The University of Kent and Fenwick have formalised a new partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that marks an exciting new chapter in collaboration between higher education and the corporate world, building on shared ambition and mutual benefit.
At the heart of the partnership is the creation of opportunity for students, the city and both organisations. It opens doors for student employability, creativity and work-based learning, while supporting ‘Belonging’ at Kent: the Sanctuary Fund, which helps asylum seekers access higher education through scholarships, and the Kent Opportunity Fund, which aids students facing unexpected financial hardship. Fenwick’s platform, customer community and in-kind support will broaden the reach of both.
Glamour with purpose
The partnership got off to a spectacular start with the ‘Threads and Legends: Past, Present and Future’ runway show, celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary with a catwalk inspired by six decades of fashion and music. ASPIRE entrepreneurs, student designers and performers took centre stage, with fundraising for the Sanctuary Fund and the Kent Opportunity Fund bringing the partnership’s social purpose vividly to life. Inclusive, creative and a huge amount of fun; it was a compelling demonstration of what this collaboration can achieve.
Activities underway and in the pipeline include student-led product design. Students from the School of Arts and Architecture will have the chance to work to a real commercial brief, designing greetings cards and gift wrap for Fenwick stores, alongside events, brand engagement, digital content and seasonal employment opportunities for Kent students. ASPIRE student start-ups will also have a platform to showcase their brands with pop-ups in store.
Meanwhile, Fenwick will partner university events, providing glamour, fun and support, starting with We Are Kent-the Diamond Weekend, this month.
The collaboration launched in style at The Gulbenkian Arts Centre, with a VIP screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2: + The Red Carpet Experience, an immersive and dazzling evening that offered a glimpse of what this partnership will deliver. Special touches included a Red Lip Service from Fenwick concessions, a Gulbenkian Youth Theatre troop of ‘paparazzi’ shouting for autographs, student ‘Threads & Legend’ models from across the campus, and student David Okotie recording interviews live at the scene.
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Kent, said: “Employability and creativity are at the heart of our student experience at Kent. In partnering with Fenwick, our diverse, talented and enthusiastic student community will engage in more depth with a business that is rooted in the city of Canterbury. We are especially proud that this collaboration will directly support students through the Sanctuary Fund and Kent Opportunity Fund, while also opening up creative and employment opportunities for our students.”
Maria Barnfield, Fenwick Canterbury Store Director said: “We are proud to partner with the University of Kent and its vibrant community of more than 18,000 students, strengthening our connection with the local community through this collaboration. Supporting students and young people across Canterbury is incredibly important to us, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to creativity, opportunity and nurturing the future talent of the region.”
Partner with us
The Fenwick partnership is a model for what corporate collaboration with the University of Kent can look like. If your organisation is interested in exploring a partnership or sponsorship opportunity with the University, please contact Samantha Scott Marques at S.Scott@kent.ac.uk.
Businesses interested in supporting the University’s arts and cultural programme can also explore the Director’s Circle, a corporate membership offering exciting brand engagement alongside the opportunity to support the Gulbenkian Arts Centre and its innovative high-quality arts programme.