Wayne Hemingway inspires students at University of Cumbria event in Barrow
Students from the local area visited University of Cumbria’s Barrow-in-Furness campus on 26 February for an inspiring and thought-provoking audience with internationally renowned designer and University of Cumbria Honorary Fellow, Wayne Hemingway MBE. The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain direct insight from a respected entrepreneur while reinforcing the university’s focus on people, place and partnership.
Hosted at the university’s Buccleuch Dock Road campus, the session welcomed attendees from across the region for an engaging session focused on creativity and positive social impact.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Growth and Development) at the University of Cumbria
Wayne Hemingway MBE, co-founder of HemingwayDesign, shared insights from more than four decades at the forefront of British design. Reflecting on his journey from launching the iconic fashion brand Red or Dead in the 1980s to leading major regeneration and social design projects across the UK and Europe, he emphasised the power of design to transform places and improve lives.
Drawing on both national and regional projects, Hemingway explored how creativity rooted in community identity can catalyse economic growth, strengthen civic pride and create inclusive environments. He encouraged students to view their local area not as a limitation, but as an opportunity for innovation and leadership.
As an Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria, Wayne’s visit reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with leaders whose work bridges creativity and business.
Claire Aindow, Pro Vice Chancellor (Growth and Development), said:
“One of the highlights of the day was seeing the pupils confidently share their views on Barrow, its identity and what it means to them. It was fantastic to watch them engage so thoughtfully with big ideas about place, people and how design can improve lives.It was a privilege to welcome Wayne to our Barrow campus. His passion for social impact and his belief in the potential of young people truly resonated with our students. Events like this show how creativity and enterprise can shape not only individual careers, but entire communities. As the University of Cumbria, we are rooted in and proud to serve our communities, with people, place and partnership at the very heart of everything we do.”