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Student sales talent put to the test at Abertay University for UK Universities Sales Competition
Speed selling, mock sales meetings and pitches to industry mentors were among a series of challenges taken on by business students from across the country at the UK Universities Sales Competition.
Held at Abertay University, Dundee on January 31 and February 1, the event, returning for the first time since the pandemic, saw students hone their sales tactics across an intensive two days of competition, while receiving mentorship, coaching and feedback from supporters and sponsors.
Organised by the School of Business, Law and Social Sciences along with external partners Vertical Motives, and sponsored by Salesforce, Clyde Ventures, Agilico and Pier Solutions, the competition was attended by around 60 people and opened by the Lord Provost of Dundee, Bill Campbell. Participants enjoyed both a civic reception at the Caird Hall on Wednesday evening and an official awards dinner and prize-giving ceremony on Thursday evening.
Motivational speaker Luke Staton was on hand to warm the students up on day one, with judges attending from University of Dundee, University of Strathclyde, Montrose Port Authority, Angus Council and other organisations.
Students from Edinburgh Napier University, Coventry University, The University of Aberdeen, The University of Dundee, Abertay University, The University of Strathclyde and The University of York were amongst those taking part.
Based on a US model, the UK Universities Sales Competition aims to promote a deeper understanding of professional selling and its significance within the UK economy, while also building collaboration between employers and universities and providing a platform for careers discussions.
Mayank Maheshwari, a student from the winning team from the University of York said:
“It feels amazing to have won the competition and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to take part and thankful that all our practising has paid off. We are so grateful for all the support we’ve had from our professors, our families and also the brilliant competitors and industry experts we’ve met during our time here in Dundee.”
Professor Alastair Irons, Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Abertay University said:
“There’s always been a symbiotic relationship between business and academia, not just through the production of graduate talent through our degree courses, but through the research and innovation that industry relies on to keep moving forward. At Abertay we place a distinct emphasis on fostering collaboration between the academic and business sectors and it’s really pleasing to see events like this coming forward as we seek to ensure students are equipped not just with academic principles but also the skills and insights necessary for success in the professional landscape. The UK Universities Sales Competition serves as a platform where these sectors converge and it’s a great chance for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and interaction with the fantastic range of industry experts supporting the competition.”
Co-organiser Peter Waggott, Managing Director at Vertical Motives Consultancy, said:
“The UK Universities Sales Competition provides the perfect preparation for students going into industry and I’ve been blown away by the level of talent that we’ve seen across the two days. Our sincere thanks goes to all of our sponsors, judges and mentors for supporting the competition which I’m sure will now go from strength to strength.”
Follow the progress of the UK Universities Sales Competition online via #ukusc2024.
