Member Article

Entrepreneurs aren’t feeling the pinch

An award winning entrepreneur is helping young students at Newcastle University come out of their shell. Jane Nolan, an entrepreneur in residence at Newcastle University’s Careers Service, has 35 years’ award winning experience in business and leadership, and is now passing on her knowledge and inspiration to two young Masters students who aim to set up a new business here in the region. Victoria Dallas (22) and Lizzy Twist (22) were introduced to the expertise of the Jane Nolan earlier this year and they are now working closely in a proof of concept study into commercialising the Southeast Asian delicacy Mitten Crab; made famous by Gordon Ramsey after he cooked with them on the F Word last year. Extensive research is being undertaken into the species and Victoria and Lizzy aim to develop their concept here in the North East. Jane said: ’I joined the Entrepreneurs in Residence programme earlier this year and am thrilled to be working with Victoria and Lizzy. The girls have so much passion about developing their business around Mitten Crabs and setting up here in the North East. ‘We are working to undertake research and development into the idea before the girls graduate in September and aim to get a tenancy at the Aquaculture Science Technology Enterprise Centre (ASTEC) where they can farm the crabs themselves.’ Having real life business expertise in the University is vital to help students gain entrepreneurial skills to take into the region after graduation. Mentoring talented individuals is essential, especially coming out of such difficult economic times. Nick Keeley, Careers Service Director: ’The Scheme, established in 2002, aims to engage leading entrepreneurs, passionate about enabling individuals and businesses to reach their potential, in stimulating and supporting the entrepreneurial talent at this university. ‘The breadth and depth of their collective experience in immense ? all with a unique and inspiring story to tell. The Entrepreneurs’ real world experience, tacit knowledge and networks are an invaluable resource for our budding entrepreneurs. All leaders in their respective fields, they know what it takes to operate successful ventures in a global context.’ Professor Max Robinson, Founder Director of ‘Best Security SME’ Kromek and Angie McLean, North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 and Managing Director of Fast Forward Now (www.fastforwardnow.com) sit alongside Jane as the Entrepreneurs in Residence.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by laura fitzpatrick .