LSBU graduate entrepreneur nominated for international award
Fit 2 Trip Ltd, founded by LSBU graduate Simon Powell, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ITIJ Industry Awards recognising innovative companiesLondon South Bank University (LSBU) MSc Digital Marketing graduate Simon Powell has seen his business Fit 2 Trip Ltd listed as one of three finalists in the Aggregator / Broker / Affinity Partner of the Year category in the 2017 International Travel and Health Insurance Awards (ITIJ Awards).
Now in its 15th year, the awards recognise excellence in the global travel and health insurance industry, rewarding innovation and honouring companies who have been outstanding over the last 12 months. The overall winners in each category will be announced on the award night held in Barcelona in November.
Simon started Fit 2 Trip, a travel insurance provider for people with disabilities and health impairments, whilst studying at LSBU in 2014. With over 20 years’ experience in financial services and the travel insurance sector he spotted a growing gap in the insurance market and developed his new business idea with support from the University’s Student Enterprise team.
On hearing news of his nomination, Simon said:
“I’m delighted that Fit 2 Trip has been nominated for an ITIJ award. It’s a real endorsement of what we are doing at Fit 2 Trip and is recognition of all the hard work and support that has been put in by all involved, to get us to where we are today.
“It will be great to talk about the award nomination with our customers to reinforce our message and credibility, something which is very important in the insurance industry. From a trade perspective, it also helps to raise the profile of Fit 2 Trip within the international travel insurance industry, particularly when our fellow nominees in the category are well-known brands like Axa and Money Supermarket. Trade publicity can open the door to wider opportunities and potential new partnerships.”
Linsey Cole, Head of LSBU’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute, added:
“Congratulations to Simon and Fit 2 Trip! Since starting Fit 2 Trip on our Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme, Simon has taken it from strength to strength. Starting your own business isn’t easy, let alone keeping it going, so I’m really pleased that this award recognises all the hard work that Simon has put in.”
LSBU’s Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme is now open for applications for 2017/18. The 12-month programme provides LSBU graduates with access to funding, advice, guidance and office space at the Clarence Centre for Enterprise and Innovation. Over the last four years the scheme has supported 27 businesses, with 67% of those still trading today.
Find out more about how to apply for LSBU’s Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme.