From eco-friendly retailing to digital media, businesses and business ideas of all kinds were on show at the University of Worcester’s Start-Up Business Fair.
Around 100 visitors and exhibitors descended on the University’s Severn Campus for the event, now in its third year, which brings together budding or aspiring businessmen and women with agencies that might be able to offer advice or support.
It was also a chance to show off business ideas, network and potentially generate business opportunities for the future.
Nicholas Bancroft, Enterprise Manager at the University of Worcester, said: “It was great to see a range of students with different ideas. The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for our own students, and also members of the public, to get inspired about the possibilities of starting a business. But we also had four student exhibitors that are either currently developing or are already trading with their own business. It was a chance to check out what they’re doing and get some exposure in front of an audience.
“We are keen for our students but also the wider community to benefit from the business expertise in our local area.”
Mr Bancroft said the event was a good opportunity not just for students from the University’s Business School, but other disciplines in which students might end up starting their own business, such as the arts. He said he understood at least one connection was made by a student on the evening that could lead to investment in their business.
Businesses and agencies who can support business start-ups or businesses looking for growth were also on hand to offer advice around areas such as business funding, business support and mentoring, patenting, accountancy and marketing. Among those offering their services at the event were Worcester Business Central, Worcester City’s Economic Development Team, Barclays bank, accountants Kendall Wadley, crowdfunding and branding experts Brand Refinery, and intellectual property specialists Wynne Jones IP. Natwest also sponsored the event.
Second year Business Management student, Gianina Ratiu, was a key figure in organising and promoting the event.
She said: “For me, this was a tremendous opportunity for development. For the first time I've been involved in planning and organising a business event, including monitoring the backstage processes.
“From this event I also got more insight into business world and feel I am more confident to talk with employers and more prepared to open a business one day.”
Photo credit: Maarja Konrad