recruitment services. Positioned with a clear social purpose, it connects talent with meaningful opportunity, all while powering the next generation of local enterprise.

Jenice Forde, Branch Manager at Unitemps, said: “At the heart of our approach is a commitment to understanding the needs of local businesses.

“Employers benefit from a responsive, streamlined hiring process, a strong pipeline of motivated candidates, and a service that feels more like a long-term partner than a traditional agency. And the team’s mission is rooted in purpose as much as performance.”

“Every placement we make contributes directly to the university’s ability to invest in enterprise, research and innovation, and that benefits the whole of Shropshire.”

With Harper Adams recognised as ‘Shropshire’s University’ Unitemps strengthens its role as a catalyst for innovation, and creates a continuous cycle for talent, enterprise and opportunity.

This reinvestment model sets the service apart. Profits from recruitment are reinvested into initiatives that help students, graduates, and local industries bring new ideas to life. Funds support business incubation, research, industry collaboration and skills development programmes that have a tangible impact on the region’s economic resilience.

For employers, the benefits are twofold, access to high quality recruitment support and the knowledge that their partnership is helping to drive regional growth.

“We’re here to support businesses with the talent they need today, but also to strengthen the region for tomorrow,” Jenice added.

Any businesses looking to learn more about the Unitemps service are invited to connect with Jenice, or her colleagues Helen Walker or Amelia Fleet + 44 (0)1952 815207 or email unitemps@harper-adams.ac.uk

Fully-funded new business short courses launched by Harper Adams University, Telford

Harper Adams University — 02/12/2024

Harper Adams University, Telford has launched two fully funded short courses in business: Leadership and Management, and Foundations in Project Management.

The Shropshire-based University – founded in 1901 - is bringing its renowned expertise and strong industry connections to its new digital hub in The Quad, in Station Quarter in the heart of Telford.

Designed for those passionate about making an impact in the real world, these courses focus on upskilling employees, enhancing workforce capabilities, and driving economic growth and fiscal stability for businesses in Telford and Wrekin.

Rebecca Payne, Head of The Harper Adams Business School, said: “Harper Adams are proud to collaborate with Telford & Wrekin Council to deliver these transformational short courses.

“They offer delegates an opportunity to access knowledge and skills that will increase their personal effectiveness and support the development of a more focused business. It is hoped that those participating will consider accessing apprenticeships as a route to effective growth - which benefits not only the individual and the business that employs them but contributes to a vibrant and growth-oriented local economy for the borough.

The short courses will equip individuals with essential leadership or project management skills, such as tools to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and foster clear communication. This not only boosts productivity but also empowers employees to navigate challenges more effectively, ultimately leading to higher quality outcomes and greater organisational success."

With a balanced flexible format and personalised one-to-one support, these courses offer an excellent opportunity to boost careers by highlighting a commitment to professional growth. Attendees will receive expert-led training from seasoned Higher Education and industry professionals, and the chance to create connections with businesses in the local area.

Companies interested in investing in their employees and business through these courses can register their interest today by emailing telford@harper-adams.ac.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

They are delivered by Telford & Wrekin Council as part of their £5.8million UK Shared Prosperity Fund* allocation that will aim to help local people to secure jobs and/or move them closer to employment; and in supporting young people to increase engagement and participation levels in education, employment or training.

*The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. 

The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities, supporting local businesses and people and creating new skills.

For more information, visit the UKSPF prospectus here.