LSBU celebrates Entrepreneurial University Award
Students, alumni, staff and external guests celebrate LSBU's Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award win (Times Higher Education Awards 2016)A celebratory event held in London South Bank University’s (LSBU) Keyworth Centre brought together over 150 people, including local partners, LSBU’s tenant community and participants from LSBU’s start-up and business support schemes to share their stories of enterprise, in light of LSBU being named Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the 2016 Times Higher Education Awards.
Guests networked over afternoon tea before hearing from Professor Paul Ivey, LSBU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, who reflected on the award ceremony and the moment LSBU’s name was called:
“We couldn’t believe it! We were delighted to even be on the shortlist as we had a tough category. When LSBU’s name was announced our whole table erupted! The overwhelming sense of pride in what we had achieved really reflects the culture of enterprise present at LSBU. Thank you to everyone for all your contributions and hard work.”
LSBU School of Business postgraduate student and founder of 3p Translation Martina Eco joined Hazel Eki-Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans and an Investment Escalator participant, in a panel discussion featuring an audience Q&A. They spoke about their different business backgrounds and the inspiration behind starting their own businesses. Both outlined the support they had received from LSBU and the difference this had made when overcoming failure and taking their start-ups to the next level.
“It was great to have the opportunity to speak about my personal journey at LSBU alongside another female business owner,” Martina said. “Since working as a freelance translator and interpreter I’ve never thought of myself as an entrepreneur or a business owner, but all the support and opportunities that LSBU has offered me have grown my confidence and business awareness. The staff at LSBU are always supportive and drive you to become a better person and better professional – this in my opinion is what makes LSBU the Entrepreneurial University of the Year.”
Introducing LSBU’s Entrepreneurial University of the Year video above, Gurpreet Jagpal, Director of Research, Enterprise and Innovation (REI), said:
“The support we provide for our students, alumni, staff and local business community is only made possible through our unique enterprising ecosystem. Through our relationships with our Directors of Research and Enterprise, Enterprise Champions, Entrepreneurs in Residence and Student Ambassadors we have supported 220 student and graduate business ideas, engaged over 5,000 students and worked with over 600 local SMEs in the last year.”
Guests enjoyed champagne and canapés before leaving with an individual cake made by LSBU’s enterprising students in the National Bakery School.
Watch our video to find out more about LSBU’s entrepreneurial and enterprise activities.