DMU Business School undergraduates bring home success in the Universities Business Challenge
What a fantastic run and incredible achievement from De Montfort University’s Business School in this year’s Universities Business Challenge (UBC)!
UBC is the world’s leading simulation-based inter-university competition designed to develop Undergraduate and Postgraduate employability and enterprise skills. It has partnered with universities for more than 25 years, to help students develop the skills employers are looking for, with world-leading team-based events: the UBC Undergraduate Challenge and the UBC Global Masters Postgraduate Challenge.
The Grand Final of the UBC Undergraduate Challenge marked the end of an inspiring journey for our Faculty of Business and Law undergraduates. Securing 1st place in the semi-finals and 4th place overall, they may not have brought home the top spot but what they did bring back was equally powerful – proof of their resilience, teamwork and the uniquely professional mindset that sets De Montfort University students apart.
Leena Dattani-Demirci, Head of Student Success and Professional Development for the faculty, explained: “From the early rounds right through to the Grand Final, they demonstrated sharp business thinking, creative problem‑solving, calmness under pressure, and a genuine commitment to each other and to representing their university with pride.
“More than 90 teams from a wide range of universities across the country started the competition, so reaching the Grand Final is an achievement that only a handful of teams can claim. Their dedication over the past weeks has been exceptional, and watching them grow through this challenge has been wonderful.”
Huzaifa Ahmed, who led the DMU undergraduate team, proudly shared: “I had the privilege of representing De Montfort University at the Grand Final. And as a Finance and Investment student and ACCA student, this experience has given me a practical perspective on decision-making, strategy and leadership in real business scenarios. Leading this team has been a truly rewarding experience.”
Meanwhile, just a couple of weeks later, there was yet more success as De Montfort University Business School finished 2nd overall in the UBC Global Masters Postgraduate Challenge!
DMU Business School postgraduate students win 2nd overall in the Universities Business Challenge
The postgraduate team led by Betty Komen (MBA student) finished 1st heading into the finals and secured 2nd place overall. Betty had high praise for her teammates: “The strategy, resilience and teamwork they brought made every decision count. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together and genuinely grateful for the team we had.” She then went on to thank the Universities Business Challenge for organising such a dynamic and challenging experience: “It pushed us to think critically, adapt quickly and perform under pressure, while also being a lot of fun. The challenge pushed us to unlearn, relearn and continuously adapt.”
Success isn’t always measured by the final result it’s measured by progress, character and courage. And on all three fronts, our De Montfort University Business School students excelled.
Huge congratulations to everyone involved – we’re unbelievably proud of you:
Huzaifa Ahmed, Khuzaymat Jamal, Blessing Harliquin, Daniya Kobegenova, Tomiris Talgat, Khaleel Omar, Betty Komen, Tobiloba Adebayo , Tisha Bhandari, Neha Ijaz, Abhay Lathiya.
And thank you to our staff Ian Farrin and Danielle La Scala-Lewin for the invaluable mentoring and support given throughout.