A CHESHIRE events agency has hosted a milestone celebration for graduates about to start exciting new careers.

Saving Grace Events has delivered the first ever graduation ceremony for University Academy 92 (UA92).

The company was launched in 2017 by breast cancer survivor Knutsford mum Rebecca Hartley.

With painstaking precision, her team organised the event for the Class of 22 at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on July 10.

Knutsford Guardian: Rebecca Hartley and her team at Saving Grace EventsRebecca Hartley and her team at Saving Grace Events

Rebecca Hartley, founder of Saving Grace Events, said: “It was a great honour to win the pitch for this incredible celebration for the first students of UA92.

“We wanted to create a graduation event with a difference to align with the core philosophies of UA92 and provide a sparkling celebration for the Class of 22.”

READ > Knutsford bar and restaurant Wine and Wallop on sale for £375k

Special guests included UA92 co-founders Gary Neville and Nicky Butt, Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, and Sir Alex Ferguson who inspired the new graduates with a moving speech.

The event was attended by 500 people.

The graduation kicked off with a welcome address by Gary Neville, who shared the ambition of making higher education possible for everyone – inclusive, diverse and removing barriers.

Graduates were treated to inspiring poetry by Argh Kid aka wordsmith sensation David Scott, a performance by String Infusion, followed by drinks and music. 

Months of meticulous planning went into the event, with the Saving Grace Events team working closely alongside the team at UA92 to celebrate the first cohort of students.

Stacey Anderson, head of Marketing at UA92, said: “In true UA92 style we wanted to deliver a deliberately different graduation experience, an event which infused the best elements of traditional ceremonies but with a modern twist.

“With the support of Rebecca and her team we were able to deliver an event which formed a key milestone in UA92’s history in the making.”

UA92 was founded by Manchester United legends, Class of 92 members Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Phil Neville.

Following on from their success on the pitch the group has all gone on to have successful careers in the business, media and sporting words.

The group partnered with academic pioneers Lancaster University to form University Academy 92.

UA92 opened its doors in September 2019, offering degrees aimed at accelerating careers in the worlds of business, media and sport, and has since added digital to its portfolio of courses.

Degrees have a focus on personal and character development, along with the skills needed for the world of work.

For more details visit ua92.ac.uk