Back Back

Black Country students scoop Richardson business prize

19/10/2018
Mark-richardson

Two Black Country based undergraduates from the University of Wolverhampton have been rewarded for their academic achievements and community spirit, courtesy of the Richardson family. 

Mark Smith, 23 from Wolverhampton has been chosen as the inaugural winner of a £5k bursary, whilst Kavana Gangappa, 20 from Wolverhampton will benefit from a month long internship with Richardson’s at their offices in Oldbury and London.

A panel made up of university lecturers and Richardson representatives interviewed shortlisted business studies students at the beginning of October and were very impressed by all of the undergraduates.  However Mark and Kavana stood out not only because of their academic prowess but also because of their involvement in the local community. 

kavana-richardson

Chris O’ Connor, investment director of RCL Partners speaking on behalf of the Richardson Foundation, said: “The Richardson Foundation was delighted to work with the University of Wolverhampton to support two bright and ambitious students at the start of their business careers.   As a business that was established in the West Midlands but now has interests across the UK and around the world, this is a great opportunity to help nurture future talent and for the family to continue its backing for the region.”

Professor Clare Schofield, Director of the Business School at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are so proud of all the students that took part in the presentations and are absolutely thrilled for Mark and Kavana.  As the University of Opportunity, we are committed to creating fantastic opportunities for our students to increase their skills, knowledge and experience to enhance their career prospects and we would like to thank Richardson for supporting Business School students in this way.”

Mark Smith is studying for a BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance at the University of Wolverhampton Business School. He was chosen to receive the Richardson Bursary because of his academic achievement, his professional ambition and the care that he demonstrated for supporting the people of Wolverhampton through his part time job.

Kavana Gangappa is also studying a BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance. Her strong work ethic, her focus on supporting the community, her excellent academic grades and her vision for the future all made her stand out to receive an internship with Richardson.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands will present Mark and Kavana with their prizes at a business leaders’ dinner at Hagley Hall on Tuesday 16 October.

Further information

Date issued: Thursday, 18 October 2018

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

Share this release

Related Stories