Business

Successful entrepreneurs inspire students

Published 19 November 2010

Successful alumni wowed the audience at a 'Five Star Enterprise' night organised by beepurple at Cockcroft Hall.

The event celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week (15– 21 November) and was one of 40,000 events taking place in 100 countries, involving ten million people.

Five successful entrepreneurs, four of them former students of the university, shared their experiences and told of the good and the bad times as they developed their ventures.

Lorraine Bell, Gresham Blake, Tom Druitt, Gary Marlow and JC Reid each gave short presentations and then mingled with attendees during an informal reception.

Left to right: Gresham Blake, Gary Marlow, Tom Druitt, JC Reid and Lorraine Bell

Gary Marlow, BA(Hons) Physical Education with QTS, class of 2003 and now a social entrepreneur as director of Marlow Sports Ltd, said: "I am passionate about inspiring others to become entrepreneurs and encouraging them to go it alone rather than being part of the system."

Lorraine Bell, BA(Hons) Management and Tourism, class of 1997 and now founder and director of three local enterprises as well as being vice-president of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, said: "I wanted to share some of the things I have learned about being in business and that I wish someone had told me."

Gresham Blake, BA(Hons) Fashion Design with Business Studies, class of 2000 and now owner of the bespoke menswear and clothing company, said he felt an obligation to share his experiences with students: "I feel that giving back is really important in education – learning from real life people and their experiences, both positive and negative, is hugely valuable."

JC Reid, BA(Hons) Business Studies, class of 1986 and now managing director of Skint Records, Fatboy Slim's record label, told the audience: "When you have a good idea, look around for those with the skills to help you…and make sure you choose your business partners well."

Tom Druitt, long-standing friend of the university and founder of The Big Lemon Bus Company, said: "It was an honour to be asked to share experiences with budding entrepreneurs and I jumped at the chance to take part as it is very important to inspire, encourage and help people set up businesses in order to enrich the fabric of our society and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.The event was thoroughly enjoyable and the depth of interest and quality of the questions was incredible."

Clare Griffiths, the university's business development manager for Entrepreneurship, said: "Five Star Enterprise was an inspirational event, brought to life by the honest experiences of our alumni entrepreneurs who shared their enterprising journeys with the audience. The event served as a great reality check for the beepurplers who are considering going into business."

Sam Davies, director of Development and Alumni, said an increasing number of alumni and friends were engaging in the life and work of the university: "We know that our alumni possess significant experience and expertise in a range of areas and it is therefore extremely valuable for current students to benefit from access to the alumni community.

"We are greatly encouraged by the numbers of alumni who are getting in touch to offer their help and advice in so many ways – it demonstrates the fact that our alumni see their relationship with the university as one they wish to extend way beyond graduation."

Beepurple

The beepurple network delivers a range of events and services in order to stimulate entrepreneurship amongst students, staff and alumni. Find out more at www.beepurple.co.uk.

Brighton Graduate Association

The Development and Alumni Office is responsible for the Brighton Graduate Association (or BGA) and seeks to engage its alumni in mutually beneficial relationships, on a professional and social basis. Through the BGA, current students can connect with alumni to obtain advice and guidance about particular careers, professional skills or simply to hear about their own university experiences. Find out more at www.brighton.ac.uk/bga.