Marks and Spencer Retail Challenge
Students from our MBA programme have got involved in several competitions this year. One was the Marks & Spencer Retail Challenge, and the SBS team – Team Anasun - was one of the finalists along with teams from Warwick, Cranfield, and Lancaster.
The competition began on April 11 at M&S headquarters in London where students were asked to develop their ideas for a product or service which would represent M&S as the world-leading sustainable retailer.
For the following two days the teams were mentored by senior M&S staff, and Team Anasun - Achyut Gandham, Amit Bhargava, Suchi Mathur and Viju Thomas - were mentored by Jonathon Hazledine, Head of Energy.
On April 13, the final round was carried out in a 'Dragon's Den' style. The judging panel, chaired by David Grayson, included Mike Barry (M&S), Mick Blowfield (LBS), Kresse Wesling (Elvis and Kresse), Miranda Ballard (Muddybootsfood), Rebecca Smithers (The Guardian) and Dax Lovegrove (WWF).
Sadly, Team Anasun didn't win, but reported that they found it a rewarding experience.
The Guardian covered this story, and you can read the article here.