Mark Prisk means Business with Student Entrepreneurs
Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise, met student entrepreneurs at the University of Hertfordshire to hear how the University supports them in their start-up businesses.
The University’s student-led entrepreneurial society, Herts Entrepreneurs, hosted a roundtable discussion where they were able to share their experiences with the Minister and discuss how they juggle business and study with the specialised support on hand at the University.
Natasha Webb, president of Herts Entrepreneurs said: “We took this opportunity to share with Mr Prisk the facilities that the society and the University offer to young entrepreneurs. Our speaker events, networking sessions and practical workshops, combined with designated office space in the University’s Incubation Centre really enable students and graduates to take an idea and turn it into a viable business.
“We know that self-employment among young people is on the rise. National figures estimate that 2,350 new businesses were set up by recent graduates last year so it was great that we had the opportunity to meet and share our success stories and future developments with such an influential, high-profile figure.”
Among the entrepreneurs Mr Prisk met during his visit on Friday 24 February were Joseph Lion, who founded his graphic design company at the age of 15, and first-year student, Greg McClarnon, who runs a web development and photography business.
Mr Prisk, also the MP for Hertford and Stortford said: “I wanted to come and listen to students themselves about how the entrepreneurs’ society and the University combine to help them grow and develop their ideas into real businesses.
“There’s nothing more exciting than finding someone who has got a good idea and then turns it into a profitable venture especially at such a young age. It is always very inspiring.”
Mr Prisk was welcomed to the University by Julie Newlan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise) and Alix Green, Head of Policy, and invited to sit in on a business start-up fundraising workshop arranged by the society and NACUE (the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs) featuring keynote speakers and successful entrepreneurs, Colin Tan of rentlord.com and Bill Morrow, who runs Angels’ Den.
For further information about how the University supports entrepreneurialism in the student community visit the enterprise section of the University's website.