Representatives from North West Regional College received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education at a ceremony at St James’s Palace in London. His Majesty King Charles presented the award, the highest national honour for UK colleges and universities, to the college’s Governing Body Chair Professor Malachy O’Neill, Principal and Chief Executive Leo Murphy, and Business Support Centre Manager Dr Fergal Tuffy.

The college’s Business Support Centre was commended for excellence, innovation, impact, and public benefit. The centre is unique in the UK further education sector. In the past year, it completed more than 140 applied research and development projects, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in product, process, and service development. It also trained over 1,000 individuals in upskilling and priority skills areas.

Since 2015, the Business Support Centre has expanded to include five industry-focused innovation centres covering food and drink, robotics, augmented reality, healthcare, and product design. The centres support more than 400 businesses annually with prototype development, applied research, skills training, and workforce development. Clients include Braidwater Homes, Broighter Gold, and BubbleBum.

Dr Fergal Tuffy, Business Support Centre Manager, said the award recognises the centre’s contribution to strengthening the regional economy. He thanked staff for their hard work and the senior leadership team for supporting the strategic vision. Tuffy noted plans to expand via Peace Plus, the Derry City and Strabane City Deal, and Foodovation extension in Limavady through the Causeway Coast and Glens Council’s Growth Deal.

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive, described the award as recognition of the sector’s impact on citizens and businesses. He praised the centre’s staff for their flexibility and expertise. Murphy highlighted feedback from clients on improvements in productivity, innovation, and creativity.

NWRC was selected from over 100 applicants as part of the 2025 cohort of award winners. The prize is presented every two years following an independent review process.