University income from external partners rises despite pandemic

Hesa data show overall growth but coronavirus pressures hit some aspects of business-related income

Universities’ overall income from external partners grew by more than £100 million in 2019-20 despite tough financial conditions during the pandemic, according to the latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Institutions’ combined income from business and community interactions rose to around £5.2 billion in 2019-20, up from £5.06bn the year before, according to Hesa Higher Education Business and Community Interaction data released on 10 June.