A student from Ealing’s University of West London has won a national award after creating an Apprentice-inspired business challenge backed by businessman Claude Littner.
Sanaa Kazi, who studied for an MBA at UWL’s Claude Littner Business School, received the Student Leadership and Enterprise Award at the University Alliance Awards 2026.
Ms Kazi created the Claude Littner Business Challenge, a student competition inspired by the BBC television programme The Apprentice, on which Mr Littner is a trusted adviser to Lord Sugar.
The challenge brought together 60 UWL students to compete in a series of business-focused tasks, with two winning teams sharing a £15,000 prize fund sponsored by Mr Littner.
Ms Kazi, who is now vice-president of activities and participation at UWL Students’ Union, received the award at a ceremony at the University of Derby last week (3 September 2026).
She said: “Winning this award is incredibly meaningful, especially seeing the Claude Littner Business Challenge recognised on a wider scale. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, and excited to take it even further.”
Mr Littner said: “I’m incredibly proud of Sanaa, not for what she’s achieved, but for what she’s going to achieve, I think she’s a unique character, with a tremendous attitude, a go getter. I’ve got no doubt that whatever she puts her hand to, she’ll be successful. And I hope that she involves me in some of these things.”
