A Hartpury University student will spearhead a consultancy project for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Poppy-Ann James, an MSc Sports Management student, will carry out market research to help the charity better understand its perceptions and needs within a number of communities.
GWAAC is one of the busiest air ambulances in the UK, delivering critical care and pre-hospital emergency medicine to the regions of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire - a population of more than 2.1 million. As a charity, it relies on donations and so needs to continue to engage with the community and understand how they view the organisation.
Poppy-Ann’s appointment has arisen courtesy of the Hartpury Sports Business Hub, an initiative that provides Hartpury University students with the opportunity to engage with key local and regional organisations to complete live briefs and real-world research consultancy. Students acquire valuable skills for their future careers, while organisations have an opportunity to benefit from Hartpury University’s facilities and expertise, saving money and helping them to make informed decisions.
Hartpury University has a longstanding relationship with GWAAC, with students on the BA (Hons) Sports Business Management carrying out group fundraising activities as part of a personal development module. Over the last six years, more than £7,000 has been raised.
Poppy-Ann said: “I’ve been privileged to be provided with a fantastic opportunity through the Hartpury Sports Business Hub while I study an MSc Sports Management at Hartpury University. I’m looking forward to working with such an amazing charity that’s close to my heart. I’m eager to make a difference throughout this year, performing market research and local analysis to explore the perception and needs of the organisation within a variety of communities.”
Emma Fawcett, Support Engagement Coordinator at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity said: “We’re extremely pleased to have Poppy’s input into this important project for us. As a small charity, we don’t often have scope to take on a strategic understanding of our supporters, so having the expertise of Hartpury University supporting our work is incredibly valuable.
“We have an ongoing relationship with the Hartpury Sports Business Hub where Stephen Whitbourn and Alex Kay have been very supportive of our work saving lives in our local community. We’re looking forward to having Poppy’s insights into our supporter base to help us build and grow in the future.”
In addition to consultancy projects, businesses can engage with the Hartpury Sports Business Hub for digital marketing and social media support, student work placements, coaching, education and learning support. Learn more or email the Hartpury Sports Business Hub: SportsBusinessHub@hartpury.ac.uk.
