The University of Leeds partnership with Marks & Spencer (M&S) began in 2012 with the relocation of the M&S Archive to a purpose-built home on our western campus. More than a co-location, the partnership represents an opportunity for academic-industry collaboration that supports student opportunity, contributes to local cultural and civic life and generates impact.
By connecting the breadth of M&S’s operations—including food, textiles, sustainability and heritage—with the University’s world-leading research and teaching expertise, the partnership helps connect knowledge with real-world application.
A collaborative framework
The partnership is structured around three strands:
- Research - supporting opportunities for collaborative, solution-led research based on business priorities.
- Student opportunity and employability - combining business and academic perspectives to develop the right skills and knowledge that supports our graduates to make a positive and immediate impact in the workplace.
- Culture - through the M&S Archive’s learning and engagement programme, the partnership supports cultural exploration and celebrates the shared local heritage.
Civic engagement
Founded in Leeds in 1884, M&S plays a vital role in the region’s cultural and economic landscape, as well as being a recognised global brand. Its presence on campus signifies the University’s commitment to civic partnerships that drive innovation and create opportunities locally.
Partnership highlights
- Over £1.5m research income generated, including major collaborative research projects on workforce diversity, international retail and textile technology.
- Over 250 student work experience placements within M&S across Food, Plan A, Packaging Design, Legal, Corporate Partnership, Retail, Communications and Archive.
- Collaborative networking events and guest speakers on a wide range of business subjects.
Recent partnership activity
- M&S CFO joins Leeds MBA guest speaker series – offering high-level business insight to the next generation of leaders.
- Collaborative research on British manufacturing and fashion – a project led by the School of Design, supported by the M&S Archive, exploring post-1950s creative labour and industry evolution.
- M&S-owned artworks on public display – artworks loaned to the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, to enhance the collection of public art on campus.