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Students Step up to the challenge at East London enterprise awards

Friday 14 September 2007

Enterprising students from universities across the UK gathered at the Shell Centre in Waterloo on Tuesday 4 September for the 2007 East London and Kent Shell Step Finals, organised by the Knowledge Dock enterprise support service of the University of East London (UEL).

Shell Step is the UK’s leading creator of tailored placement projects for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

39 talented undergraduates, including three UEL students, took part in this year’s programme in East London and Kent. The students, who attend universities all over the country, spent eight weeks over the summer researching, developing and delivering business and technical projects for a range of host companies.

At the ceremony held to mark their achievements, Professor Alan Sibbald, UEL’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “SMEs are recognised as the drivers of the national economy, but they are often held back by a lack of suitably skilled employees. The shortage of skills on the one hand, and the high level of graduate availability on the other, calls for a more effective matching of resources.

“Shell Step aims to influence attitudes of small business managers, undergraduates and those who advise them by demonstrating the immediate and direct contribution talented young people can make to the development of these businesses. It’s a real win-win situation, and it's wonderful to see so many talented students completing the programme.”

In 2006, Knowledge Dock was awarded the title of Shell Step Agent of the Year. Knowledge Dock staff, including Director Rob Moss, decided this year’s winners.

Gareth Lewis, Enterprise Services Manager, said: “I’m always amazed by the high standard of students who participate in this programme, and this year is definitely no different. The judges found it extremely difficult to pick out a winner - in fact they deliberated for well over an hour before reaching consensus.”

Toby Smith (21), of Winchmore Hill, received the Most Enterprising Student award. Toby, a History student at the University of York, spent the summer carrying out market research and PR with Powerchex in Central London.

Toby said: “The great thing about the Shell Step scheme is that you are given an objective and then it’s pretty much all down to you. The people at Powerchex were extremely supportive, but ultimately I had to work out how to achieve my goals, how to manage my time, and how to motivate myself. The skills I learnt are invaluable, and taking part in the programme has been a great way to boost my CV!”

Toby’s work helped Powerchex save over £30,000 and get a series of articles published in the Guardian and industry-recognised human resource magazines. He will now go through to the London Final at the Shell Centre in Waterloo on 13 September.

Karen Blunden (21), of Rainham, received the runner-up prize and Wanda Halbert (20), of Truro, took the prize for best report.

UEL’s 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 or contact Richard Keenan on 020 8223 6556.

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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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