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Enterprising UEL students awarded Haberdashers' funds to have a go at business

Monday 31 March 2008

Nine enterprising University of East London (UEL) students and graduates are celebrating after being awarded £1500 each from the Haberdashers' New Entrepreneurs Fund, established in 2007 to allow UEL alumni to develop innovative business ideas.

Michael Perkins and Alison Murdoch of the Haberdashers’ Company, one of the oldest city livery companies, presented the entrepreneurs with certificates of success at a ceremony held in the Knowledge Dock Centre at UEL’s Docklands Campus on Tuesday 25 March.

Michael said: “At the Haberdashers’ Company, one of the key focus areas of our charitable support is funding promising business start-ups and giving young people the opportunity to take themselves forward.

“It’s exciting to meet young entrepreneurs so full of ideas and enthusiasm. I’ve been extremely impressed by the application and talent on show here at UEL, and it’s been great to hear about the successes of last year’s recipients.”

The entrepreneurs will now develop their business ideas under the guidance of Knowledge Dock, UEL’s enterprise development service. Many have already been working on plans in UEL’s HotHatch Business Generator, which offers aspiring entrepreneurs their own office address and facilities.

John Koomson (35), of East Ham, is a student on UEL’s BA (Hons) degree in Marketing. In October 2007, John launched an international freight shipment company, Jils Ventures Ltd, which he aims to concentrate on full-time after graduating this summer.

John said: “It’s fantastic to have won this award; the money will help finance my marketing plan, which is central to the success of my business. Obviously, my degree has helped me a lot, but the support of Knowledge Dock has been equally crucial.”

Thorsten Klein, Business Incubation Manager at UEL, added: “The support we receive from the Haberdashers' Company is instrumental in allowing our students and graduates to set up their own businesses. Working together, we can provide a wonderful platform, allowing our entrepreneurs to make their plans and dreams come true.”

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.

Other UEL students and graduates receiving Haberdashers’ grants include:

Isis Quaresma-Cabral (33), originally from Paris, is currently studying for an MSc in International Marketing at UEL while running I.Q. Consulting, a company that specialises in market research, strategies and corporate event planning.

Isis said: “I owe a big thank you to the Knowledge Dock for all the support they have given me. This is a really exciting time for my business; I was a bit wary about starting up on my own, but it’s becoming a real adventure.”

Henry Wright (26), of Poplar, graduated from UEL in 2005 with a BA (Hons) degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With the support of Knowledge Dock, Henry created Spotlight Media, a web development, marketing and consultancy agency. He now plans to spend the Haberdashers' grant on advertising to build up his business’ client base.

Henry said: “With the support of Haberdashers and Knowledge Dock I can target local medium-sized businesses in the short term, and gradually build up to target bigger, higher-profile companies.”

Dowan Ahmet (30), of Woolwich, graduated from UEL in 2001 with a BA (Hons) degree in Media Studies. After working as a freelance director for two years, Dowan set up his own company, Another Direction Ltd, which specialises in media production for local authorities and the community sector.

Dowan said: “We’re currently expanding the brand across London, and this grant will enable us to get brochures and corporate DVDs delivered to every borough in the capital. It feels great to be supported so positively towards achieving my goals.”

Mark Cumberworth, of Ilford, graduated from UEL in 1995 with a BA (Hons) degree in Economics. He was awarded a Haberdasher grant in 2007 and returned to explain the positive effect on his company, Slice Golf and Events Limited, which offers hospitality services to corporations, clubs and groups.

Mark said: “The money I received from the grant allowed me to invest in professional designers for my website, business cards and stationary. I believe that this played a significant part in attracting clients by giving the company a more professional image.”

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

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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