High Flyers Oxford Director on collaborating with Oxford students on the Oxford Strategy Challenge
About High Flyers
We are an organisation dedicated to providing wraparound care and innovative holiday clubs throughout Oxfordshire. I am passionate about inspiring children, giving back to our community and believe strongly in the potential of young, creative minds can inspire real business innovation.
What students contributed to
I had the pleasure of participating in the the Oxford Strategy Challenge (TOSCA) programme facilitated by Oxford University Careers Service, over the last few years. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic brilliance and practical business acumen, offering a platform for fresh ideas and forward-thinking strategies. The programme provided us with a unique opportunity to collaborate with emerging talent whose out-of-the-box thinking has truly invigorated and inspired our business.
As part of the programme, we set a challenge for the participants to help re-create a new business model aimed at supporting and growing our business. One project tasked them with developing innovative sales strategies, while another involved exploring franchising opportunities as a pathway to expansion. The teams utilised a range of business planning models, conducted in-depth market research, and devised compelling marketing strategies that have provided us with fresh perspectives and some actionable ideas.
Programme highlights
What truly impressed me was the blend of academic rigour and creative experimentation that the programme fostered. The young participants brought energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to problem-solving, which translated into new motivation for our business. Their work not only contributed to our strategic planning but also reinforced our belief in the value of engaging with the next generation of business leaders.
Advice for those considering the programme
I wholeheartedly endorse the TOSCA Programme. It is a worthy initiative that offers significant benefits to both the participants and the companies involved. For businesses seeking to inject new prospective or different ideas to think about, I can only recommend taking part. The programme is inspiring, practical, and, most importantly, it creates a dynamic environment where innovative ideas flourish.
For further information about our work at High Flyers Oxford, please feel free to visit our website.
Alison Ighani
Founder and Director
High Flyers Oxford
Take part in the Oxford Strategy Challenge
Organisations
At the Careers Service, we connect organisations with innovative learning and consulting programmes designed for Oxford students. Do you have a challenge or idea you’d like to explore in depth? Or perhaps you’re seeking an external perspective on a business or policy opportunity? Find out more about our programmes.
Students
The Oxford Strategy Challenge is a is a team-based experiential learning programme for current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students. On the programme, participants take part in real strategy-focused client challenges over a week, providing consultancy on a client project. The project you will take part in will be important to your client, an opportunity for hands-on client experience, and to make a real contribution to an organisation. Find out more and apply.
