The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester has been shortlisted for the Duke of York Award for University Entrepreneurship at the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards 2017 for the second year running.

The university has a well-established enterprise programme, which supports students who wish to start their own business alongside their study.

The finalists were chosen from the hundreds of businesses that entered or were nominated across 18 award categories.

The Duke of York Award for University Entrepreneurship recognises the work of universities to encourage, prepare, and enable entrepreneurial opportunities. The award was designed to inspire and measure university commitment to entrepreneurship across set criteria.

Katy Duke, head of enterprise at the RAU, said: "The RAU is proud to have been shortlisted for the Duke of York Award for University Entrepreneurship for a second year running and it is testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved in our Enterprise Programme over the past 10 years.

"The RAU has developed a strong entrepreneurial focus and we are committed to enhancing the real-life business experiences available to our students."

Described as 'the Oscars of great British business' by David Cameron, former Prime Minister, this year's prestigious award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 14, at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, where the winners will be revealed.

Tom Broughton, group brand director of the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards, said: "Given the economic uncertainty over the past year, it is inspiring more than ever to see British businesses prosper.

"Through a thorough and comprehensive judging process, this year's selected finalists demonstrate exceptional quality and diversity across a range of business sectors within the UK."

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