Students' entrepreneurial ideas ranging from toppling dominoes to sustainable fashion solutions have been come under scrutiny from business experts.
The Leeds University Business School (LUBS) Entrepreneurship Awards saw 28 students from 17 countries present their business and financial proposals to a panel of experts.
They included Zak Kushner, a first year undergraduate student studying Business Management at LUBS and winner of the LUBS Entrepreneurship Award.
Zak, who had the idea for producing high quality toppling dominoes in the UK, said: “Domino toppling has been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the past few years, I've worked with children, teaching them how to build domino structures and rallies, but my ideas for new domino products have been in the works since I was 14.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to now turn this passion into a business and bring these ideas to life."
Zak’s idea included introducing domino art sets and collaborating with other popular brands to produce fun interactive toys for children and families.
Zak added: “This competition has been amazing and it has helped me to bring my business ideas together in my head and put pen to paper. Rebecca and Richard have been amazing and hugely supportive.
“I’m hoping to take my business idea forward in September when I start the second year of my studies.”
Undergraduate student Zak Kushner pitching to the panel of experts.
A total of 246 students from 36 countries across postgraduate and undergraduate programmes took part in the programme which has been developed by Rebecca Padgett and Dr Richard Tunstall.
Rebecca Padgett, Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, said: “It is fantastic that so many students are interested in participating in this co-curricular programme, with this year’s intake increasing by over 50%.
“It showcases how student enterprise is helping to bridge the gap between industry and academia and how our experiential learning can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
The enterprise eco-system in the region is strong, our future is bright.
Students presented their value proposition, customer profiles and financial revenue streams to a panel of experts who provided feedback and asked further questions.
The panel of experts included Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Sharon Jandu, Managing Director at Northern Powerhouse Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum and an alum of the University, James Mason, CEO, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Cathy Myles, Pro Dean of Student Education in LUBS at the University of Leeds.
James said: “As a business owner myself and having set up my first company shortly after leaving university I was really keen to be part of this judging panel.
“I was blown away with the quality of ideas and presentations. So much creativity, innovation and some of them were bona fide business opportunities that may attract investment if followed through.”
Bright future
All students completing the award have the opportunity to work with SPARK, the University business startup service.
The LUBS Entrepreneurship Awards has had huge impact on its previous participants. Last year’s winner Imogen Maguire is now participating in the West Yorkshire Combined Authorities (WYCA) Innovative Entrepreneurs programme. Imogen’s idea for an app to help with EV charging cars that was pitched to the panel last year as a part of this module, has taken off.
Imogen said: “The award was a game changer for me during my studies. I learnt how to actually apply knowledge to the real business world not just an essay. I had the opportunity to meet incredible business experts, who have helped me on my journey to this day running my own business.”
Mandy said: “It was fabulous to see a room full to the brim with such enthusiastic and professional young talent.
“I’m delighted that last year’s winner is now part of this year’s cohort of Innovative Entrepreneurs, our regional initiative to grow more new businesses in West Yorkshire. The enterprise eco-system in the region is strong, our future is bright.”
Cathy added: “At the heart of the success of Leeds University Business School are our students, and this event highlighted exactly why we are so successful. Our students are incredible! Their drive, passion and innovative ideas were demonstrated to their full in their creative pitches – well done all, so proud to be working with every one of you.”
Further information
For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey at R.Hurrey@leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds Press Office.
Photo credit: Alex Beldea.