Lancaster University has won the 'Campus Experience of the Year 2020' category in the College and University Business Officers (CUBO) Awards.

Following an online submission and interview panel, the judges agreed that Lancaster University has a mission to make their campus an inspiring place. A focus on well-being includes significant investment in sports facilities, while green initiatives include an onsite wind turbine, generating up to 20% of the University's annual electricity consumption.

Campus services from accommodation and catering to sport and conferencing are a vital part of university life. At CUBO’s virtual awards ceremony, ten CUBO members were recognised and rewarded for their outstanding achievements in commercial and campus services at universities across the UK.

The awards ceremony, which took place as part of CUBO’s annual Winter Conference, was watched by CUBO members, conference speakers, VIPs and business affiliate partners. Held for the first time in virtual format and streamed live on YouTube the format enabled a large number of people to engage and celebrate the winners’ achievements.

CUBO Chair, Jo Hardman (Director of Commercial Services, Lancaster University) paid tribute to the achievements of those working across higher education with commercial services. He said:

“Obviously, we would have liked to have been able to celebrate together in person, nevertheless, we all enjoyed an impactful and entertaining evening where we recognised and showcased best practice, service excellence and the sheer hard work that has been achieved.

“The standard of this year’s entries was impressive, demonstrating inspiring initiatives taking place before the pandemic. The UK’s universities are seen as some of the best in the world and the role that CUBO members play in delivering outstanding campus services is an important part in supporting this reputation.

“This year has been immensely challenging for the sector and here at CUBO we applaud and share the success of our well deserving winners”.

Andrew Burgess, Director of Facilities, Estates and Commercial Services at Lancaster University said: “This is a fantastic award to receive and recognises the hard work and dedication of all our staff in making campus an inspiring place to be for all our students, staff and visitors.”

You can read the full CUBO press release with details of all the winners on the CUBO website.