Campus services won “Commercial University of the Year” at a lavish black-tie award ceremony this month.

Picking up the award is expected to have cost the University almost £3,000, which includes affiliation and the £375 per ticket event, to which the University sent four members of staff.

After tucking into the three course meal, snooker player Steve Davis announced the award, hosted by the University of Essex.

CUBO (the Association of College and University Business Officers) honours Universities for their commercial enterprises.

The University defended the decision to spend this money: “For us, the title Commercial University is about operating the type of professional services that our students need and expect and we are delighted that CUBO recognised this.”

Raymond Ciborowski, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Swansea University said: “I am absolutely delighted that the team have been recognised by CUBO for their successes in realising our aspiration to develop outstanding services, providing unforgettable experiences and driving profitability.”

Zahid Raja, Students’ Union President had no issue with the University’s thriftless behaviour: “This is great news for the University which the Students’ Union welcomes. In order to maintain our position as a sector leader in this area, the Students’ Union will be seeking more opportunities to work in partnership with the University on commercial projects.”

A University spokesperson said: “Our submission for the Commercial University of the Year awards was based on how we have developed new high quality services for our students, often working in partnership with others.

“These included the MyCostcutter supermarket (in partnership with the Student [sic] Union), Fairwood Training Ground (with Swansea City FC), 360 Beach and Watersports (with Bay Leisure) and Blas cafe in both Fulton House and the Wales National Pool.

“The submission also mentioned how we hope to pursue further developments and partnership agreements to offer high quality services at the new campus.”

Pictured are left to right – Nicolas Guerin [MD Bouygues Development (Sponsor)], Paul Robinson [Head of Commercial Services, Swansea University], Ben Lucas [Business Development and Marketing Manager, Swansea University] and Paddy Jackman [Director of Commercial Services, Imperial College London (Host/MC)].