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Local pupils set sights on Stratford City in UEL business plan contest

Friday 15 June 2007

Business Studies pupils from Forest Gate Community School got a taste of running a real-life company when they visited the University of East London's (UEL) Docklands Campus for a special Stratford City development day on Thursday 7 June.

Twenty-five Year 10 pupils attended the event, working with UEL students to improve their practical business skills in the morning before taking part in the afternoon's Location, location, location business plan contest, judged by a panel of experts.

In teams of five, the pupils prepared and delivered business presentations that outlined reasons for each of their allocated companies to relocate to Stratford City.

The presentations were judged by Joanna Brain and George Cochrane, two consultants to Stratford City Developments Ltd, alongside Thorsten Klein, Manager of UEL’s HotHatch Business Generator, and Jody Turay, a UEL graduate and Managing Director of Voicing the Truth Media (VTM).

Iram Khalique (15), of Forest Gate, was a member of the winning team, Fusion, who were awarded a one-hour show on UEL's new digital radio station. Iram said: “The idea behind Fusion was a healthy fast food outlet, so it definitely links into the whole Olympic effect. Today’s been a really enjoyable event, and working with professionals has been a very positive experience.”

The event was organised by Margot Richardson from UEL’s Education and Community Partnership team in collaboration with Paul Cannons, Stratford City Education Development Officer, and supported by Westfield Group, the main developer of Stratford City, and Knowledge Dock, UEL’s enterprise support and development service.

George Cochrane said: “It’s been a wonderful day – everyone worked very hard and came up with some fantastic proposals, making it very hard for us to decide on a winner. The pupils took a lot from the activities and it’s been great to see such a successful link between school, university and business. UEL’s involvement was crucial.”

Knowledge Dock contributes to the economic and social development of East London and Thames Gateway through provision of a range of business development and support services to inventors, businesses, academics, students and entrepreneurs. For further information, visit www.knowledgedock.com

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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