is it worth it to go to a lesser uni just to get a year in industry

for business degrees

Probably not. It depends a bit on the detail. In general, Business degrees do not have a strong reputation as their quality can vary enormously, the only test of quality is going to an academically rigorous university. If you achieve that, then internships and work in the vacations should be enough to demonstrate workplace skills. In many cases, rather than doing a business degree at a lower ranked university, you'd do better to just start an apprenticeship of job straight from school and get 3 years more experience on graduates.

Good things to think on thank you! What would you say about using 2 UCAS options for Exeter normal and Exeter w industry. I know I’ll get into normal as doing a programme that gets me contextual access but industry dosent accept contextual as it’s more competitive,

You could try for both, but if you are doing a programme that helps with access - can you ask Exeter what their view would be?

Could you try a degree apprenticeship?