We would like to draw attention to the Call for Evidence currently open as part of The Maple Review, an independent, government-backed review examining the economic barriers faced by individuals when starting and growing a business in the UK.

The Maple Review seeks evidence from a wide range of contributors, including organisations, educators, researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and individuals with lived experience. Submissions may include research, data, evaluation findings, case studies, policy insight, or personal and organisational perspectives that highlight barriers to entrepreneurship and enterprise, as well as effective approaches to addressing them.

The evidence gathered through this process will inform the Review’s analysis and final recommendations, which are expected to be published in Spring 2026. The Review has emphasised the importance of inclusive participation and welcomes submissions in alternative formats to support accessibility.

We encourage members of our network and wider stakeholders with relevant expertise or experience to consider contributing to this Call for Evidence.

For further information, including submission guidance and deadlines, please visit the Maple Review website: https://maplereview.uk/call-for-evidence

Applications for Track Chairs are now invited from EEUK Associate Members who are interested in participating actively and making a significant contribution to IEEC2026 in an engaging and interesting way. This will involve chairing one track throughout the conference. 

Track Chair benefits include: 

• A free full delegate place for all three days of IEEC2026 (excluding the gala dinner) 
• Professional recognition as a subject matter expert in a leadership role 
• Networking opportunities, interacting with leading academics, practitioners and influencers 
• Enhancement to a professional academic CV 

Track chairs will: 

• Review all session submission proposals via the Ex-Ordo platform 
• Decide on acceptance of session proposals after review 
• Liaise with presenters in advance of their presentations (TCs must be willing to share their email address with session proposers and presenters in order to deal with queries. 
• Chair seminars, workshops, immersive sessions or lightning talks in their allocated track (or arrange for a deputy if presenting themselves), assisting the presenter/facilitator to achieve an appropriate balance of presentation/interaction/discussion
• Gather summary information from sessions and feed back into the conference conclusions, highlighting any key themes/takeaways to benefit the wider enterprise and entrepreneurship community 
• Select the ‘Best in Track’ winners at the conference 

Full details of all tracks can be found on the IEEC website here).   

TRACK CHAIR SELECTION PROCESS 

Track chairs should have significant expertise within the relevant track. IEEC are seeking to appoint two chairs per track, one of which should be research active in a relevant area.  

We are seeking a diverse range of chairs representing all three of the EEUK Professional Pathways (Academic, Practitioner, Influencer) and including a range of backgrounds and experience levels.  

EEUK is committed to making IEEC as inclusive as possible. We actively encourage applications for Track Chair from individuals of all backgrounds including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and socioeconomic status. 

To apply to be a Track Chair at IEEC2026, please complete the application form here by 13th February 2026.

Applications will be anonymised before being presented to the assessment panel, and the EDI questions will not be shared with the assessors (these will be used solely for EEUK’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity monitoring purposes). 

The Assessment panel will consist of members of the IEEC2026 Academic Committee who will select two Track Chairs (plus one reserve) for each Track. 

We expect to be able to inform applicants of the assessment outcome in early March.  

Please get in touch with Sal Edwards, IEEC2026 Project Manager, by email at sal@enterprise.ac.uk with any questions. 

Call for Advisory Council Members

EEUK is seeking to renew the membership of the EEUK Advisory Council. This body exists to support the Board of EEUK and to act as a strong link between our member organisations and the Board of Directors.

The Advisory Council meets once per year to provide the Board with valued recommendations on strategy, operations and any other issues which are considered important to the organisation and its membership. Insight from council members may also be sought throughout the year via email, surveys or focus groups.

In addition to EEUK Fellows and Honorary Fellows the Council is made up of a representative from each member organisation, and it is these representatives that we are seeking to renew. Once appointed, Council members will serve for a period of three years.

Council members should be in a position to understand the broad value of EEUK to their employer and should have a strong understanding of the range of outcomes supported by Enterprise Education.

Prospective Council members may nominate themselves using the form below by the end of January 2026. Prospective members are expected to seek support from within their organisation before nominating themselves. Where more than one nomination is received from a member organisation EEUK will seek a democratic mandate from all registered* Associate Members from that organisation.

*Associate members are deemed to be registered by signing up to our mailing list.

The full terms of reference for the Advisory Council can be viewed here.

Call for co-hosts – online, hybrid and in-person events 

Deadline for expressions of interest: 28th February 2026

(Early responses may be considered before the deadline)

Enterprise Exchange Events are EEUK’s flagship professional development activities, offering members the chance to share, learn and connect around best practice in enterprise and entrepreneurship education. For the upcoming spring, we are inviting EEUK member organisations to get involved in shaping and hosting events in new and more flexible ways. We intend to run a mix of online, hybrid and in-person events during 2025. 

Aims of Enterprise Exchange events 

• Share and gain practical, ready-to-use insights in enterprise and entrepreneurship education 

• Showcase innovative practice from across the UK and beyond 

• Connect with a vibrant network of educators and changemakers 

• Collaborate, co-create, and drive impact together 

What is in it for the host? 

Enterprise Exchange events provide an opportunity for EEUK members to take the lead on these activities and showcase their own enterprise education activities. 

• EEUK supports all event planning, marketing, and delegate communication. 

• Up to £1,000 is available to cover in-person delivery costs such as catering. 

• Full platform and technical support is provided for online and hybrid events. 

• Events are promoted nationally, increasing your organisation’s visibility and reach. 

• Hosting offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your expertise and facilities. 

Who can apply? 

Only EEUK member organisations are eligible to apply to be event co-hosts. 

This year we are offering three clear ways to participate, designed to reflect how many of our most successful events have come together in practice, through collaboration, shared ownership, and responsiveness to member ideas. 

1. Venue Host
   Perfect for those wanting to support without leading, you can offer to host an event by simply providing a venue. This does not require you to develop or deliver any content, just help us bring people together. Instead, your role would be to provide the space, support onsite AV, and help arrange catering (which we fund). This approach is ideal for members who want to support the community and enable events to happen in accessible locations across the UK.
   
2. Suggest Topics and Content Ideas
   Got ideas we should explore? Tell us! This route is ideal for members with strong insights into what the sector should be talking about, even if you are not ready to deliver a full event yourself. We are looking for suggestions that go beyond a headline theme, share your perspective on what is interesting, timely or important to cover. If you are also willing to contribute a session such as a panel, talk, workshop or similar, even better, but it’s not essential. You do not need to plan a whole event, just help shape it.
3. Propose a Full Event
   If you are ready to take the lead, you can propose a complete event. You will be responsible for developing and delivering an event in partnership with EEUK. We will provide support with planning, marketing, registrations and delegate communications, as well as up to £1,000 to support in-person delivery costs. Online and hybrid events will be hosted via EEUK platforms, and we will provide full tech and comms support. 

All three routes offer great opportunities to raise your organisation’s profile, connect with peers, and influence the conversation in enterprise and entrepreneurship education.  

How to apply 

You can express interest via the relevant online form: 

• Venue Host 

• Content Lead 

• Full Event Proposal 

Get involved, shape the conversation and inspire change. We are excited to build a diverse, engaging and member-led series of events and we hope you will be part of it. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the EEUK team at connect@enterprise.ac.uk

All applications are assessed by EEUK

EEUK is proud to announce its partnership with Freelancer Club, CHEAD (Council for Higher Education in Art & Design), and NAHEMI (National Association for Higher Education in the Moving Image) to support the launch of the Freelance Education Think Tank – a strategic, sector-wide initiative to strengthen freelance education in UK higher education.

Freelancing is no longer a niche route for graduates, it is a growing and vital part of the modern careers landscape. Increasingly, students and graduates are turning to freelance work for its flexibility, creative autonomy, and purpose, while also navigating financial pressures and systemic barriers to traditional employment.

However, despite this growth, support for freelancers within higher education remains inconsistent. The Freelance Education Think Tank aims to address this gap by:

• Bringing together a coalition of pioneering universities and organisations;

• Co-developing a national Freelance Education Framework; and

• Building shared standards, tools, and approaches to embed freelance education across teaching, enterprise activity, and career development.

This initiative represents a major step towards recognising and supporting freelance and portfolio careers within the HE ecosystem, ensuring that students and graduates are equipped not just to survive, but to thrive in an evolving world of work.

While the inaugural Think Tank event is now at capacity, plans are already underway for a national launch in early 2026, open to institutions across the UK.

As an EEUK member, you will be among the first to hear about upcoming opportunities to engage with this initiative and contribute to shaping the future of freelance education.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved.

Louisa Huxtable-Thomas (Swansea University) is inviting contributions for a forthcoming book, Cases on Entrepreneurship and Leadership, to be published by Edward Elgar.

This new volume will bring together short, co-produced case studies developed in collaboration with industry, offering practical insights into entrepreneurship and leadership in real-world contexts.

Louisa is seeking around 20 high-quality cases that represent a diversity of experiences, sectors, and perspectives.

If you are interested in contributing or would like to discuss a potential submission please get in touch directly. Louisa welcomes enquiries from educators, researchers, and practitioners keen to share their work.

Find full details of the call here: Edward Elgar Call for Cases on Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Editor: Dr. Louisa Huxtable-Thomas, Swansea University

International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference 2027
Enterprise Educators UK is inviting members to apply to host the 21st  International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference in September 2027 – #IEEC2027.

Described as “The Friendliest Conference”, IEEC is where the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education community comes together.

IEEC is a highlight of the international enterprise and entrepreneurship education landscape providing the major annual forum for enterprise educators, start-up support practitioners, innovators and influencers to come together, share and learn. The conference is outward-looking, engaging delegates from across the world with the opportunities and challenges of ensuring that enterprise and entrepreneurship education are at the forefront of solving global challenges .

The conference draws upon both policy and practice to enable delegates to contribute to informing international, national, and institutional practice and strategy. The conference is practical in tone and provides a real opportunity for open debate and frank discussion between educators, practitioners, and stakeholders in this sector.

IEEC2027 represents a fantastic opportunity for an organisation to raise its profile on the international stage through its association with this world leading enterprise and entrepreneurship education conference.

Conference Aims:

• To extend and strengthen the enterprise and entrepreneurship educator and practitioner community
• To build a development agenda for change across the sector and to inform the policy debate for shaping the future for enterprise and entrepreneurship education

Conference Dates

Our preferred dates for IEEC2027 are Wednesday 8th to Friday 10th September 2027. 

Opportunities for the host and platinum sponsor

Annually, IEEC brings together around 300 delegates from countries across the globe for specialised keynotes and a wide range of practice-based workshops. This provides:

• A national and international platform to showcase the host organisation, its best practice in enterprise and entrepreneurship education and support for young/graduate entrepreneurs
• Opportunities to contribute to the design and ongoing development of the conference programme
• Opportunities to engage your institution with the Enterprise Education agenda and best pratice
• Engagement with key national and international stakeholder organisations
• Platinum Sponsor status on social media, website, marketing materials and all other correspondence relating directly to IEEC
• Speaker opportunity during the conference welcome
• A mixture of free and preferential delegate rates for your staff to attend

“We were very pleased to win the bid to host IEEC2023 at the University of Surrey. It gave us an ideal opportunity to showcase the University’s commitment to enterprise and entrepreneurship education. We were especially delighted to welcome enterprise students to the conference, working with Enactus UK to run a hackathon alongside the main event. Delegates had an opportunity to learn from expert keynote speakers from the Surrey ecosystem, and to see something of the local region too. I would encourage other EEUK members to put themselves forward as IEEC hosts and to play such an active role in celebrating enterprise and entrepreneurship education amongst our community. It was lovely to work with Rob, Lynn and the EEUK team to organise the event and we had great fun delivering 3 packed days on our lovely campus”.

Kat Mack, University of Surrey, IEEC2023 host

What the organisers are looking for from the host

When reviewing bids, we will be looking for:

• A host organisation that reflects the ethos of EEUK and demonstrates their commitment to enterprise education.
• Conference venue that will provide a professional welcome for over 250 delegates.
• Gala dinner venue which reflects the prestige of our National Enterprise Educator Awards and is within easy reach of the main conference venue and hotels.
• Geographic location with good transport links and a range of hotel options within easy reach of the venues.
• A strong sense of place and entrepreneurial identity.
• Financial and in-kind sponsorship package.
• Broad institutional support across multiple faculties and departments.
• Letter of support from a senior member of the organisation, for example the Vice Chancellor.

Minimum Requirementss:

• A tiered lecture theatre for 250+ delegates for main plenary sessions.
• A large informal breakout/networking/refreshments/exhibition space, ideally within the same building as the lecture theatre. This area must be suitable for 300+ delegates and around 10 exhibitors to be together for lunch and refreshment breaks.
• A mixture of smaller lecture theatres and flat workshop style classrooms suitable for interactive sessions for 50+ delegates, ideally within the same building as the lecture theatre but at most 5 minutes’ walk away (7-10 rooms required). These rooms will be used in parallel and would ideally be clustered together.
• Suitable local venues for the first evening’s reception and the second evening’s gala dinner and National Enterprise Educator Award ceremony. Ideally these would be within walking distance of the main venue, although venues further afield would be considered if appropriate transport is available.
• High quality AV equipment in all daytime and evening locations with technical support available throughout the event.

Location:

• Any location within the nations of the UK, we would welcome bids which have a strong regional theme.

Accommodation:

• Reasonably-priced hotel accommodation available nearby.

Host support for IEEC:

• Small team to contribute to the development of the programme and to provide local logistical support – the overall event management is managed by EEUK.

Financial arrangements

To reflect the prestige of hosting the IEEC conference, and the status of platinum sponsor EEUK are seeking a suitable financial package of support from the host institution.

As a minimum proposals must include the provision of daytime venues free of charge.

Previous proposals have also included the following elements.

• Cash contribution
• In kind contribution, such as the provision of student ambassadors, catering or drinks
• Securing additional external sponsorship from regional partners
• Support to secure additional commercial sponsorship

All other costs and income related to IEEC will remain the responsibility of EEUK.

Joint bids

Applications to host jointly by two or more members are welcome as long as the package meets the requirements set out above. Ultimately all of the above is flexible and will be judged upon the overall package offered.

Applications to host:

To apply to host IEEC2027, please provide a proposal, using the application form, to include:

Applications should be submitted on the application form and emailed to connect@enterprise.ac.uk by Monday, 1st February 2026. Additional supporting documents should be attached.

Applications will be reviewed by representatives of the EEUK Board. We hope to make a final decision by the beginning of January in readiness to announce IEEC2027  at #IEEC2026.

Details about previous conferences can be found here.

EEUK are seeking expressions of interest to take up the voluntary role of chair/co-chair of the EE Ireland Sub-committee. The Sub-committee has a remit to promote and support Enterprise Education across the whole of the island of Ireland, working with our members in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The full Terms of Reference can be downloaded here.

Applicants for the role are asked to send their CV (or link to an up to date online CV/Profile) plus a covering letter which sets out their suitability for the role and what they would hope to achieve to connect@enterprise.ac.uk by the 26th June. Applicants must be an employee of a current member organisation.

(A co-chair would work in partnership with one other co-chair, please include a statement in your letter saying if you would prefer to be a sole chair or co-chair, or if you have no preference.)

EEUK is currently forming a pool of training partners. We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced trainers and training developers who have expertise within Enterprise Education and related subjects.

If you are interested in working with EEUK to empower the delivery of effective Enterprise Education please submit the form below.

On receipt we will contact you with further details.