Entrepreneur students kick start their year

Business students from Northumbria University have had their fledgling entrepreneurial skills put to the test at a start-up bootcamp.

The event was organised by academics at Northumbria’s Newcastle Business School in collaboration with a number of business partners, and held off campus in the vibrant Floe Workspace at the Tus Park business innovation and ecosystem centre in Newcastle city centre.

Over three days, entrepreneurship students took part in a series of highly relevant and practical activities with organisations such as global start-up community Startup Grind.

They also heard from recent Northumbria graduates about their own start-up experiences, and met with successful local business leaders, including Elaine Parker, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Safer Date, and Gavin Wilding from security business AutoRing.

Commenting on the bootcamp, Assistant Professor Kellie Forbes-Simpson from Newcastle Business School, said: “This was a lively and engaging way to kick off the start of term for our entrepreneurial students, allowing them to dive straight in on a range of highly relevant enterprise tasks and meet and learn from recent graduate business owners.

“It was also an opportunity for them to really connect with a wider entrepreneurial community, which is incredibly valuable and enhances the hands-on and experienced-based learning approach we offer our students.

Elaine Parker, CEO and founder of Safer Date, said: “As soon as I saw the opportunity to present the students with a challenge, I immediately put myself forward and I’m so glad that I did. It’s wonderful to see young people being taught about entrepreneurship, as schools tend to only teach you how to be an employee.”

“Choosing a winner was extremely difficult as they all worked so hard, but it’s very clear to me that each and every one of them has a very bright future ahead.”

Patrycja Maksymowicz, chapter director of Startup Grind, added: “Since its founding in Silicon Valley in 2010, Startup Grind has helped millions of entrepreneurs around the globe build their businesses. As part of our mission, we strive to serve as a catalyst for local entrepreneurial communities.

“It has been a great experience to work with the Northumbria University team on this event designed to encourage collaboration between young entrepreneurs and startups in our community. As I watched the final presentations, I was inspired by the enthusiasm of students and the ideas presented.

According to the latest Higher Education Business and Communities Interaction (HEBCIS) survey 2020/21, turnover for Northumbria graduate start-ups exceeded £95.3m placing the University in the top five nationally as well as first regionally. It is the 12th consecutive year Northumbria has been in the top 10 universities across the UK for graduate start-ups.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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