Kurt Geiger adds places to free Business by Design Academy following surge in demand

Kurt Geiger is set to offer an additional ten places on its free Business by Design Academy, after seeing a 130% surge in demand compared to last year.

The accredited programme, originally launched by the Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation in January 2024, provides young people facing financial barriers with hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and AQA-accredited training, covering all costs “to ensure no barriers to entry”.

According to Kurt Geiger, 43% of young people have an interest in working in creative fields, while 42% feel it’s too difficult or expensive to consider entering the industry.

The Business by Design Academy offers an alternative to university for London-based young people who may still be uncertain about their next steps on A-Level results day (14 August), when applications re-open.

However, there is only a short window for those interested, as applications for the ten newly available places close at 5pm on Monday 18 August 2025.

Applications originally opened on 1 April 2025, with the number of places increased by 50% compared to last year’s intake. Over a fifth (22%) of 2025’s alumni are now employed full-time at Kurt Geiger.

Sophia Johnson, Head of Business by Design Academy, said: “This surge in applications reflects just how strongly young people are seeking alternative, practical routes into creative education and employment.

“We’re doubling the size of our Business by Design Academy cohort this year, and with demand continuing to grow, 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.”

The academy’s third cohort of students will begin on 9 September 2025, based at Kurt Geiger’s Farringdon Head Office.

Business by Design 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.