Yorkshire female entrepreneurs take centre stage in Summer Showcase

Tuesday 16 April 2019

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What contribution have Yorkshire’s female entrepreneurs made to the UK’s economic and social life? Research from the University of St Andrews will shine a light on the impact of Yorkshire women as part of the British Academy annual Summer Showcase 2019.

The British Academy Summer Showcase is a free festival of ideas for curious minds, which takes place on 21 and 22 June in the Academy’s historic central London home. After 1,750 visitors attended the inaugural British Academy Summer Showcase in 2018, the British Academy will once again throw open the doors of its Regency building and gardens, as researchers from across the UK and beyond present their work through hands-on activities, performances, interactive displays and talks.

Research led by Dr Hannah Dean, from the School of Management at the University of St Andrews, will join 14 other humanities and social sciences research projects chosen to exhibit at its annual Summer Showcase. Case studies, discussions and interactive displays will tell the story the impact of female entrepreneurs in Yorkshire.

Dr Dean, who received a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2015, said: “Yorkshire is a proud County steeped in a rich history of mines, textiles, history and steel works. Through my research I have met so many inspiring women entrepreneurs from Yorkshire who draw on the rich and proud past of the County to inspire them, I am delighted to share their stories as part of the British Academy Summer Showcase.

“Too often entrepreneurial achievement is measured by financial success, which can have dangerous consequences. These extraordinary women show the world that success is much more than that, it is emotive, personal and deeply rooted in the lives of the communities in which they take their inspirations from.”

The showcase includes the story of innovative Yorkshire brands such as Worn Reborn, initially a sustainable fashion brand for young people, encouraging teenagers to see, mend, upcycle and remake clothes in contrast to the high consumption of fast fashion items. Led by Sara Jackson, it has since evolved to address the issue of teen mental health and more holistic work such as yoga rather than fashion. It is now known as Reborn Yoga, with a focus on ethical yoga and fashion, and funds free places for young disadvantaged people to attend private yoga classes.

Yorkshire Dama Cheese, which also features in the showcase, is a story of inspirational bravery by a woman who refused to let her circumstances define or constrain her. Created by Razan Alsous, who fled Syria in 2012 to start a new life in the UK, Dr Dean shares her inspirational story about finding a new place to call home and new experiences which led to the creation of a British multi-award-winning cheese and dairy company.Razan Alsous

The British Academy Summer Showcase offers everyone the chance to delve into, ask questions and be inspired by research and ideas that are shaping our world. It helps demystify university study and make the case for the importance of these subjects for us all.

The British Academy Summer Showcase is free to attend, and open 10am to 4pm on Friday 21 and 11am to 5pm on Saturday 22 June. There will also be a Summer Showcase late-night view on Friday 21 June (6.30pm to 9pm), offering evening visitors the chance to enjoy exclusive talks and performances over a drink at the bar – programme details will be announced in May.

british-academy-001Meanwhile, hundreds of young students will enjoy a free Summer Showcase Schools Day on 21 June, featuring interactive activities, talks and performances guest-curated by broadcaster Dan Snow, who will be welcoming special guests to join him in conversation, including the author, presenter and research scientist Professor Lewis Dartnell; archaeologist and broadcaster Raksha Dave; and historian Professor Sarah Churchwell. Schools Day will also provide a unique opportunity for students age 14+ to speak directly with researchers featured in the Summer Showcase about their work.

A full list of the exhibiting projects is given below. In addition to the interactive exhibits designed by the academics the British Academy funds, visitors will also be treated to lively pop-up talks and performances.

Further information is available online.


The British Academy is the voice of the humanities and social sciences. The Academy is an independent fellowship of world-leading scholars and researchers; a funding body for research, nationally and internationally; and a forum for debate and engagement. For more information visit the British Academy website or follow Twitter @BritishAcademy_

The British Academy Summer Showcase10am to 4pm on Friday 21 June and 11am to 5pm on Saturday 22 June

Venue: The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH.

The British Academy Summer Showcase 2019 – exhibiting projects:

  1. Can artists’ books transform the way we think about health, wellbeing and illness? Dr Stella Bolaki, University of Kent
  2. What can Renaissance art tell us about global trade? Dr Leah R Clark, The Open University
  3. What is philosophy for? Dr Clare Mac Cumhaill, Durham University & Dr Rachael Wiseman, University of Liverpool
  4. What does food mean to you? Dr Clare Pettinger, University of Plymouth
  5. How is 3D printing changing lives? Dr Ahmad Beltagui, Aston Business School
  6. What’s in an accent? Dr Patrycja Strycharczuk, University of Manchester & Professor Janes M. Scobbie, Queen Margaret University
  7. Could the public improve our laws? Dr Louise Thompson, University of Manchester & Professor Cristina Leston-Bandeira, University of Leeds
  8. What is the relationship between archaeology and the public? Dr Lutgarde Vandeput & Dr Isilay Gursu, British Institute at Ankara
  9. What does indigenous electronic art look like? Dr Thea Pitman, University of Leeds
  10. Why did humans start inventing tools? Dr Alastair Key, University of Kent & Dr Tomos Proffitt, University College London
  11. Did Londoners have more fun in the past? Dr Luke Dickens, King’s College London
  12. How can art help refugee women tell their stories? Dr Yafa Shanneik, University of Birmingham
  13. What contribution have Yorkshire’s female entrepreneurs made to the UK’s economic and social life? Dr Hannah Dean, University of St Andrews
  14. How can we challenge cultural attitudes about periods? Dr Kay Standing, Liverpool John Moores University
  15. What prevents people from accessing energy in cities in Mozambique? Professor Vanesa Castan Broto, University of Sheffield

Further information and details on the British Academy 2019 Summer Showcase can be found online.

For further information about the British Academy Summer Showcase contact [email protected] or 020 7969 5273 or 07500 010 432.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office.

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