Coventry University receives royal recognition for going the extra mile during the COVID-19 pandemic

Coventry University is one of only 25 organisations to receive a prestigious UK Business Hero title for their work in the city and region during 2020.

Supported by Her Royal Highness, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, the British Chambers of Commerce created the UK Business Heroes campaign to recognise the incredible work undertaken by UK businesses to support the local community.

Coventry University was nominated for the award by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce due to the impact its COVID-19 response had on a local, national and global scale.

In addition to the PPE equipment donated, dozens of healthcare students volunteered to help the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire on the front line. The organisation also raised thousands of pounds to support the most in need and put in place community initiatives such as Cooking Connections Coventry.

In Rwanda, research from an existing project focused on increasing access to sustainable energy to displaced populations facilitated the establishment of a temporary field hospital.

Longer term, research into the economic impact of the pandemic is helping to ensure the future of creative freelancers, while a new scheme has been launched to help leaders of small businesses in the West Midlands and beyond survive and thrive as they deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more about our research and community projects.