Responsible Business Student Challenge

The Business School, in partnership with Deloitte, runs the Responsible Business Student Challenge as part of promoting curiosity and supporting you, our students, in becoming the next generation of forward-thinking, responsible leaders.

Over the next decade, the relationship between business and the natural world will be a defining one. Defining for the success of individual companies, industries, and above all, for the future of our planet. Businesses need to change for the better – to innovate, reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and build trust in business and the economy. Businesses need to focus on what matters most and drive the change required to meet society’s expectations, deliver inclusive growth and thrive in a low carbon economy.

Participating in the Responsible Business Challenge offers students a platform to address real-world issues and drive positive change. With businesses facing increasing scrutiny over environmental and social responsibility, this challenge empowers you to showcase your innovative solutions. By responding to Deloitte's question, participants explore avenues for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. This opportunity not only hones your creativity and critical thinking but also equips you to lead change in their future careers. As tomorrow's leaders, this experience provides invaluable insights into navigating complex business landscapes and making a meaningful impact on society.

About the Challenge 

This is a bespoke opportunity for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Birmingham Business School students to partner with Deloitte and learn more about Responsible Business and showcase their skills for big prizes. This competition has been designed to inspire big ideas and develop skills for employability.

The competition is made up of multiple stages:

• Launch event hosted at the Deloitte office, featuring subject-specific talks led by Deloitte experts who specialise in this year's challenge question.
• During the event, Deloitte team members will provide valuable insights and engage students in discussions relevant to the challenge. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with Deloitte staff, fostering connections and gaining valuable industry insights.
• The question for the challenge will be revelled at the launch event.
• Following the launch, students will have two weeks to submit their three minute video responses.
• These videos will be shortlisted, and the finalists will present their videos at an exclusive finalist event. All participants and a panel of judges, including Deloitte representatives, will be invited to attend. 

Take Part 

The challenge is open to Undergraduate students based in the UK in the respective academic year. Participants get to compete for big prizes.

• The first 50 students to submit a complete three-minute response to the question will get a £50 voucher!
• Prize breakdown: Challenge winner receives a £500 cash prize, second place earns £250, third place is awarded a £150 cash reward, and other finalists receive a £50 reward.

Here are the award-winning submissions from the previous years.

2023

2022