University of Chester students have won places in the regional final of a competition championing young enterprise after impressing judges with their ideas for an electric scooter rental company and a perspiration-protecting product.
The two student teams have been chosen to represent the University at the North West Final of the Young Enterprise Start Up Awards this week. They will compete for a host of awards and the chance to go on to represent the North West at the UK Final.
The students stood out against tough competition with their presentations for Rapid – an electric scooter rental company with an innovative cover and an integrated solar panel, and Sweat Shield – a hygiene product designed to conceal perspiration and protect clothing.
They were selected from four teams who pitched at a University event to: Andy Firr, Start Up Manager from Young Enterprise and Lead Judge; Business Leader Paul Gillen; Sam Taylor from Bentley Motors, and Anne-Marie Whiteley from DWF, leading global provider of legal and business services.
All of the students pitched their business ideas as part the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module, led by Dr Henry Sidsaph, which, in turn, is part of the University Business School’s Business, Marketing and Events Management degrees.
Dr Sidsaph said: “Congratulations to the two winning teams – and all the students for their ideas, initiative and impressive presentations. The judges had a difficult decision to make in choosing who to put forward.
“Thank you to Andy, Paul, Sam and Anne-Marie for all your time and input, as well as my team and Head of Department, Dr Connie Hancock, who has led our University of Chester Business School team to success previously – an achievement we hope to repeat this year.”
Young Enterprise is a national charity which supports young people to succeed in the changing world of work by equipping them with the work skills, knowledge and confidence they need.
