Sheffield graduation ceremonies 'boost city's economy by £1.45m'

It's one of the proudest days in any parent's life, but students' graduations are also a big money spinner for businesses in Sheffield.
Students from Sheffield Hallam University celebrate their graduationStudents from Sheffield Hallam University celebrate their graduation
Students from Sheffield Hallam University celebrate their graduation

Sheffield Hallam University's fortnight of graduation ceremonies held at Sheffield City Hall each November boosts the local economy by £1.45m, new research suggests.

Hotel stays, slap-up meals and celebratory drinks all have the city's cash registers ringing as around 25,000 guests flock to watch 7,200 students graduate each year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The figures were calculated by academics from the International Business and Economics Research Group (IBERG), within Sheffield Business School.

They were based on previous surveys showing that more than a quarter of guests stay overnight for the ceremony and almost 70% dine out in the city to celebrate.

Dr Andrew Johnston, principal lecturer in international business at Sheffield Business School, carried out the analysis.

He said: "For the students who are graduating and their families this is a once in a lifetime experience and they rightly want to celebrate that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We understand the value of the student population to the region but this is the first time we have looked at the numbers and worked out what a significant benefit graduation is the Sheffield economy."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad