Monthly Archives: June 2024

News

Euros and Ascot point towards record-breaking user growth for UK gambling industry

A new analysis of sports betting apps on the Google Play Store by app growth solutions company, SplitMetrics, predicts that the sector may see its strongest ever month in terms of new users due to the Euros and Royal Ascot coinciding.
SplitMetrics found that the UK’s other major horse racing events – The Grand National and Cheltenham – led to download numbers increasing by an average of 69% in the week leading to the races. On average new download numbers in 2024 for the UK’s top 17 gambling apps on Android were 79k per week, however, the Grand National saw 124k and Cheltenham 143k – the highest download weeks of the year by a considerable margin.
Similarly, the first week of World Cup 2022 saw 122k downloads – with 369k recorded over the course of the tournament.
The gambling industry as a whole has seen a strong start to the year with downloads up by approximately 30% compared to 2023.
These factors could combine to see the UK’s top seventeen gambling apps registering their largest month on record and, with the Olympics still to come, put the industry on course for its largest year of growth ever.
The top 17 sports gambling apps analysed through the App Radar by SplitMetrics platform, experienced an approximate 15% increase in Android downloads in the two weeks running up to the start of Euro 2024 (3-16 June 2024) when compared to the same period in 2023 (110k vs 96k downloads).
The apps that added the most Android downloads in those two weeks are bet365, Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Coral and Ladbrokes.
Overall, sports betting apps reached an estimated 20 million lifetime downloads on 16th June 2024. These apps have gained an estimated 2 million new users in 2024 up until 16th June.
The top five apps in terms of lifetime downloads are bet365, Sky Bet, Paddy Power, William Hill and Ladbrokes.
Thomas Kriebernegg, General Manager, SplitMetrics Agency, said: “Our new study shows that major UK horse racing events lead to a dramatic increase in downloads for gambling apps – almost the same number per week as we see for huge global events like the World Cup.
“The combination of Royal Ascot, the Euros, and the high growth rate of the gambling app industry this year could combine into a perfect storm – generating unprecedented new customer numbers. With the Olympics also coming up, 2024 could easily become the biggest year for customer growth in the smartphone era.
“Each download represents a new user for these businesses which, if converted to long-term customers, would have a huge impact on their bottom line. An accessible and seamless user experience will be a big factor in whether these apps will be able to retain the new users and convert them into loyal customers.
“Big global events bring a lot of potential new customers to different parts of the app market but they also bring a lot of competition. Businesses that invest in smart, targeted marketing can differentiate themselves from their competitors. It’s also an opportunity for smaller businesses to punch above their weight and supercharge their growth.”
Business, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Transport, Transport Tech

Veezu returns to Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club as club sponsor

VEEZU, south Wales’ leading private hire platform, is returning as the club sponsor for Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club’s upcoming season.

 

Whitchurch Heath has four Senior league sides and a thriving youth section that runs teams at ages under 9, 11, 13 and 15. They are dedicated to playing competitive cricket in a welcoming, inclusive and social atmosphere in the north Cardiff suburb.

 

This marks Veezu’s third year of sponsoring the club through its ‘Funded by Veezu’ programme, an initiative in which organisations, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

 

The sponsorship will go on to fund day-to-day expenses such as ground maintenance and equipment.

 

Peter Bryon, Whitchurch Heath Chair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Veezu once again and are very grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to WHCC. This sponsorship is invaluable to us as we can invest in the club’s grounds and facilities to improve the overall experience for our members.”

 

Sally Krouma, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We are very excited to be continuing this partnership and supporting Whitchurch Heath in their upcoming season. Funded by Veezu is all about reaching out to our local communities and supporting them in any way we can. It’s wonderful to see another great organisation benefit from the programme, and we look forward to seeing this partnership develop even further.”

Property

We need a new ministry of housing to tackle property crisis – expert

The next Government should create a Ministry of Housing and encourage MPs of all parties to work together to solve the country’s property crisis.

That’s the verdict of one of the country’s leading property experts – who says the next Prime Minister needs to make housing a priority from day one.

Jonathan Rolande, the founder of House Buy Fast, said: “We can’t say for sure who will be heading into Number Ten. But there is one issue which millions of people can agree on, and that’s the importance of addressing the country’s housing crisis.

“There is a chronic shortage in the supply of new homes which is denying an entire generation the right to own their own property.

“This, in turn, is leading to rental prices in some areas soaring to new highs. We are now seeing situations, regularly, where dozens of people are fighting to let a very average property for a staggering sum, just so they can get a roof over their head.

“This isn’t sustainable.  And it’s not acceptable. That’s why the very first priority from day one, for whoever wins the Election, must be to start building new homes. That is the first thing I’d like to see.

“The second, which will be key to ensuring those homes can be built, is a root and branch review and transformation of the planning application system that stifles builders. We need policies which ensure builders can get spades in the ground.

“Third, I’d like to see the next Government create a new Ministry for Housing and have cross-party involvement within it. Politicians should all agree that we  need more affordable housing and they should be working together, outside of party politics, to deliver it.

“Four, we need a housing minister who is in it for the long haul. In the last decade we’ve seen countless ministers come and go. The removal van outside the Housing Minister’s office has been doing overtime. We need stability and a long term strategy that delivers change and which provides solutions to our housing crisis.

“And, finally, we need to provide more incentives to encourage older homeowners to downsize. Whether that’s through stamp duty or tax benefits, we urgently need to find a way to ensure retired homeowners who want to move – can.

“Again and again I see cases where older homeowners are interested in moving and potentially releasing a property that would be snapped up quickly. But many are put off by the process and the associated costs of moving. When they sit down and crunch the numbers they decide downsizing is too difficult to justify. We need to change that.”

Business News, FInance

Swansea Building Society Joins Forces with Finance Advice Club to Enhance Advisor Network

In a move to enhance its advisor network, Swansea Building Society has partnered with Finance Advice Club (FAC), a distinguished whole-of-market network specialising in Mortgages, Loans, and Protection. Through this partnership, Swansea Building Society will now process mortgage applications from advisors linked to FAC, expanding the financial options and expert advice available to its clients.

This partnership strengthens Swansea Building Society’s position in the market and reinforces its dedication to delivering exceptional service and support to customers. Dedicated to prioritising client needs and delivering exceptional service, Finance Advice Club brings a wealth of expertise and resources to the collaboration.

With a strong emphasis on compliance and training, Finance Advice Club offers full compliance support to all advisors and appointed representatives, ensuring a safe and worry-free environment for all stakeholders. Extensive and in-depth training provided by FAC equips advisors to deliver the best possible service to clients while continuously improving themselves professionally.

Established in 1923, Swansea Building Society – with offices in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen and Cowbridge – is one of only three remaining mutual building societies in Wales and the only one with its headquarters in South West Wales. The Society’s latest figures have shown it achieved record double digit growth in its total assets, mortgages, savings and capital. As of December 31, 2023, it had total assets in excess of £607 million.

Richard Miles, Swansea Building Society’s Head of Savings & Marketing / Area Manager East, said:

“We are delighted to join forces with Finance Advice Club to extend our reach and better serve our customers. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to providing tailored financial solutions and exceptional service. By partnering with FAC, we can broaden our network of advisors and offer our customers even greater choice and convenience.”

Matt Cassar, Managing Director of Finance Advice Group, added:

“We are thrilled to welcome Swansea Building Society to our network of trusted partners. This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity for both parties to leverage their strengths and deliver enhanced value to clients. By working together, we can provide advisors with access to a diverse range of mortgage, loan, and protection products, empowering them to better meet the evolving needs of their customers.”

News

Xalient rated as one of UK’s Top 100 founder-led, fastest-growing companies for the third consecutive year

Xalient, a leading managed services company specialising in the convergence and holistic management of identity, cybersecurity, and networking, has today been recognised as one of Britain’s fastest-growing, founder-led private companies in the FEBE (For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs) Growth 100 in 2024 for the third consecutive year.

Recognising Xalient Among the Top 100 Founder-Led Companies

The FEBE Growth 100 celebrates the 100 fastest-growing founder-led companies in the UK. In our third year of publishing the G100 we recognise the companies who have achieved a hattrick, those who have been in the list for three consecutive years. Xalient is one of only six companies to claim this incredible achievement. In what has been a difficult few years for businesses, achieving three years of such high growth is simply amazing and a testament to the inspirational founders and the teams they have built. Congratulations to Xalient, Sherry Vaswani and her team, we are so proud to have you in the FEBE family.” Charlotte Quince FEBE co-founder.

Speaking on the achievement, Charlotte Quince, FEBE co-founder, said: “The FEBE Growth 100 celebrates the 100 fastest-growing founder-led companies in the UK. In our third year of publishing the G100 we recognise the companies who have achieved a hattrick, those who have been in the list for three consecutive years. Xalient is just one of only six companies to claim this incredible achievement. In what has been a difficult few years for businesses, achieving three years of such high growth is simply amazing and a testament to the inspirational founders and the teams they have built. Congratulations to Xalient, Sherry Vaswani and her team, we are so proud to have you in the FEBE family.”

Sherry Vaswani, founder and CEO at Xalient, added: “We are delighted that Xalient has made the FEBE Growth 100 list for a third consecutive year. Since establishing the company in 2015, Xalient has gone from strength to strength, expanding the client base across the globe and growing the company organically and through three successful acquisitions. I believe this success is deeply rooted in our people, who believed in our founding vision and have worked hard to bring our goals to fruition.”

Xalient’s Journey of Growth and Innovation

In 2015, Sherry Vaswani established Xalient based on a trend that she noticed of more companies moving applications to the cloud, cybersecurity threats becoming more sophisticated, and more people working remotely. Having identified this opportunity in the market, Vaswani realised that the company could compete with larger traditional players globally. Within two years of commencing operations, the UK-headquartered company added companies like Kellogg’s and Keurig Dr Pepper to its list of clients and has since expanded its operations to the US, Benelux, bases in Europe, India and more countries. However, before expanding its operations, Vaswani appointed a Chief People Officer to find the right people to join her on her journey and to establish the culture that the company prides itself on today.

FEBE Growth List Criteria

To be considered for the FEBE Growth list, companies must meet particular requirements. These include sales that are between £3m and £200m. The company must have been trading for a minimum of three years and have achieved an operating profit in the latest financial year. It is also critical that the founder(s) are still involved in the organisation.

Further to the entry criteria, FEBE aims to celebrate entrepreneurship, recognising the companies that inspire, create, and drive positive change.

Commenting on the new FEBE Growth 100 List, FEBE co-founder Charlotte Quince said: “We’re excited to publish this year’s Growth 100. However, FEBE is so much more than a list. We are a network determined to empower and support one another.”

The ultimate ranking of the 100 companies was data-driven, with companies ordered by compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in sales over the last three financial years. Businesses were initially selected by either nominating themselves or through FEBE contacting them directly, as well as by accessing publicly available financial information.

About FEBE

FEBE, co-founded by Charlotte Quince and John Maffioli, was born to celebrate true entrepreneurship by focusing on the founders behind incredible businesses. FEBE’s partners are PwC UK, Lawrence Stephens, Pictet and Universal Partners. For more information, visit www.febe.com

About Xalient

Xalient specializes in the convergence and holistic management of identity, cybersecurity, and networking to deliver secure connectivity within a zero-trust framework.

Offering world-class Identity solutions and services including IGA, PAM, customer identity, access enforcement and IAM solutions, Xalient also delivers transformative software-defined networking, cybersecurity technologies and managed services.

Established nine years ago to challenge traditional secure networking markets, Xalient has earned recognition as an award-winning global IT consulting and managed services provider.

Headquartered in the UK, with additional offices in the USA and across Europe, Xalient boasts a client roster including industry leaders such as Kellogg’s, Avis Budget Group, WPP, and Keurig Dr Pepper.

Innovation drives Xalient’s approach, exemplified by MARTINA, an AIOps tool designed to provide visibility and predictive monitoring, now empowering enterprises worldwide.

Xalient helps make the world’s largest brands more secure, resilient, adaptable, and responsive to change.

*Xalient was named among Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2024 by Financial Times and Statista for the third consecutive year.

News

North Wales venue aiming to become first net zero social club in UK

A POPULAR social club which poured its efforts into becoming net zero is reaping the rewards.

Ewloe Social and Community Club has successfully lowered its carbon footprint after receiving a grant from the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund.

The Fund is delivered by Antur Cymru Enterprise with the backing of Pathway to Carbon Zero Ltd and Litegreen Ltd in collaboration with Flintshire County Council.

The club, which has been a mainstay in Flintshire since 1938, used the money to bring in experts to carry out a Carbon Reduction Feasibility Study, which highlighted areas in need of improvement.

Solutions included an insulated roof, alternative heating, a switch to renewable energy and PV solar battery storage.

Club secretary Paul Roberts said: “This support helped us to identify exactly what we needed to do to make this a viable operation for the future, a sustainable building for the local community and more energy efficient.

“The funding for the feasibility study was absolutely key to the decision-making process which has seen us install solar panels, insulate the roof and walls, and eventually we will look to fit automated doors.”

He added: “It has made a financial difference to us as we were spending thousands of pounds trying to keep the club warm, and it’s much more comfortable for our members and visitors.

“We have more and more organisations now using this space, which is of benefit to the whole community.

“Our aim is to be the first net zero social club in the UK, and we are on our way – we will keep working hard to get there.”

The club is already generating almost 21,000kwh of renewable energy annually, according to installers JM Renewable Solutions, equating to £5,858 of free electricity per year.

Aimed at organisations in Flintshire, the Carbon Reduction Feasibility received £297,294 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with grants available for businesses to access specialist advice on how to become a more sustainable organisation, as well as offering guidance on equipment, buildings, energy use and systems and methods that will reduce their carbon footprint and help increase profitability.

Fund Manager Rowan Jones said: “We are thrilled to see how the feasibility study led to positive change for Ewloe Social and Community Club.

“Importantly, it gave them guidance on what strategy and approach to take, and since redeveloping the site and adopting more sustainable methods they have already seen the financial, social, and environmental benefits.

“The substantial carbon and cost savings will improve the long-term sustainability and viability of the venue, and we wish them good luck on their journey to becoming net zero.”

For more on the Carbon Reduction Feasibility Fund, visit www.anturcymru.org.uk/flintshire, email flintshirefund@anturcymru.org.uk or call 01352 871298.

Alternatively, follow Antur Cymru Enterprise on social media at @anturcymruwales or visit the website: www.anturcymru.org.uk.

Visit Ewloe Sports & Social Club in Deeside (ewloesportsandsocialclub.co.uk) for the latest news from Ewloe Social and Community Club.

AI, Coaching, E-Coaching, News

Virtual coaching, AI and Coachbots – is this the future of coaching? Six new innovations from The OCM

Virtual coaching is becoming increasingly prevalent, and the potential of AI is a major emerging trend, according to The OCM’s Consultant Coach-mentors Sarah Tennant (pictured above) and Jon Horsley who share their top trends for the future of professional coaching.

Their views are supported by the findings of a report, “Coaching: Maximising Business Impact,” which is collaboration between The OCM and the Corporate Research Forum (CRF), that highlights the transformative role of technology in coaching, plus the rise of AI-driven Coachbots and immersive technologies, such as avatars in virtual reality environments.

Sarah said: “Coaching has become more accessible, reaching employees at various levels within organisations. Virtual coaching is significantly more common since the pandemic, and remains an important delivery mode, with research showing it is just as effective as face-to-face coaching. Technology is also transforming how coaching is organised. On demand coaching is part of this, and providers are making use of comprehensive online platforms to deliver, manage and evaluate their services.”

Jon Horsley

Jon added: “We see democratising access to coaching as a good thing, as there is still a place for high-end coaching provision.  However, it is important to be wary of hubris – Kodak was a pioneer in film photography, but it failed to recognise the digital revolution. The company clung to its traditional film business, underestimating the rapid adoption of digital cameras and smartphones. We must not underestimate the impact and potential of AI, and we are currently exploring potential solutions in this field.”

The OCM highlights five key trends and their implications for organisations.:

Expanded use of coaching – Organisations have increasingly turned to coaching over the past few years, and the research suggests that CRF members expect investment in coaching to continue to rise over the next two years. They highlighted a growing trend to use coaching with more thought and planning, particularly to advance organisational purpose and strategy, and complement executive development programmes.

Human-centric approach – Accelerated by the pandemic, there is a growing emphasis on reconciling personal well-being with organisational objectives, acknowledging the importance of holistic development and bringing the whole person to work. Leaders need to be more self-aware, authentic, resilient and comfortable with showing vulnerability. It also requires them to engage their employees around these qualities. The boundary between coaching and therapy, not always clear, is increasingly seen as a spectrum, with qualified practitioners offering a blend of coaching and therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness and stress management.

Strategic alignment and systemic thinking – Organisations are recognising the need to align coaching with broader strategic objectives, viewing coaching as a way of driving cultural change and support talent development. To use coaching in support of strategic intent requires standing back and thinking systemically about designing and delivering executive and/or team coaching programmes, by aligning coaching with a wider strategy or problem to solve, or a desired change. There is also a trend in using coaching within executive development programmes, to align coaching with organisational goals and foster leadership resilience in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world.

Team coaching – Focusing on “the leader as hero” and ignoring the fundamental role teams play in ensuring business success, is a big mistake. This has led to a focus on team coaching, requiring new and more sophisticated skills for coaches in managing group process and group dynamics. The accepted view that effective team coaching requires stability in the team and in the environment is being challenged by the realities of a VUCA world.  Balancing internally and externally facing perspectives is therefore critical.

The line manager as coach – Equipping line managers with coaching skills is key to ensuring effective management relationships, increasing staff performance, retention, motivation and satisfaction. The OCM has worked with many organisations seeking to shift behaviours and culture. They find providing these skills leads to managers being able to:

  • Empower teams and free up time for line managers to move away from getting too involved in the day-to-day detail.
  • Take a situational approach to conversations with reports, along a spectrum of directional to non-directional approaches.
  • Understand how to adopt a coaching approach in their day-to-day roles without adding time or complication.
  • Develop the core skills of listening and asking effective questions.
  • Build capabilities to provide constructive feedback to promote growth.
  • Foster a mindset shift towards enabling self-driven problem-solving.

 

Sarah added: “These themes illustrate the evolution of coaching over the past decade and offer insights into the future trajectory of the coaching profession, with the need for practitioners to adapt, innovate, and maintain quality standards in the face of technological advancements and market changes.”

For more information on The OCM visit: www.theocm.co.uk/

Business Advice, Lifestyle & Travel, News, Wellbeing

“Life opens when you are courageous” – The Merits of living a Global Adventure

Martin Leo-Uvizl, a seasoned business strategist, has crafted a remarkable lifestyle spanning continents, blending work with a profound sense of adventure and cultural exploration. Originally from Vienna, Austria, Martin embarked on a transformative journey that led him from the confines of a prescribed life to the shores of Hawaii, where he carved his independence as a windsurfing instructor.

Martin’s resolve to live a life defined by courage and entrepreneurial spirit remained steadfast despite the emotional upheaval within his close-knit family and the challenge of societal expectations. ” I will not have a life of safety,” he asserts, drawing inspiration from adventure literature and his experiences as a surfer, where risk and perseverance became his guiding principles.

“I love what I do,” Martin emphasizes in his conversation on the Moving Countries 101 podcast with Clare Kay, reflecting on his decision to pursue his passion for travel and diverse experiences. His global adventures not only enrich his personal growth but also provide fertile ground for entrepreneurial insights, highlighting the freedom of perspective that fuels his strategic acumen.

Martin’s story serves as an invitation to explore deeper into the wisdom and experiences that have shaped his extraordinary life, inspiring others to embrace the possibilities of courage, adventure, and personal fulfilment.

—

Clare Kay showcases personal stories through her conversations with people who have moved overseas. The popular (and free to watch) podcast focuses on helping people who are planning to move countries (no matter the location), sharing useful, actionable advice both before and after you make the move.

It’s a must-follow for anyone who is interested in or is planning on living and working overseas. Follow here:

 

Podcast Links:

You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:

 

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

 

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

 

 

Food & Drink, Gardens, Hospitality, News

Hydes pubs summer ready following £1M beer garden makeovers

Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes is ready to welcome customers to its beer gardens, patios and terraces after investing over £1M across its pub estate.

As part of its ongoing pub refurbishment programme which has seen over £10M pumped into its estate since 2022, the family-owned business has enhanced many of its outdoor spaces, carrying out makeovers which have seen investment in smart new decking, patios, planters, benches and furniture, Nordic-style tipi extensions and outdoor screens and heaters. There’s even an innovative beer barn at The Joshua Bradley in Hyde which can be used exclusively for weddings and events.

Hydes pubs also have a packed programme of summer events taking place with successful garden parties having already taken place at a number of venues including The Joshua Bradley in Hyde and The Jolly Thresher in Lymm. The Golden Lion in Rossett is preparing to host its sixth annual spectacular Summer Festival on 24-26 August featuring free live music and entertainment across two stages plus a great selection of summer drinks and delicious fresh food.

The Stamford Bridge at Chester is also hosting Stamford Summer Live Garden Party on 27 July with food and drink, family entertainment and live music in the spacious beer garden. The pub restaurant also has a retractable roof for customers who don’t want to take any chances with the weather!

Throughout August, a series of family-friendly party in the car park events are planned at the Quarrybank in Timperley, Horse & Farrier in Gatley and The Plough in Ashton on Mersey.

Just last month, Hydes relaunched The Mount Inn in Boughton, with a new look following a full exterior and interior refurbishment.

Timed to be completed ahead of the forthcoming summer of sport including the Euros, the refurbishment of the popular local pub, acquired by Hydes in 2016, includes an extensive exterior redecoration to feature a tiered multi-level beer garden with new decking and a terrace overlooking the River Dee, complete with new garden furniture, planters and features. The exterior makeover has more than doubled the previous capacity of the outside seating area and has already proved a great success with regulars and new visitors.

Managing director of Hydes, Adam Mayers commented: “Every summer we have a packed programme of garden events at Hydes pubs as we know our customers love to enjoy the outdoors. So whether it’s enjoying a refreshing pint in a sun-kissed beer garden with friends, taking in the spectacular views of the North Wales countryside, attending a mini Glastonbury-type music festival or enjoying lunch in one of our Nordic inspired tipis, there is something for everyone this summer at Hydes. That’s why we continue to invest in our pubs, ensuring that our customers have a memorable and enjoyable visit and will want to return, again and again.

“We’ve invested heavily in our pub estate and remain committed to supporting our establishments, helping them to make the most of the summer weather. After the last few years, we’ve recognised that outdoor spaces such as beer gardens and terraces have never been more important. Our beer gardens investment programme is specifically designed to help our pub managers maximise the opportunity and we do everything we can to support and encourage activity outside that will boost business.

“Investment has dramatically transformed lots of our pubs’ outdoor spaces, providing comfortable, welcoming spaces for people and communities to come together and enjoy a pint, a bite to eat and quality entertainment in a space that can be enjoyed all year round.”

With its brewery in Media City, Hydes was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the north west of England and North Wales.

To find out more about Hydes Brewery visit https://www.hydesbrewery.com/

Education, Europe Travel, Lifestyle & Travel, Travel

With an average saving of £6,000 per year, should more UK students opt to study in Europe?

2024 study reveals the UK’s tuition fees are a staggering 65% more expensive than in Europe

Xpatfone, a UK-based virtual phone number provider, empowering students to maintain their UK numbers abroad without incurring roaming charges, has conducted a comprehensive study, aiming to compare the costs of studying in the UK versus Europe and identify the top European universities that excel in cultivating the next generation of business leaders.

On average, studying in Europe £6,000 a year cheaper than studying in the UK

Country of University Tuition Fees start from (per year unless stated): Tuition Fees start from per year (£)
Switzerland CHF805 £692
Italy €950 £767
Spain €1,320 £1,125
Austria €726.72 per semester £1,239
France €2,770 £2,360
Germany €3,000 £2,558
Finland €4,000 £3,411
Belgium €4,175 £3,557
Netherlands €6,000 £5,112
Denmark €6,000 £5,116
Sweden SEK 80,000 £5,881
Norway* NOK 80000* £5,907
United Kingdom £9,000

According to data from TopUniversities, the average annual cost of studying in major European countries is just over £3,000, significantly lower than the £9,000 average in the UK. Switzerland offers the most affordable option, with courses starting at an impressive £690 per year, while Norway, the most expensive country to feature in our list, has courses starting at £5,900, still £3,000 cheaper than in the UK. This cost disparity may explain why UNESCO statistics show that around 40,000 UK students choose to study abroad each year.

Top European universities generate almost 300,000 CEOs & Managing Directors

 

Utilising data from The Times Higher Education’s list of top European universities and LinkedIn alumni profiles, Xpatfone’s research highlights the origins of future CEOs and Managing Directors. The study analysed LinkedIn profiles of alumni from the top 106 European universities offering English-speaking courses, covering graduates from 2000 to 2024. Remarkably, out of the 7,078,063 alumni studied, 298,758 (4.22%) have ascended to roles as a CEO or Managing Director.

 

University ranking based on “Times Higher Education” University ranking based on “Times Higher Education” without UK and Ireland universities University Country of University Total Alumni based on LinkedIn 2000-2024 Total of CEO’s & MD’s based on LinkedIn 2000-2024 Total % of CEO’s & MD’s based on LinkedIn 2000-2024
=139 =93 Copenhagen Business School Denmark 112,406 14,063 12.51
63 43 University of Lausanne Switzerland 3,464 308 8.89
48 32 University of Basel Switzerland 28,284 2,235 7.90
=114 =75 Università della Svizzera italiana Switzerland 12,909 1019 7.89
=114 =75 Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT Finland 21,434 1,678 7.83
=139 =93 University of Innsbruck Austria 30,539 2,373 7.77
45 29 University of Bern Switzerland 34,632 2,660 7.68
=139 =93 University of Tartu Estonia 30,338 2,265 7.47
25 16 University of Zurich Switzerland 63,903 4,734 7.41
84 57 University of Mannheim Germany 42,790 3,025 7.07
=114 =75 TU Wien Austria 39,079 2,659 6.80
=87 =59 University of Münster Germany 50,056 3,245 6.48
=91 =62 Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa Italy 5,984 386 6.45
4 1 ETH Zurich Switzerland 68,428 4,379 6.40
=114 =75 University of Hohenheim Germany 19,948 1254 6.29
37 24 Free University of Berlin Germany 438 27 6.16
=57 =37 University of Hamburg Germany 58,879 3,624 6.15
=114 =75 University of Oulu Finland 28,749 1,733 6.03
=91 =62 Aalto University Finland 56,383 3,363 5.96
69 47 University of Cologne Germany 59,805 3,531 5.90

Link to full results

Copenhagen Business School in Denmark leads the charge with a significant 12.51% of its alumni reaching top executive positions, despite being ranked joint 93rd by The Times Higher Education. Notably, the school outperforms others in cultivating leaders, underscoring a discrepancy between academic and professional achievements.

Swiss universities producing the next business leaders 

Not only do the Swiss offer affordable tuition fees, the study also reveals a strong performance by their universities when it comes to producing CEOs and Managing Directors. Universities such as the University of Lausanne, University of Basel, and Università della Svizzera italiana notably feature in the top five, highlighting Switzerland’s exceptional role in fostering business leadership.

Conversely, some highly academically ranked institutions like the University Paris-Saclay in France show a divergence in their expected influence on business leadership, ranking 9th by The Times Higher Education but 105th in Xpatfone’s survey for producing the next business leader.

This study reveals a significant financial incentive for UK students to pursue their education in Europe, with an average annual savings of £6,000. The research also highlights the remarkable success of European universities in producing future business leaders, with nearly 300,000 alumni achieving CEO and Managing Director positions since 2000. This comprehensive analysis underscores the value and impact of European education on both cost and career success, providing valuable insights for prospective students.

Xpatfone’s Co-Founder, Ed Clayton, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating,

 “Our study highlights the compelling financial benefits for UK students to study in Europe, saving an average of £6,000 annually. Moreover, our research underscores the exceptional ability of European universities to produce future business leaders, with nearly 300,000 alumni advancing to CEO and Managing Director roles. 

If you’re a student planning to take this exciting step in your learning, we can help you stay connected with friends and family. We offer a UK phone number that works seamlessly abroad without any additional charges.”

 

About the research:

 

About Xpatfone

With Xpatfone, you can continue using your UK number seamlessly abroad without worrying about any extra charges. 

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Xpatfone includes unlimited UK mobile and landline calls and texts, in case you need to phone home. Upgrade to our Solo Pro package to add extra countries and features.

UK RINGTONE, WORLDWIDE

Callers hear a UK ringtone, no matter where you are, and don’t pay any extra. And there’s no need to change phone numbers with banks or insurers. With Xpatfone you can receive verification codes on your UK number.

KEEP YOUR CURRENT UK NUMBER

Move your current UK mobile number to Xpatfone and save on costly contracts and roaming fees. Then take it back to your UK operator if you return to the UK. Or get a new number if you prefer!

WORKS INTERNATIONALLY

Backed by a UK Mobile Network, Xpatfone works seamlessly over your local 4G or Wi-Fi connection wherever you are in the world. Better yet, unlike with roaming, you don’t pay to receive calls.