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Enterprising graduates receiving start-up grants from the Haberdashers' Company

Thursday 29 July 2010

Nine enterprising University of East London (UEL) graduates are celebrating after each being awarded £1,500 from the Haberdashers' New Entrepreneurs Fund

Eight enterprising graduates from the University of East London were recently awarded grants of £1,500 by The Haberdashers’ New Entrepreneurs Start Up Fund to help fund the development of their businesses.

Recipients of the grants awarded at the prestigious Haberdashers’ Hall included: Kazadi Mwamba, a BA (Hons.) Human Resource Management graduate from Hackney, whose idea Cool Learning aims to provide an interactive learning platform for kids; Paula Denby, a MA Architecture: Sustainability & Design graduate, who aims to establish a mobile shop for young designers; and Owen Morgan, a MSc Architecture: Advanced Energy and Environmental Studies graduate, now in the process to turn his business idea Cambridge Solar, a renewable energy micro-generation company into reality.

“Cambridge Solar is delighted to have received a grant from The Haberdasher's Entrepreneurs fund. The money will be invested into two main areas: marketing - to start raising our profile and into getting accredited for solar Photo Voltaic. Both these areas are absolutely key to our future business. We can now fast-track the process. We had an unforgettable day visiting the Haberdashers’ Hall and meeting representatives of the Company and former receivers of the award. We would not be able to move ahead with our plans at such a pace without the amazing support of such great programmes as the Haberdashers’ Entrepreneurs Fund and the support from the Knowledge Dock at UEL and for this we offer our huge thanks to both organisations”, said Owen.

Paulo Gomes, another entrepreneur who is setting up a mobile outdoor advertising business called ‘MoveBy’ said “We are going to use the grant to develop our website and our corporate ID. To have something like this available is good when you are a start-up business. We are very pleased that it will enable us to achieve a new stage in the development of the business”.

The University of East London is a fantastic place for entrepreneurs to start up a new business. UEL started working closely with the Haberdashers’ Company in 2005. Since then 45 graduates and students started trading with the combined support of the Haberdashers’ Grant and the Knowledge Dock, the University of East London’s enterprise development service.

“For many of our graduates the grant makes the difference between setting up a business or shelving the idea. The support of the Haberdashers’ Company has been fantastic over the last five years and allowed so many of our students to take their future into their own hands,” said Thorsten Klein, Business Incubation Manger at the University of East London.

Sally Dyson of the Haberdashers’ Company said: "The Haberdashers’ Company is proud to support UEL’s young entrepreneurs. UEL fosters a truly impressive culture of enterprise combined with social conscience. It isrefreshing and encouraging to witness the creativity, dedication andcommunity spirit ofthe grant recipients and we wish themevery success."

Start-up assistance for enterprising students and graduates not only supports the economy, but also the local community. Professor Patrick McGhee, Vice Chancellor at the University of East London said, “The University of East London plays a major role in the local community. Entrepreneurship is not just about making money, it is about taking responsibility. We educate and empower our students to become agents for change in their communities.”

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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