David Nieper offers university scholarship

British fashion designer David Nieper has launched a 3,000 pound scholarship, offering one Nottingham Trent University fashion design student the opportunity to focus on fashion that’s ‘Made in Britain’. The Derbyshire-based designer and

manufacturer, employs 230 people in the area, said that the aim of the scholarship is to provide students with “real-life industry experience” as well as to help them to secure employment once they graduate and show them just how “viable design and manufacturing is in the UK”.

The fashion house held a competition challenging students to design garments with “British Flair” for stylish women over the age of 40, which has resulted in 10 students being shortlisted for the scholarship. The winner will be announced later this year, after each student has outlined their plans for their final year, highlighted their career aspirations and explained how the scholarship would help them to achieve their goals.

David Nieper supports ‘Made in Britain’ with scholarship

Commenting on the scholarship, David Nieper managing director, Christopher Nieper, said: “We launched this scholarship to encourage young British talent, help with university costs and provide the students with behind the scenes experience. The future of British fashion is in their hands so it is very important to showcase the importance and quality of local manufacturing to both the fashion industry and British jobs.

“Made in Britain has always been key to our success, and as we design for professional 40+ women, we chose this ‘British inspired’ challenge to get the students thinking about designing and making well-made, high quality clothes for this discerning customer base.”

Sean Prince, lecturer in Fashion Knitwear & Textile Design from Nottingham Trent University, added: “The support of David Nieper is extremely valuable to our students as they approach their all-important final year. The 3,000 pounds award will make a huge difference to the chosen student who in addition, will have the opportunity to benefit from the real-life practical and commercial experience of working with such a successful and well-established British fashion company.”

Image: Shortlisted students from Nottingham Trent University