A regional daily will fund a business student to the tune of almost £8,000 after running a competition with a university on its patch.

As previously reported on HTFP, the Nottingham Post’s Executive MBA scholarship will fund half the tuition fees of a £15,500 part-time executive master of business administration (EMBA) course.

The victorious applicant has been revealed as 48-year-old Helen Taylor, a former intensive care nurse who established an urban landscape design studio business as a sole trader in 2012.

The two-year Nottingham Business School programme aims to improve professionals’ management knowledge and leadership capabilities, enhancing their professional career opportunities.

Scholarship winner Helen Taylor (left), with Dr Phil Considine, of Nottingham Trent University and Post business editor Gemma Toulson

Said Helen: “I’m excited about this opportunity. As the director of an SME (smell to medium-sized enterprise), every single thing we will be studying is relevant as I’m working across all of the departments.

“It’s a great opportunity and one that I wouldn’t have considered if I didn’t have any financial help to do it.”

Nottingham Post business editor Gemma Toulson said: “We are delighted to be able offer Helen this opportunity through out partnership with Nottingham Trent University.

“We hope that this scholarship will allow her to grow her business and provide further employment opportunities within the community.

“There has never been a more important time to champion the vital role played by Nottingham’s businesses. We believe by working in partnership with companies we can help to play a role in promoting Nottingham as a great place to do business.”