Westminster has been shortlisted for a 2026 HEIST Award in the Best Collaboration category for Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise. The project has involved extensive internal and external collaboration to bring together careers, enterprise and external engagement in one innovative physical and digital space, transforming how the University prepares students for career success and how it collaborates with businesses and the local community.
Zone29 was developed as part of the University’s employability strategy to transform graduate outcomes. The project aimed to bring together key careers and enterprise support across the University into a single central London building and online space, making it easier for students to access the support they need to secure employment after graduation.
The previously unused building on 29 Marylebone Road has now been transformed into a dynamic space that connects Westminster’s diverse student talent with the world of business and its local community. The new Zone29 website further acts as a gateway to all work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences available at the University.
At the core of Zone29 is a commitment to co-creation and cross-departmental working. The project brought together colleagues from across all areas of the University with students, the University of Westminster Students’ Union and a wide network of external contractors and local business partners. Teams collaborated through working groups and workshops, ensuring all activity aligned with a shared vision while avoiding siloed thinking.
The project was further informed by extensive data and insight, including the National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes data, which ensured Zone29’s design, and digital offer, respond directly to student need.
Accessibility was central to both the physical space and website development, supported by input from the Students’ Union and the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee to ensure the project delivered an inclusive brand and facilities that would help all students to achieve their goals.
The project has created a long-term culture change and transformation to benefit the whole Westminster community.
The collaborative approach has already delivered significant impact, including 3,184 students engaging in extra-curricular programmes in the first semester of the 2025/26 academic year; 3,558 completions of The Westminster Award in 2024/25, up by over 1000 from the previous year; 2,165 Future Ready Mentoring relationships delivering 4,779 mentoring hours; and improved engagement with careers content, rising from 74% to 88%.
Zone29 has also strengthened the University’s relationships with local employers and industry. Partnerships with organisations such as the Baker Street Quarter, Harley Street BID and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry have created new opportunities for collaboration, events and student engagement, while contributing to local economic growth.
The success of the Zone29 project has now been recognised by the HEIST Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in education marketing each year. The final will take place in Leeds on 9 July, where Westminster will also compete for the Best Student or Alumni Engagement Initiative award.
About the nomination Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement and Graduate Futures at the University of Westminster, said: “We are delighted that Zone29 has been recognised by the HEIST Awards for its collaborative approach. This project represents the very best of Westminster—bringing together colleagues, students and partners to co-create an innovative physical and digital space, alongside a clear and inclusive brand, that connects our diverse student talent with industry and opportunity. Zone29 is already transforming how we support students to succeed, and this recognition reflects the collective effort, creativity and shared vision behind its success.”
Zone29 contributes to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Zone29 at the University of Westminster.
