York Merchant Adventurers champion student innovation at York St John University

York Business School at York St John University and the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York are collaborating for a second successive year to champion young entrepreneurs.

The Merchant Adventurers’ Business Innovation Award will be awarded to a York Business School student for the most impactful and commercially focused consultancy project.

The award connects students to a network of some of the brightest business minds in York. It is open to all final year students who have undertaken Business Clinic consultancy projects for their research investigation module in 2024 to 2025.

Operating from the University’s Lord Mayor’s Walk campus, the Business Clinic provides free advice and innovative solutions to support local enterprise. It is staffed by business students across multiple courses and disciplines, mentored and supervised by knowledgeable and experienced academics.

After undertaking their research, writing it up and submitting it, students will work with Sarah Czarnecki, Director of York Business Clinic and the current President of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, to produce a final consultancy project for a client.

In October students will then present their consultancy project findings and recommendations to a judging panel of the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York. The Merchant Adventurers date back to 1357 and seek to identify, encourage and inspire young entrepreneurs.

Sarah Czarnecki said that students will need to display a strong business-focused mindset and will be evaluated on their business acumen, innovation, insight and strategic focus.

“York Business School is delighted to have this opportunity to partner with the Merchant Adventurers to provide an opportunity for our students to demonstrate their innovative ideas, impact and engagement with local businesses,” said Sarah, herself a member of the Merchant Adventurers. 

“The Merchant Adventurers’ Business Innovation Award presents a unique and exciting accolade for the winning student to take into their future business career.”

Brigadier Jim Richardson MBE, Clerk to the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, said:

“The Merchant Adventurers established themselves nearly 700 years ago to promote and grow trade and commerce in the City of York. 

“We also have a long and proud history of supporting education within the city, ranging from primary schools through to both of our universities. 

“We are delighted to be partnering with York St John University to support learning and provide this opportunity for students from York Business School.  We hope the Merchant Adventurers’ Business Innovation Award will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and give students some real-life experience to springboard their careers.”

Last year’s Merchant Adventurers’ Business Innovation Award was won by student Elena Hurley, BA (Hons) Management and Entrepreneurship at York St John University, for her idea for a new horror-based tourist attraction in York.

Read more about the Business Clinic’s consultancy services on our York Business Clinic page.

Photograph: Brigadier Jim Richardson MBE and Sarah Czarnecki.