University of Hertfordshire Incubator members take top wins at Lord-Lieutenant’s Entrepreneurs Challenge

The University of Hertfordshire’s Business Incubator demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship, with members taking wins at the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s Entrepreneurs Challenge.

Held on Sunday 25th May during the Herts County Show at The Showground, Redbourn, the final saw Incubator ventures claim an extraordinary 11 of the 18 finalist spots, and walk away with two top prizes.

This impressive event followed a showcase event hosted by the University in March, designed to raise awareness of the Challenge and highlight opportunities available through the Herts Business Incubator programme. The overwhelming success of Incubator members in the final round reflected the programme’s reputation for nurturing high-potential, visionary startups.

Sara Llewellyn, founder of Mighty Eve (pictured, top, receiving award), emerged as the overall winner of the Challenge with her groundbreaking venture focused on sustainable period care solutions. Her innovative approach impressed the judges and secured her the top award and a prize package designed to accelerate growth and raise her profile within Hertfordshire’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Sara said: “Winning this challenge has been such an incredible validation of the work we’re doing at Mighty Eve. The support from the University of Hertfordshire’s Incubator has been outstanding. I am very much looking forward to what this means for Mighty Eve and how we can progress to enable our business to grow and help so many more people in the future.”

Adding to the success, Sophia Roberts, founder of Wisdom Equestrian and University of Hertfordshire alumna, received the Highly Commended award for her distinctive equestrian shapewear brand that empowers riders with confidence and comfort.

Sophia said: “Being recognised with the Highly Commended award is a huge honour. The Herts Incubator has been instrumental in challenging me and helping me at this early stage of my business. I couldn’t be happier with the award today and it’s meant all of the hard work has been worth it.”

The University of Hertfordshire’s dominance at the competition highlights the exceptional standard of innovation and entrepreneurship within its Incubator community.

Gaurav Singh, Incubator Manager said: “We are incredibly proud of our Incubator members and their outstanding performance in this competition. These results highlight the exceptional talent within our University Incubator and the tangible impact of our support programmes on driving business innovation across Hertfordshire.”

Finalists from the UH Incubator included:

· Abaobi Fertility: Supporting couples diagnosed with infertility by offering financial assistance for private treatments and promoting fertility awareness.

· ALT P: A leadership development firm offering high-performance coaching and team development programmes.

· Coach and Bloom: A coaching service for women led by Gemma Rabbini, focusing on personal growth and career transitions.

· Creative Scavenger: A brand offering nature-based activities and resources to foster creativity and connection.

· Go Tribe: A platform providing flexible virtual networking for entrepreneurs balancing busy lives.

· LifeStream DSA: A regulatory compliance platform that simplifies regulatory processes for businesses in regulated industries..

· Luxford and Ward: An estate agency that takes the time to understand specific needs of the client.

· Mighty Eve: The winning venture, offering sustainable and innovative period care solutions.

· Taylors CBD: A wellness brand providing high-quality CBD products founded after a personal injury journey.

· The Bills Included: A property management company specialising in hassle-free, all-inclusive billing services.

· Wisdom Equestrian: A groundbreaking equestrian shapewear brand awarded the Highly Commended prize.