University receives top score in two key areas in latest KEF results

The University of Huddersfield’s connections with local businesses and its support for graduate start-ups have seen it continue to perform well in the latest set of Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results.

The framework benchmarks universities’ community and business engagement across a range of activities that focus on how higher education institutions contribute to economic growth and societal benefit across England.

The University of Huddersfield scored particularly well this time in the categories ‘Graduate start-ups’ and ‘Working with businesses’, where it was graded as having Very High Engagement, the highest score possible within KEF.

Among the graduate start-ups to have benefitted from help from the University’s Enterprise Team within the Research and Innovation Directorate are Heaven is Hell Apparel Ltd — an independent clothing brand delivering premium quality apparel for people who have a passion for the skate and music scene, and Markeb Media Ltd — a real estate media company providing innovative, high-quality media solutions to enhance property listings.

Success in engaging with businesses has been supported by the University’s strong Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) portfolio, which has also helped a diverse range of local businesses, including firms such as Trio Media, Puffin Packaging and Woodcock & Wilson. The University’s work with these companies puts innovation and growth at the heart of a mutually beneficial relationship.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE commented: “I am delighted at this further strong endorsement for the University’s work with business, other organisations and the public, both locally and further afield. The KEF outcome today helps confirm the important role the University plays in the economy and society.”

Now in its fifth year, KEF was designed by Research England to shine a light on how different universities collaborate with businesses, communities, and public services. It enables institutions to track their progress, benchmark performance, and make smarter decisions about how they share knowledge and innovation with the world.

It translates complex data, this time from 2023/24, into clear performance insights across seven key areas, making it easier for universities, government, and the public to see where impact is happening, and where it can grow.

The key areas it tracks are Research Partnerships; Working with business; Working with the public and third sector; Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and graduate start-ups; Local growth and regeneration, IP and commercialisation and Public and community engagement.

KEF results have been published annually since its first iteration in 2021.