CEO and leadership roles spring from University of Bradford
The University of Bradford has been ranked highly for creating CEOs and those going into leadership roles, in new research from Novuna Business Cash Flow, a UK leader in cash flow finance for SMEs and corporates.
It was ranked 16th out of 120 UK universities in new research from Novuna Business Cash Flow, a UK leader in cash flow finance for SMEs and corporates, based on more than 10 million alumni profiles on LinkedIn.
The study found that 4.78% of Bradford graduates went on to become CEOs or take up leadership roles (compared to 8.27% at the top-ranking university).
Most popular courses for Bradford’s high-flyers included business and management, economics, commerce and marketing.
Yvonne Moogan, who recently took over as director of the University’s School of Management, said: “Students who come here leave with skills employers are asking for, which is why our graduate outcomes are so good.”
John Atkinson, Head of Commercial and Strategy at Novuna Business Cash Flow, commented: “As students across the UK focus on their A-levels and look ahead to the next stage of their journey, this research highlights the importance of thinking beyond traditional paths. Whether someone’s future lies in founding a business or leading one, there’s more than one route to success - often shaped by creativity, values, and ambition.”
Breaking the mould
The University recently unveiled a new strategy to rapidly expand its online provision.
In March, the University’s Online MBA was again ranked 1st in the world for value for money by the Financial Times (also ranked 1st in 2024 and 2022). It was also ranked 2nd in the world for ESG and net zero teaching; and 3rd for programme delivery.
According to the most recent Higher Education Statistics Agency figures, 92% of the University of Bradford’s UK Domiciled Full-Time Undergraduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
The University is one of the few to offer careers advice up to five years after graduation.
The University has also been ranked 1st on the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
In January 2025, the University launched its flagship enterprise ecosystem to fast-track business start-ups.
Employment skills
Yvonne added: “It is a great honour to be leading one of the oldest business schools in the UK and one with Triple Crown status. Part of the reason I came here was because of the SMI ranking, which measures how well higher education institutions improve their students' life chances. This, coupled with a strong research culture in areas such as sustainability, the circular economy, AI and digital technologies, together with our great links to industry, means our students graduate with skills employers are asking for.
“You can come here as an undergraduate student and take a degree in AI without needing A-level maths. Learning should be fun and enjoyable with research informing the curriculum. The School of Management supports all students via practice-based learning, career booster weeks and internships/placements.”
BREE
The University’s Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) gives every student the opportunity to set up their own company, so that they become entrepreneurs and business leaders of the future. It is already supporting over 25 start-ups.
About Novuna
Novuna is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, a leading financial services company, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It has over 2,250 employees, £8.2bn of net earning assets and over 1.3 million customers across our business divisions; Novuna Consumer Finance, Novuna Vehicle Solutions, Novuna Business Finance, Novuna Business Cash Flow and our European division specialising in Vendor Finance providing innovative finance solutions to enable consumers and businesses to grow and prosper. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.
About Novuna Business Cash Flow
Novuna Business Cash Flow provides cashflow finance solutions to SMEs across a wide range of sectors in the UK, allowing businesses to release cash from unpaid invoices within 24 hours.
With remote digital on-boarding through FLi, its unique platform, and flexible approach to contracts, Novuna Business Cash Flow was recognised in the Innovation in the SME Finance Sector category at the 2024 Business Moneyfacts Awards and at the Credit Awards 2023 crowned winners of SME lender of the year over £1million and Best use of Technology, Commercial finance. Combining innovative cash flow solutions with industry-leading technology, the business retains one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the market.
Novuna Business Cash Flow is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups, with over 11trn yen (£57bn) of assets.