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UEL has the E-Factor!

Friday 10 May 2013

E-Factor

(E-Factor finalists)

An exciting crop of budding entrepreneurs from the University of East London (UEL) went head to head in a Dragons’ Den-style competition for the grand prize of £6,000 at a recent event at Level39, Canary Wharf.

The E-Factor Business Ideas Competition, which is now in its eighth year, is open to entrepreneurial students and graduates from UEL, who are given the opportunity to pitch their business ideas, and compete in a live final before a panel of experienced judges –in the same vein as the popular BBC 2 show.

 Presenting their pitches in front of a packed audience and expert panel in the sumptuous surroundings of Level39, One Canada Square, the contestants took to the stage to present their respective business ideas.

 As the business side of the evening started in earnest, the panel listened to a series of diverse and compelling pitches. A taste of the highlights included the Milkshake Club, a clothing brand that works alongside Arts Against Knives and Felippe Johann a concept specialising in print design and pattern-cutting with a particular focus on womenswear.

Despite each presentation being of the highest quality, only one contestant could prevail: April Evelyn-Cooper, a student currently studying Graphic Design with Illustration, emerged the winner, with her YumTum business idea.

The notion behind YumTum is the concept of using transmedia and stealth learning to educate children about the benefits of healthy food, the importance of learning to cook and the history, traditions and preparation of intercontinental foods. The idea was born following a trip to Japan, and stems from April’s obsession with different cultures.

Speaking of her E-Factor experience, April said: "My journey throughout the E-Factor competition was amazing. The staff within the Employability and Enterprise team helped me to pull together my concept, and build both my confidence and my business idea throughout.  It has been such a great experience. 

“At the moment, my business is only an idea, but I have already started to make very important contacts through networking at the final.  I would say to anyone who is thinking about applying next year -  just go for it.  You might be surprised at what you can actually achieve."

Acting Vice-Chancellor, John Joughin, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that year after year; UEL is able to showcase, celebrate and reward the entrepreneurial talents of our students.

E-Factor is now in its eighth year, and it is an immense source of pride to me that the standard of entries continues to demonstrate the innovative flair of our students and graduates. A number of companies and employers have supported us during this journey, and we are very grateful to them for that. We are particularly appreciative of the support from the Canary Wharf Group, who for the second year have hosted the event.”

The winner of E-Factor receives: £6,000 grant funding; a market research report worth £500 sponsored by Marketest; a Natwest business bank account; a business mentor and expert consultancy advice and desk space in The Petchey Centre for Entrepreneurship at UEL’s Docklands Campus.

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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