University of Westminster partners with Hazaar to launch circular economy marketplace for Westminster students and colleagues

The University of Westminster has a strategic commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2019 Westminster has been using SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. This new Westminster circular economy marketplace powered by Hazaar is one of the ways the University puts this commitment into practice. The University’s efforts toward sustainable development were recognised in the latest Times Higher Education Impact rankings where Westminster was ranked as one of the top 15% universities from around the world.

The Hazaar app creates university-specific marketplaces without the need for postage, as students and colleagues can buy and sell online and meet to trade items, offering the chance of same day delivery. It also provides an opportunity to meet new people and create a more connected campus community. Students can find a range of items including clothes, artwork, sports equipment, fancy dress outfits, homeware and unique hand-made accessories.

As well as buying and selling on the app, Westminster students and colleagues will be able to sell their items, promote their small businesses and browse at on-campus pop up markets each term. Students can apply to set up a stall at the event and join an eclectic mix of popular local independent businesses who bring their goods to the marketplace at discounted rates.

In addition to creating these new market places, Hazaar will be working on learning and teaching innovations with the University, sharing their work through case study material, creating client briefs and setting business problems for Westminster students to attend to. Some great examples of authentic learning with Hazaar have already begun with colleagues in Westminster Business School, and other partnership work is developing in Life Sciences and Fashion. The platform also gives students the chance to boost their employability by taking on paid ambassador roles with Hazaar. Students will develop new skills through executing the partnership by managing events and promoting the sustainability-focused marketplace.

The first on-campus pop-up marketplace will take place on 24 September at Westminster’s Harrow Campus from 12pm-4pm.

Nandini Aggarwal, Vice President of the University of Westminster Students’ Union, welcomed the partnership. She said: "I'm thrilled about our collaboration with Hazaar! Delighted that it came together, and eager to see how Westminster students participate and engage with it. University of Westminster Students’ Union will play a key role in overseeing and contributing to this exciting endeavour."

Andy Pitchford, Head of the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation at the University of Westminster, said: “We're delighted to be developing a partnership with Hazaar, supported by the Quintin Hogg Trust-funded Trading Places project. It's exactly what we need to bring sustainability to life at the University of Westminster. Students will be able to engage directly in the circular economy, buying and selling sustainable products and our learners on our courses will benefit from first-hand exposure to a cutting-edge, innovative green company led by inspiring recent graduates.”

Nicholas Sanders, Senior Lecturer and Director of Employability for the School of Management and Marketing at the University of Westminster, added: “Our University’s partnership with Hazaar is helping revolutionise ethics, sustainability and retail education seamlessly into our curriculum by offering practical tools for real-world impact, collaborating on curriculum materials, creating briefs and tackling challenges reflecting contemporary business issues.”

This collaboration directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Hear from students and colleagues at the University of Westminster about Westminster's new partnership with Hazaar.

Find out more about Sustainable Development at the University of Westminster.