The 嘟嘟AV 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
This short film highlights a collaboration between the 嘟嘟AV’ School of Design and M&S. Using participatory design methods, the project worked with international students to explore how archives can better engage diverse audiences and foster stronger cultural connections, while giving students valuable experience working with a real-world brand.
Video transcript: Student collaboration with the M&S Archive.
- – students from Leeds University Business School responded to a live brief to pitch cutting-edge ideas.
- – offering high-level business insight to the next generation of leaders.
- – a project led by the School of Design, supported by the M&S Archive, exploring post-1950s creative labour and industry evolution.
- – artworks loaned to the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, to enhance the collection of public art on campus.