Sponsors of the 2026 Placement Performance Awards
Sponsors of the 2026 Placement Performance Awards
Harper Adams Business Placement Performance Awards 2026
Earlier this month Hugh & Becky had the honour of returning to Harper Adams University to present the Annual Placement Awards. While the competition for these awards is famously tough every year, the 2026 finalists raised the bar yet again.
Three superstars truly rose to the top, showcasing a level of talent and grit that reaffirms why we continue to champion this institution and its students.
A Partnership Built on Shared DNA
Our sponsorship of these awards isn’t just a corporate gesture; it’s a reflection of our long-standing history with Harper Adams. We have a team built from Harper Adams Alumni, who have watched the university grow and evolve, yet one thing remains constant: the Harper DNA.
The resilience, practical intelligence, and work ethic we see in today’s students are the same traits that have defined Harper graduates for decades. It is this unique character that makes the university the heartbeat of our industry.
The Power of the Placement Year
At its core, a placement year is a transformative bridge between theory and reality. It’s where students find their feet and shape their identities as future industry leaders.
For our team, this is personal. Many of us took this same journey. For our CEO, Hugh Pocock, his placement year had a huge impact on his career:
“The independence I developed and the lessons I learned during my own placement have had a profound, lifelong impact on my career. Seeing that same spark in this year's winners was a powerful reminder of why this year in industry is the most critical part of the curriculum.”
Becky Erskine, a more recent graduate, commented on her placement year:
“Harper Adams University provided me with opportunities that have shaped my career, giving me an international perspective of the industry and broadening my perspective of the world. The networks forged by this year's winners of the Placement Awards, both during their time at university and on their placement year, will provide lifelong value. It was inspiring to see the pride of their parents and the students' enthusiastic support for one another.”
What Defines a Winner?
Selecting this year’s victors was no easy feat. However, four defining themes separated the winners from a very talented pack:
- Resilience & Grit
- Measurable Impact
- Operational Problem-Solving
- Personal Evolution
Looking Ahead
To our three winners – Sian, Millie & Katie – huge congratulations. To every student who completed their placement: you should be incredibly proud.
We sponsor these awards because we believe in the future of this industry, and after spending time with this cohort, it’s clear that the future is in very capable hands.
