Kurt Geiger Expands Business by Design Academy, Opening Doors for the Next Generation of Creative Talent

The intersection of fashion and opportunity isn’t often talked about, but Kurt Geiger is making it impossible to ignore. Launched in January 2024 by The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation, the Business by Design Academy (BBD) was designed to dismantle barriers for young people—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—who aspire to careers in the creative industries. Now, as the second cohort of students prepares to graduate, Kurt Geiger is scaling up its commitment to the next generation of designers, buyers, and marketers.

Based at Kurt Geiger’s Farringdon headquarters, BBD is a seven-month, AQA Unit Award-accredited programme that offers weekly masterclasses, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorship. Unlike many industry opportunities, BBD is free, covering all student expenses, including financial support for those with caring responsibilities or financial barriers. Students also gain paid work experience at Kurt Geiger, rotating through key departments such as design, buying, digital marketing, and merchandising.

For its inaugural 2024 cohort, the results have been impressive. Of the first graduates, 30% have secured full-time roles at Kurt Geiger, while others have gone on to further studies or creative careers elsewhere. With the Class of 2025 now preparing to step into the industry, Kurt Geiger has announced an expansion that will significantly widen access to the programme.

Applications for the next London-based cohort open on 1st April 2025, increasing student capacity by 50%. More significantly, BBD will no longer be limited to the capital. Beginning in autumn 2025, a newly digitalised programme will make the Academy accessible to young people across the UK, allowing more aspiring creatives to benefit from its industry-led training.

It’s a move that acknowledges the growing demand for pathways into fashion and design that aren’t limited to traditional routes. For an industry often criticised for its exclusivity, initiatives like BBD represent a tangible shift towards greater inclusivity and mentorship.

With the Class of 2025 set to celebrate their graduation this April, Kurt Geiger is calling for the industry to get behind this initiative—whether by raising awareness, supporting on social media, or helping aspiring creatives discover the opportunities available to them. For those looking to break into fashion, the message is clear: the door is open.

New members who will want to sign up for this in the 2026 cohort can do so at the following link: Kurt Geiger: Business By Design Academy