Entrepreneurial students given time out to set up their business
FABRICS INFLUENCED by geology, accessories for nightclubbers and a new range of underwear are among products being developed by enterprising students at the University of Leeds.
Four have won a universitywide contest to develop their businesses during a year-long period away from their normal studies in which they can focus on bringing their products to market.
Geology student Josephine Canning designs fabrics, gifts, wall coverings and accessories influenced by geological structures; management student Harriett Howe has developed a range of modern and fashionable underwear targeted at young women who need additional support; music student Louis Ewart creates nightclub accessories such as glow-sticks and glitter adornments and media student Owen Seabrook provides social media and visual content for enterprises.
The students’ business plans were studied by a judging panel, which included university staff and representatives of the local business community. The judges said the four winning students “demonstrated a real entrepreneurial spirit, spotted market opportunities, took advantage of their niche areas – and presented credible, viable business proposals”.
Each of the students will take a year out between their second and third year of their degree studies to set up and run their own business, benefiting from office space, financial support, training, mentoring and professional business advice. To support them during the year, they will receive a £5,000 Leeds University Year in Enterprise Scholarship funded by a local business.
Keycare, a Shipley-based key recovery and assistance specialist, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by providing the scholarship for Harriett’s enterprise.
Non-executive director Rachel Taylor, who will help mentor Harriett, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Harriet and acting as a sounding board to help her turn her vision into reality.”