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LSBU entrepreneurs win start-up support in ‘Make It Happen’
Last week saw six of LSBU's most talented young entrepreneurs go head-to head at our annual 'Make it Happen' business plan award ceremony, hosted at LSBU's Clarence Centre for Enterprise and InnovationThis year's winner was Stephen Addison, a BA Business Administration graduate, who wowed the judging panel with his business 'Box up Stress', an affordable fitness and stress relief solution aimed at students and people who lead pressurised, busy lives.
"I wanted to find a way to decrease the stress levels amongst students during their time at university, so I came up with the idea of 'Box up Stress'. My business uses fun and proven stress reduction remedies to help balance individuals' stress," explains Stephen.
"This was largely inspired by the traumatising experience of losing a friend during his last year of university as a result of excessive stress and his struggle to deal with it.
"My mentor, Dr Gloria Gordon, who has guided me since year one, is largely responsible for me winning this competition. She taught me invaluable lessons along the way."
Stephen was presented with a £1,000 cash prize, business space and membership of the Institute of Directors.
Runner-up was Rotwen Ibarra for 'Keep Rolling', a start-up business dedicated to the production, distribution and commercialization of Venezuelan cheese snack, 'Tequeños'. Third place was awarded to Chris Underdown for 'Choosic', a music discovery platform which delivers personalised music recommendations based on individuals' tastes and history.
LSBU's Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Phoenix was amongst the attendees who also presented the awards to the finalists and commended other shortlisted candidates including, Camilla Weichert's student-run 'Sustainangles', A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) consultancy agency; Nadeesha Karunachcharige for 'HealthIn', a social networking website and app promoting healthy lifestyles and Simon Powell for 'Fit 2 Trip', a business providing travel insurance to as many people across continental Europe as possible irrespective of health and age.
Ketan Makwana, founder and director of Rockstar Youth was special guest and keynote speaker for the evening. Ketan has started and successfully sold a series of agencies focused on business development, branding and growth. His keynote speech 'Knowing Your Networth' focused on business, the development of young entrepreneurs and an insight into his successful enterprise.