Introduction
During the 2024–2025 academic year, Metro Coffee collaborated with final-year Business Management students from the University of Westminster as part of their Innovative Consultancy Solutions module. This collaboration enabled students to work with a live, socially driven organisation and apply consultancy frameworks, research methods, and strategic thinking to a real-world challenge.
The project focused on inclusion, employability, and sustainable growth, aligning closely with Metro Coffee’s mission to support people with disabilities and create meaningful opportunities within the community.
A Consultancy Project with Purpose
As part of the module, students were tasked with acting as consultants to Metro Coffee. Their brief was to explore how the organisation could strengthen its impact, particularly around employment opportunities for disabled people, while identifying pathways for long-term sustainability.
Students conducted extensive research into employment figures for disabled people across various London boroughs, analysing disparities, opportunities, and local policy approaches.
Research, Insight, and Stakeholder Engagement
The student teams carried out secondary research into labour market data, public policy, and funding frameworks, alongside analysis of borough-level employment statistics for disabled people.
Based on their findings, students proposed innovative solutions on how Metro Coffee could better connect with key stakeholders such as local councils, community and disability-focused charities, and governing bodies, with a strong focus on identifying funding and grant opportunities.
Collaboration and Engagement with Students
The project was supported through a series of online meetings and face-to-face sessions, allowing for continuous dialogue between Metro Coffee and the student consultancy teams. These interactions ensured that recommendations were grounded in operational reality while giving students exposure to professional consultancy-style engagement.
Final Presentation and Outcomes
The consultancy project concluded with a formal student presentation delivered on 31st March 2025. The presentations demonstrated the students’ ability to translate complex data into practical and actionable strategies.
The project was considered a strong success, delivering value to both Metro Coffee and the students involved.
Academic Leadership and Support
The project was led by Professor Simon Richardson (MA, FHEA, FCIPD).
Senior Lecturer, School of Organisations, Economy and Society (SOES)
Academic Exchange Co-ordinator for Westminster Business School (Interim)
Co-Course Leader, BA (Hons) Business Management (Entrepreneurship)
The project was further supported by colleagues from We Network, whose commitment to industry engagement ensured a meaningful and professionally structured experience.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Metro Coffee and the University of Westminster’s Business Management students highlights the power of consultancy-based learning to drive social impact. By combining rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and innovative thinking, the project supported Metro Coffee’s mission while equipping students with essential real-world skills.