The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation, from global fashion brand Kurt Geiger, is releasing 10 more spaces for the third cohort of its Business by Design Academy (BBD) – a dynamic career incubator for young creatives in an industry where 17% of workers come from working-class backgrounds and 86% of internships in the sector remain unpaid. BBD offers an alternative to university for London-based young people who may still be uncertain about their next steps. Applications will re-open on Thursday, August 14 and will close at 5pm on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Learning starts on Tuesday September 9, and is based at Kurt Geiger’s head office in Farringdon. BBD is a free, seven-month AQA Unit Award-accredited scheme, offering weekly masterclasses and training sessions, one-to-one mentorship, and paid work experience at Kurt Geiger. Participants gain hands-on exposure across departments including design, buying, digital marketing, and merchandising. Applications originally opened on April 1, 2025, with the number of places increased by 50% compared to last year’s intake. Now, with applications up by 120% year-on-year, the Academy will double its final intake. More young people can take advantage of a meaningful pathway into the creative industry— without the financial burden of traditional higher education, where the average student debt in the UK now stands at £53,000.
Head of the Business by Design Academy Sophia Johnson, says: “This surge in applications reflects just how strongly young people are seeking alternative, practical routes into creative education and employment. We’re opening a final round of places to ensure young people can access the vocational learning and real-world experience they need to thrive in the creative industries.”
In April, 33 students graduated from the class of 2025, the Academy’s second cohort. Of those, four are now employed full-time at Kurt Geiger and three received grants to launch their own ventures. Since launching BBD, Kurt Geiger now employs 22% of all Academy alumni, with many pursuing their growth through apprenticeships within the company. The company also continues to offer paid internships, with additional alumni students completing summer placements within the design team. From early 2026, young creatives across the UK will be able to access the full BBD programme through a new digital platform, unlocking the same curriculum, mentorship and opportunities.
Launched by The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation in January 2024, BBD was created to break down barriers for young people– particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds seeking careers in the creative industries.
Kurt Geiger chief executive Neil Clifford said:
“The idea that you need a degree to succeed in fashion is outdated – I know that first-hand. I didn’t go to university, but I was given opportunities that helped me break into the industry. That’s exactly what Business by Design is about – access, experience, and real-world support. By opening extra spaces, we’re helping more young people from all backgrounds take their first steps into creative careers, without the barriers of traditional education.”
But despite contributing £124 billion to the economy and employing 2.4 million people, the sector continues to face inequalities such as only 17% of creative industry workers come from working-class backgrounds. For many cost is the biggest barrier. Clifford adds: “Now is the time for collective action—where industry, government, and education come together to expand access and opportunity for young people from all backgrounds. Businesses like ours have a vital role to play. Talent exists in every postcode, and we’re here to find it, train it, and help shape a real future for it.” For more details on Business by Design and how to apply, visit www.kurtgeiger.com/business-by-design