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UEL leads the way in women’s entrepreneurship

Tuesday 9 November 2010

 

On a day when three of the most high-profile female entrepreneurs in Britain were conferred with honorary degrees by the University, a UEL graduate, Bunmi Olaye, was herself bestowed with the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Students from UEL’s Royal Docks Business School, celebrating their graduation at ceremonies staged at the Barbican, were joined by Laura Tenison, creator of the hugely successful Jo Jo Maman Bébé chain of boutique children’s and maternity clothing stores, as well as by Justine Roberts and Carrie Longton, co-creators of Mumsnet.

All three honorary awardees certainly know a thing or two about entrepreneurship. Laura Tenison grew her company from a one woman business run from her front room to a nationwide franchise employing over 300 people, while Mumsnet has grown in profile so much from its humble beginnings as a chat forum that it was the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who spoke at the company’s 10th birthday celebrations in March.

Laura, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in Business Administration, said: “I was speechless at the whole idea. It’s a huge accolade. My advice to the students is to never give up, it took until I was turning over £5million a year and employing 80 people before my mum stopped asking me when I was going to get a proper job. These are tough times to be launching yourself into a career but when you have to work really hard to achieve something you value it all the more”.

Carrie Longton of Mumsnet, who also received an honorary doctorate in Business Administration, along with her business partner Justine Roberts, said: “’It’s a huge thrill to receive this doctorate. It feels as though the University is very forward-looking and forward-thinking when it comes to entrepreneurship, this is the beginning of something really important for the University of East London and to be a small part of that is exciting and something we both hope to play a part in, in the future”.

Selena Bolingbroke, UEL’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Strategic Planning and External Development) said: “Our choice for honorary doctorates in business administration this year reflects UEL’s commitment to supporting and championing women’s entrepreneurship. Laura, Justine and Carrie are all excellent examples of women who have used considerable drive and initiative to achieve remarkable success. They are an inspiration to our students and I congratulate them all”.

Meanwhile, Bunmi Olaye, who graduates from her fashion degree next week, won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 Award at the Precious Awards held at the British Library. The award which recognises businesswomen of colour is held in high esteem in the business world. Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: "I'm so impressed by the dedication and hard work required to be a successful entrepreneur; I hope you are all very proud of your achievements...you are all great examples to your colleagues and peers."

Bunmi, who was also a finalist in the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year awards, said: “I am truly honoured to have won this award. I am elated and proud to share my successes and challenges with the world. I believe this is an inspirational award not only as a person of colour but to have my talents recognised as an artist, designer and a businesswoman is immensely gratifying for me and the entire Bunmi Koko team. It has taken not only an entrepreneurial spirit but a strategic direction, ability to lead and build teams with an abundance of creativity and innovation to make the label what it is today. The support of highly accomplished supporters of the Awards as well as the backing of The British Library business centre further cements my joy as a winner of these prestigious awards”.

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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