Aston University’s student startup support programme marks 10th year
An Aston University student and graduate business startup support programme has celebrated its 10th year in operation.
BSEEN, a collaboration of four Birmingham universities led by Aston University, marked a decade of supporting student and graduate entrepreneurs with an awards dinner on 4 May 2023. Mike Bander, an Aston University alumnus and recipient of an honorary doctorate, was guest speaker and gave a keynote speech.
The programme has helped over 800 new businesses to launch through 31 intensive startup bootcamps and a network of 85 business mentors.
The awards night at Fazeley Studios in Birmingham showcased the student and graduate entrepreneurs supported by BSEEN and the mentors and professional services organisations who have worked to help startups through surgeries, drop-ins and round table discussions.
Mike Bandar, international business trainer and speaker and founding partner of Turn Partners, said:
“The power of the collective community has changed “I” into “us”.
“Personal ambition is essential, but the true spirit of entrepreneurship is to unite, collaborate and transform.
“Diversity gives us strength by not seeing competitors as rivals, but partners.”
Professor Zoe Radnor, pro-vice chancellor and executive dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:
“I have heard so much about BSEEN that was amazing and I am looking forward to supporting young people to achieve their goals despite European funding for the scheme coming to an end.”
Paula Whitehouse, deputy dean for enterprise and engagement at Aston University, said:
“The programme has delivered a big social and economic impact with businesses ranging from hand-crafted paper goods to medical devices.”
Carolyn Keenan, BSEEN project manager, said:
“It has been a privilege to be involved with the programme from the beginning.”
The eight awards presented during the event went to the following:
BSEEN Rising Star
Winner: Ruth Mestel and Charis McRoberts, Calathea Arts
Highly Commended: Denise Amory-Reid, Amory R Management
BSEEN Champion Award
Winner: Ben Brophy, Ad Valorem Accountants
Highly Commended: Richard Freeman and Jamie Partington, Higgs LLP
Award for Technology
Winner: Alliyah and Amirah Khan, Our Tied Camel
Highly Commended: Safe Queen Team
Award for Creative Industries
Winner: Morgan Grice, Odd Orange
Highly Commended: Andrea Craciun, Sweetest Mango Illustration
Award for Innovation
Winner: David Akraka, Akreon Technology
Highly Commended: Hardeep Randhawa, ProLimbs
Award for Social Impact
Winner: Cleo Morris, Mission Diverse
Highly Commended: Jamaal O’Driscoll, O’D Collective
BSEEN Community Award
Winner: Shovon Wiggan, Inspire-a-Doll
Highly Commended: Janani Prasad, Supabite.com
Award for Small Business Growth
Winner: Bobby Bradstock, Serenity Psychotherapy
Highly Commended: Joseph Housley and Connor Watt, Narce Media and Ben Curtis, Hobby Store Group.