Lights, cameras and staging are ready for the return of the Educate-North Awards, an annual event created by Rob McLoughlin in 2015. Organisers have announced a 40% increase in entries vying for the 19 special awards, which will be presented on Thursday 26th April 2018 at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel.

The increase follows a major radio campaign with partners Communicorp UK and The Ministry of Results (MOR) which owns Heart Yorkshire and Smooth Radio in the North West and North East. They have been running a campaign for the 2018 awards as well as for the University Entrepreneurs Challenge (UEC) for spin-out businesses from the HE sector.

 The awards celebrate the world-class success of the North’s Higher Education sector and also acknowledge the contribution of the Further Education and Sixth Form sector. On the night, four graduates or undergraduates will also pitch to win a grant of £1,000 to create a business plan for a smart idea. The decision will be made by the awards audience.

 Broadcaster Jim Hancock will host the event, together with colleagues including Dr John Kennedy CBE.

Tickets on sale now and available from www.educatenorth.co.uk