Author: Russell Parton

Comedy legend Omid Djalili is this month trading jokes for oaks to celebrate the tree that powers nature in the UK. The British-Iranian comedian, actor and writer has kicked off ‘Oaktober’ – a month-long campaign by Climate Basecamp and the University of Exeter’s Nature and Climate Impact team – with a brand-new comedy sketch featuring climate activist and rapper Louis VI.  The UK’s 170,000 oaks support the life of around 2,300 species – more than any other native…

The University of Exeter is delighted to announce alumnus the Rt Hon Sir Sajid Javid as chair of its new fundraising campaign, which will launch in 2026. Sir Sajid (Economics and Politics, 1991, Hon LLD 2025) will lead Exeter’s ambition to secure £150 million in philanthropic donations, and secure 150,000 volunteering hours by the end of the decade, in support of the University’s ‘2030 Strategy’ to create a Greener, Healthier and Fairer future. Full details of the campaign…

A group of researchers have published new methods to help the financial sector recognise the importance of nature to economic and financial stability. Introducing a special issue of journal Ecological Economics, Professor Ben Groom from the University of Exeter Business School said the financial sector largely fails to consider the economic and financial risks posed by biodiversity loss. Assets including equities, bonds, loans, and other financial instruments he said are vulnerable to ecological disruptions that undermine the long-term…

The University of Exeter Business School’s MSc International Business has been named among a select group of 20 exemplar programmes. The programme has been included in the new Hinrich Foundation Guide to Master’s in International Business and Trade 2025-2026 alongside top programmes in the US, Europe and the rest of the world. The guide aims to help prospective students find programmes that prepare them for successful careers in international trade, measuring them against industry-defined criteria for cross-border business…

Employers believe a new degree apprenticeship will accelerate career progression and bridge the divide between traditional finance roles and the demands of an evolving sector. Senior business leaders last week visited the University of Exeter for the induction of students on the new Accounting Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme. Delivered by the University of Exeter and AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), the programme is unique in offering both academic and professional accounting and finance qualifications. Apprentices work towards…

The University of Exeter Business School’s Master’s programmes have improved their placing in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026. The annual rankings highlight postgraduate programmes with strong links to industry, positive alumni outcomes and excellent return on investment. They assess a range of indicators including diversity, employability and thought leadership. The Business School’s programmes enjoyed success, either improving or maintaining their year-on-year ranking position. Both MSc Marketing and Finance ranked in the top 100 programmes globally, and the online MBA, part…

Experts have called for the UK government to overhaul its decarbonisation strategy for small and medium-sized businesses. In a study published in the journal Energy Research and Social Science, they criticise current green initiatives for failing to deliver lasting emissions cuts despite receiving £1.57 billion in support from the European Regional Development Fund from 2014-2022. Interventions have been too focused on short-term quick fixes such as getting SMEs to switch to LED lightbulbs rather than more transformative, practice-orientated…