Wolverhampton students scoop Richardson business prize

The pair of business students at the University of Wolverhampton have been rewarded for both their academic achievements and community spirit, courtesy of the Richardson family.

Mark Smith, aged 23, has been chosen as the inaugural winner of a £5,000 bursary, whilst Kavana Gangappa, 20, will benefit from a month long internship with Richardson’s at the family firm's 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 impressed by all of the undergraduates.

However Mark and Kavana stood out not only because of their academic prowess, as they study for a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, but also because of their involvement in the local community.

Mark, originally from Willenhall, now lives in Wolverhampton with his partner where he works two days a week on the telephone helpdesk at council housing association Wolverhampton Homes.

"I'd worked for Wolverhampton Homes for a couple of years before I decided to go back to university," said Mark. "They've been really good about allowing me to reduce my hours. I love the job, helping people with their calls about rent, repairs, or their neighbours. And I love my course at the university – it's great.

"I want to become a chartered accountant eventually, hopefully working for one of the big four accountanties. I really enjoy crunching numbers.

"I'm not sure what I am going to do with the £5,000 yet, it still hasn't sunk in"

Kavana comes from Bangalore in India but stays with family in Wolverhampton during here studies. Four days a week she works a 3am to 5am shift at Sainsbury's, picking groceries for internet shopping orders, before heading off to the university's Business School. "I walk about 11,000 steps every shift," she said.

"I'm really looking forward to the internship at Richardsons. I've also got a £250 prize, which is about eight days' pay.

"I want to become an investment banker eventually," she said. When she returns home to see her family in India, Kavana is involved with a programme to inspire youngsters still in school.

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, added: “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.”