On Tuesday, 16 December 2025, Regent College London’s (RCL) School of Business hosted its inaugural Postgraduate Research Conference at our Fitzrovia Campus.
The event marked a significant achievement for staff and students across the School of Business. Attendees took part in a stimulating programme featuring inspiring keynote addresses, a motivational address, a dedicated panel session and a series of thematic presentations showcasing the breadth and depth of postgraduate research.
The conference was held under the theme Pioneering Ideas, Shaping Tomorrow – Celebrating the Research and Innovation of our Postgraduate Business Scholars. It was co-chaired by Sandhya S Thirunagari, Head of Postgraduate Programmes, and Dr Palto Datta, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader (Scholarship).
Showcasing postgraduate research excellence at the School of Business
The day opened with an address from Kashif Khan, Dean of the School of Business, followed by welcome messages from Rebecca Yates, Provost, and the conference co-chairs. A motivational address by Assad Shamsi, Lecturer, on the importance of self-belief then set the tone for a series of insightful presentation sessions, each centred on a distinct and engaging research theme.
To celebrate excellence, awards for Best Abstract and Best Presentation were presented at the close of the conference. Winners of the Best Abstract award were selected by the Editorial team, while Best Presentation recipients were chosen through votes cast by conference attendees throughout the day.
Postgraduate Business student Natisha Chopra, who was awarded both Best Abstract and Best Presentation, shared her experience of the conference:
“Attending and presenting at the Postgraduate Research Conference was a wonderful opportunity. I really enjoyed hearing so many insightful contributions from my peers. I was honoured and humbled to win prizes for my presentation.”
Check out the full list of winning presenters below.
Best Abstract
1. Binita, Impact of Instagram fashion influencer on consumer purchase decisions among adults in the UK
Social media has reshaped consumer interaction with luxury fashion brands. In this context, Instagram fashion influencers are emerging as key figures in moulding perceptions and purchase behaviour. This study examines the effects of influencer authenticity, credibility and engagement on the trust, brand perceptions and purchase intentions of luxury fashion consumers in the United Kingdom.
2. Garima Dulal, Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its impact on brand loyalty among millennials in the UK
Although CSR is an essential part of many companies’ branding strategy, there is limited evidence that UK millennials’ perceptions of it genuinely influence their loyalty behaviour. Addressing this gap, the study examines how millennials interpret CSR initiatives and how these interpretations affect their trust and perceptions of brand authenticity and identity. These factors are increasingly important to the value-driven millennial demographic.
3. Natalia Cozlov, The Empathy-Infrastructure Gap: Leadership and staff wellbeing in UK special school
This study investigates the influence of leadership practices on staff wellbeing in UK secondary special schools. It introduces the concept of the Empathy-Infrastructure Gap, which suggests that caring leaders may struggle to defend work-life balance and psychological safety because organisational systems fail to protect staff from chronic emotional exhaustion.
4. Natisha Chopra, Bridging the gap: Employment and internship opportunities for postgraduate overseas students in London
This research aims to identify employment and internship opportunities for postgraduate overseas students in London and analyse the challenges they face in accessing them. Despite the growing number of international students in the UK attracted by job prospects, only 7% secure employment in London. Universities primarily provide career guidance rather than direct job placement support, highlighting a gap this study seeks to address.
5. Rampriya Velusamy, Examining Swiggy’s performance since 2020 and its impact on job creation in India’s grocery market
This study investigates Swiggy’s Instamart model and its market performance. It focuses on the company’s contribution to employment in the Indian grocery sector. The research explores shifts in consumer behaviour, market dynamics during the COVID-19 period and Swiggy’s strategic response. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data from consumers with qualitative interview insights from employees, was adopted to evaluate operational efficiency, market growth and job creation outcomes.
Best Presentation
1. Thu Kywe Khant Soe, Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and consumer purchase intention in the UK fashion industry
UK fashion businesses are increasingly turning to CSR to gain a competitive advantage. However, there is a paucity of studies on the attractiveness of CSR strategies to these customers, including their impact on buying behaviour. To address the gap, this research employed a positivist, quantitative design to investigate and evaluate CSR dimensions applied to retail fashion. A deductive approach was adopted to test established hypotheses, and data were collected from a sample of UK fashion consumers.
2. Nkoyo Precious Ekpo, Impact of Brexit on SMEs: A post-transition analysis
This study examines the impact of Brexit on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom and explores how these businesses are adapting to the new trade environment. The research is motivated by the ongoing challenges SMEs face, including regulatory changes, market uncertainty, increased costs and disruptions to trade flows, which continue to affect their competitiveness and sustainability.
3. Shaheda Akther, The effect of customer satisfaction in the betting shop on service quality: A UK perspective
This research has investigated the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction in the context of U.K. betting shops. It operates within the stringent regulatory framework that governs the sector. The study has drawn on gambling theory to present a conceptual framework based on the cause-and-effect relationships among service quality, customer satisfaction and business dimensions.
4. Binita, Impact of Instagram fashion influencer on consumer purchase decisions among adults in the UK
5. Natisha Chopra, Bridging the gap: Employment and internship opportunities for postgraduate overseas students in London
6. Rampriya Velusamy, Examining Swiggy’s performance since 2020 and its impact on job creation in India’s grocery market
A major milestone
Concluding with a witty and thought-provoking keynote address from Professor Alan Parkinson, Director of Studies and Deputy Director (Education) at University College London (UCL), the Postgraduate Research Conference 2025 marked a significant milestone for the School and proved to be a resounding success.
Reflecting on the event, Co-chair Sandhya S Thirunagari said:
“We were delighted to celebrate the focus, intellectual drive and scholarly rigour of our postgraduate researchers. The diversity and originality of the projects presented demonstrated the curiosity and commitment at the heart of postgraduate study, and we encouraged attendees to fully engage with the inspiring work on display.”
Co-chair Dr Palto Datta added:
“This conference reflected the vibrant research culture we are proud to foster within the School of Business. Each project formed an important part of the students’ dissertation journey, and we hoped the programme offered a memorable, enriching and inspiring experience for everyone involved.”
Congratulations to all participants and to the Conference Committee for organising an outstanding event that showcased the very best of RCL’s School of Business. We are already looking forward to next year’s edition.
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