SERC Finalist for Prestigious Green Gown Awards

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has been announced as a Finalist in the prestigious Green Gown Awards which recognise educational institutions, both large and small, who have made a difference in sustainability.  

SERC, shortlisted for the Enterprise category, is the only Northern Ireland college of further education to reach the finals and faces competition from across the UK and Ireland from City of Glasgow College, Galway-Mayo Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Warwick.  

Innovation Advisor Natasha Lloyd said, “I am delighted that the College's pioneering approach to fostering sustainable Enterprise amongst students has been recognised with a place in the finals. Our sustainable student companies and Project Based Learning is guided by SERC themes which are eminently sustainable. It has been tremendously exciting to work as part of the team creating and delivering a range of initiatives across the College and helping students implement their enterprising solutions which benefit both our planet and society.”   

Deputy Head of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Lizzie Buick said, "I was overjoyed to receive the wonderful news that SERC has been selected as a finalist for SERC’s Sustainable Student Enterprise Programme. The Enterprise team, Entrepreneurs’ Club, Innovation and our vibrant student companies that proactively engage in best practice for a truly sustainable planet, are most deserving of this position."   

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive said, “I am absolutely delighted that SERC has been selected as a finalist in the Enterprise section of the 2020 Green Gown Awards for its “SERC Sustainability Student Enterprise programme”.  This is a great accolade for the SERC Entrepreneur Club and the Enterprise Team and over 80 student companies that are working so tirelessly to develop their business ideas and in a more sustainable world. I wish them well in the finals.”  

The Enterprise category, one of 12 for organisations, recognises the important role social enterprise, social media and sustainable enterprise can play in ensuring that education leavers can rise to the 21st century's economic, environmental and social challenges. Enterprise skills such as creativity, innovation, resilience, opportunity recognition and self-determination and entrepreneurial skills are crucial for new business generation.  

The 2020 Green Gown Award Winners will be announced in March/April 2021.  

Caption:
Pictured L-R, Megan Rollins, Rachel Innes, Charlotte Buick, Natasha Lloyd, Lizzie Buick, Dearbhla Knight of SERC's Enterprise and Entrepreneurship team. Their work on a number of enterprise initiatives including development of student companies helped secure the College a Finalist place in the prestigious Green Gown Awards which recognise educational institutions from across the UK and Ireland who have made a difference in the area of sustainability. SERC is the only Northern Ireland college of further education to reach the finals.