Anglia Ruskin University has launched a new society on its main Chelmsford campus to help boost careers and training in the financial services industry. 
The Anglia Ruskin Finance Society has been established by students, with support from academics within the Lord Ashcroft International Business School. It plans to hold regular talks and networking events on campus. 
The president of the society is Dr Hermann Rapp, senior lecturer in management practice at the school. 
He said: “We aim to use the society as a platform to establish a research, innovation and education community, bringing academics and students together with business professionals.” 
The society will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, February 18. It will feature a talk by Simon Warren, former head of investments at Bupa. 
A fellow of the Association of Certified Accountants, Mr Warren is responsible for £3.7billion of assets at Bupa. 
Dr Rapp said: “Simon will be using his extensive knowledge in technical analysis and behavioural finance to explain how you can predict changes in asset prices.” 
Anglia Ruskin’s enterprising approach was recognised when it was named Entrepreneurial University of the Year 2014 by Times Higher Education. 
Graduates from the Lord Ashcroft International Business School, which is part of the university, have a typical starting salary of £31,250. This is £10,000 higher than the UK average. 
Dr Rapp said: “The Lord Ashcroft International Business School is already established as a leader in finance education and consultancy within the region, preparing students to enter the workforce as entrepreneurs and business leaders. 
“The Anglia Ruskin Finance Society will expand on this and offer exciting opportunities to the local community for professional development and networking.” 
The inaugural meeting, open to  all, will be held in the Lord Ashcroft Building on the Chelmsford campus at 5.30pm.  Email hermann.rapp@anglia.ac.uk