National Student Enterprise Conference is here again!

This year NACUE have partnered up with Manchester University and Manchester Entrepreneurs to bring you the UKs premier student enterprise conference.

Manchester Entrepreneurs will launch this spectacular event with a Welcome Reception on 25 February 2011. On 26-27 February students will hear from the likes of John Griffin (Founder of Addison Lee), as delegates go through a unique 2-day journey hearing from CEOs, thought leaders and innovators from across the enterprise and business spectrum.It will be an intensive programme of keynotes, panel discussions, innovation sessions, structured mentoring and an enterprise exhibition. It will cover all areas of starting and running a business, providing students the chance to network with like-minded peers, whilst improving their start-up success.

Last years NSEC Business not as usual, was a huge success and brought together 200 of the most enterprising young minds, two of which became co-founders of My Health Cards.

Tickets are now on sale, and the early bird rate is just 15. Buy your tickets herehttp://nsec2011.eventbrite.com

For more information, please visit http://nacue.com/nsec

National Student Enterprise Conference - 26th-27th of February

Kit released to help thousands more become their own boss

At a time when the number of people starting a business is at a record high*, small business publisher, Brightword Publishing, launches a Start Up Kit as the perfect purchase for anyone resolving to become their own boss.

Retailing at £25 the Start Up Kit comes complete with a 200 page guide on how to start a business plus over £400 of offers from leading brands including Google, Barclays, BlackBerry and MOO.COM. Activating offers in the kit means you can be up and running as your own boss for less than the cost of a regular rail ticket, and this includes furnishing a home office and buying a bottle of bubbly to celebrate!

With more redundancies and pay freezes on the way, there's never been a better time to start a business and benefit from the freedom and flexibility it brings, as well as the financial reward.

Founder of Enterprise Nation and author of the Start Up Book, Emma Jones, says:

“We are seeing people take redundancy and use this as the motivation to go self-employed. Other people are keeping hold of the day job and building a business at night and weekends. This will be a good year for enterprise in the UK as many more people decide to take control of their working life and turn a passion, hobby or skill into a way of making a living. Whether you're planning to do that full time or in your spare time, this Kit will show you how.”

The Start Up Kit has been created as a friendly and accessible guide and has the added bonus of coming complete with essential start-up products ranging from business cards to sales leads. Taken together, the box set offers the tools, tips and techniques required to get started and keep growing. The 200 page book offers easy-to-follow advice on everything from company registration, making sales, embracing technology and keeping customers happy, illustrated with stories of successful start-ups and their top tips!

The Kit is supported by a number of leading brands who have each committed to an exclusive offer. They are:

• Google • Barclays Business • Experian • HP

• PayPal • iStockphoto • Powa • Regus

• MOO.COM • O2 & Blackberry • Bitsy • GoToMeeting

This unique kit will contain a book by best-selling small business author, Emma Jones; a set of free MOO.COM Business Cards; 200 business leads from Experian; discount from Paypal; £25 credit when you open a Barclays Business current account; £30 worth of Google adwords; one month free line rental from BlackBerry® and O2; discount on a website from Powa; access to professional business lounges; free 60 day trial of an online meeting tool; two months free listing on Bitsy, the web’s newest and friendliest B2B marketplace; as well as professional imagery from iStockphoto and discounts on HP products and accessories.

The start-up kit will be available to buy in leading book stores, online at Amazon, Enterprise Nation and other small business sites.

*Source: Companies House

The Start Up Kit has been produced by Brightword Publishing; a joint venture of small business experts, business support company, Enterprise Nation, and publishers, Harriman House. Myles Hunt of Harriman House says:

“Whether you're a student wanting to build a business inbetween lectures or a new Mum wishing for a way of work that offers more flexibility, this Start Up Kit will guide you on a journey from idea to fully fledged business. At £25, the cost is a reasonable one and the reward of following the steps we suggest are priceless!”

The Start Up Kit retails at £25 and comes complete with a 200 page guide to starting a business and over £400 worth of offers from leading small business brands. The kit is available for purchase in all good book stores and online at Amazon and small business sites including www.enterprisenation.com

The Start Up Kit is a product of Brightword Publishing www.brightwordpublishing.com, a joint venture partnership of small business support company, Enterprise Nation, and publishers, Harriman House.

Get New Motivation Tweets from @emotivator

Get motivated to move your business forward by following http://twitter.com/emotivator. David Bozward is creating a weekly blog which you can view at http://david.bozward.com.

Free eBook - Make Your Passion a Success

What is the key to a starting a successful business?

What is success?

Wouldn't you like to know?

People who haven't done it yet, always wonder how did other people manage to start a successful business?

How do they make their passion a success and change their lives?

How did they come up with the ideas and make it happen?

Actually, the answer to that question can be found in a new e-book, FREE for you to download thanks to Flying Start at Make your passion a success.

Simply click here and in three easy moves the book worth 9.99 is yours. For free! The book which has been written by a start up marketing specialist, Dan Sodergren from Great Marketing Works in partnership with Dr David Bozward of FlyingStart, aims to show you how to turn your ideas into businesses. Successful ones at that.

Both David and Dan, have helped over 1000 businesses start trading and be more successful, and now they both want to share their experiences and findings with you.

Why read this NOW!

This free e-book is based on entrepreneurial findings from over 500 successful business start ups so take the shortcuts to make your passion a success. We have asked some great entrepreneurs about what they think about and what new ideas are hot. Use their ideas for free. And start your business ideas tomorrow.The next 20 minutes could just change your life be inspired it's free - you cant say fairer than that, can you? And we have created some videos to help as well.

Download this free book now.

Why have this ebook? What other students now business owners have said.

It will be there when you need to feel like you are doing the right thing, when everyone around you may think you are mad for giving up a good job, or taking an alternative path! Donna Fraher Fluffy Auto Boutique

Should you choose to apply what your learn, this ebook could be the first step on your entrepreneurial journey, a life of independence where you follow your own path and make your own decisions. Jack Forester

The one thing that really drew me to entrepreneurship in the first place was hearing inspiring stories from people who'd built their own company from nothing. Hopefully this ebook will provide a lot of inspiration. Mark Reilly Remarkable Innovation

Imagine you having what you want in life. Seeing yourself being successful, maybe it's hearing the waves on that beach you own,or simply knowing that people are appreciating the difference that you make to the world, or is it feeling great when you have had another wonderful but challenging day working on your new idea?

Wouldn't it be great to be there now?

Only you know where there is.

Everyone is different. And everyone wants to succeed.

It could be changing the world, changing your life, making your passion a success, controlling your own destiny, making more money, never having a boss, using your skills more. Whatever it is this book is for you.

Use this book as a recipe guide book, with some great ideas to dip in and out of, to be enjoyed quickly and easily, to help you start your idea so you can be successful.

Each section stands alone each can take as little as 20 minutes. Each end chapter ties into our Lets get started Flying Start video to help you with your success. So let's get started - download this free ebook worth £9.99 now.

New metadata funding call launched

The Technology Strategy Board has lauched a competition with up to £5m available to help businesses create new metadata production tools.

The competition is for collaborative R&D projects that will create tools that make the production of content such as film, music and computer games, more cost-effective, less risky and yield greater value through the advanced use of metadata.

The competition is split into two categories:

1. Fast-track projects below £100k in total project value; led by a creative industries SME; completed within 12 months

2: Collaborative R&D projects greater than £100k in value. Led by a creative business, these will take between 12 and 18 months.

The full brief on the competition including the timeline for both categories is now available for download.

To help businesses understand how the competition works and to find partners we are running a series of briefings.

Nov 11: Bristol

Nov 16: London

Nov 30: Manchester

Dec 1: Edinburgh

This competition follows on from one earlier this year which looked at projects to help businesses increase revenues from the metadata relating to their digital content. To keep up-to-date with the latest developments join our metadata community.

Win £1000 Capture Competiton - www.capturecompetition.com

Capture Competition is being run during Enterprise week 2010 and I welcome your support in promoting this activity at your University. Capture is an online on-campus competition to find the national team with the best marketing skills. Student teams can win £1000 by creating and running an enterprising marketing campaign during this week. The aim of the competition is increase awareness of enterprise skills, therefore we recommend the competition be used to promote on-campus events, student societies and even national and regional charities.

1. All the students have to do is:
2. 1. Register online at http://www.capturecompetition.com/
3. 2. Create a team
4. 3. Watch the online videos which help develop the skills required
5. 4. Plan the marketing campaign, either online or face to face
6. 5. Go out and do it during the Global Enterprise Week, 15^th -21^st November 2010
7. 6. Upload their results (video, photos and a little bit of txt) before the 22^nd November 2010
8. 7. Notification and Awards handed out 1^st December 2010

We have created 6 videos which help develop key marketing skills which could be used in developing their campaign. The skills development is based around the well known techniques of Guerrilla marketing which aims as spending the least amount of money and getting the greatest impact which highly suited to students.

SquidLondon Shop is Online!

http://www.squidlondonshop.com

Buy one Now! -http://www.squidlondonshop.com

Designs Available

London Skyline £25.00 Bird Squit £25.00 Kiddies Duckarella £20.0

Shell Springboard is now open

Shell Springboard is now open for the sixth round of applications, for small businesses who have an innovative product or service that will help address climate change.

Since the launch of Shell Springboard in 2005, £1.6million has been awarded to 43 businesses across the UK. Applications are now being accepted for eight £40,000 awards which will be awarded in 2011.

In addition to the eight cash awards, there is an overall UK winner and UK runner up. The UK winner gets 5 days consultancy and help from our award winning PR agency.

To be eligible you must:

• be based in the UK
• be an SME by the European definition
• have been in business for at least three months

To win, your product or service must be:

• innovative
• commercially viable and;
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

UK WINNER 2010

HiMag Solutions Ltd

Last year’s UK winner was HiMag. Their Planar Transformer does everything a conventional transformer does, but with three key advantages: it is more efficient, smaller and lighter. It is up to a fifth of the size and ten times lighter than a conventional transformer. It operates at 99% efficiency compared with 85% for a conventional transformer making them ideal for use in many carbon saving technologies.

Managing Director Dean Curran believes the Shell Springboard award had a positive effect on his business “Firstly the £40k prize money impacted our growth plans – it will allow us to invest in the future of our technology,” he says. “Secondly, the publicity is of huge benefit, both in terms of attracting future customers and partners internationally, as well as employees locally. Finally the credibility of winning such an award improves our standing with customers, investors and suppliers alike. It’s a great honour to have won”.

Still not convinced?

Below are some other success stories from Shell Springboard winners.

• Aeristech, winner 2010, have just secured £500,000 in further investment. They have a novel, turbocharger technology that enhances fuel efficiency in whilst reducing emissions
• Shiply (ebay for shipping goods), won in 2009 and just reached a milestone of helping save more than 10 million un-necessary road miles
• Scotrenewables won in 2006 with their tidal turbine and have since secured £6.2 million in investment
• Scottish Bioenergy won in 2009 and used their award to build their successful algae demonstrator project at Glenturret
• Oxy-gen Combustion won in 2008 with their Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) motor engine. They since formed a partnership with Michelin and the Scottish Government.

Could you benefit from these awards or do you know of someone that could? Help us spread the word about this opportunity.

Apply online www.shellspringboard.org

by 5pm on the 5th November 2010

Would you like us to come and present to your organisation or network about Shell Springboard? Contact Jenny.Marsden@shell.com or call 0207 934 8698.

Social network buys good ideas with PayPal

Cambridge University Entrepreneurs (CUE) Grand Finale

Cambridge University Entrepreneurs (CUE) whose core mission is to promote and nurture entrepreneurship from Cambridge and beyond via organising business competition, trainings and networkings has awarded more then £20,000 seed funding to four high quality teams of entrepreneurs. The Cambridge angel community and CUE judges have claimed that the quality of the business competition is improving every year. The quality of this year's competition entrants was so high that the judges had a very difficult time to select the final winning teams. Gamma, a grammar and proofreading software tool start-up has received £5k for winning the competition and would hope to at least emulate the success of previous CUE winners such as MagicSolver, an iPhone application start-up, which is releasing a new major iPhone app for the FIFA Wolrd Cupe, other companies like Owlstone Nanotech, Light Blue Optics and Enecsys. Gamma has also received the Angel's prize by telling the panel of angels that they don't need any money from them as they have a contract signed and raised £100K themselves. Naiad, a water filtration system for poverty stricken communities won Social Enterprise, while the two technology prizes went to Vortix Medical – diagnostics – and CamGaN – LED lighting.

See www.cue.org.uk for more details

Discussing \'Creative Solutions To Youth Under Employment\' with Slumpwise

FlyingStart case study Nicola De Cruz and Programme participant Adam Husain win Silver Awards from Craft and Design maga

Nicola De Cruz, one of FlyingStart's case studies has won the Silver Award for Textiles and Adam Husain has won the Silver Award for Glass in Craft and Design Magazine's Awards for 2010.

www.nicoladecruz.com

http://www.infiniglass.co.uk/

FlyingStart case studies Online Expansions, 118 Taxi and Ticket to Ride featured on Your Hidden Potential

 The website 'Your Hidden Potential' has featured three of FlyingStart's case studies, please go to the following links.

Tom Darlow's Online Expansions

Will Hayler and Linley Lewis' Ticket to Ride

Alan Garrec's 118 Taxi

More FlyingStart features to follow soon.

Bald Man in a Van in association with FlyingStart

We have secured the talent of Martin Robert Hall, an inspirational speaker who wants to come into your university for FREE and inspire your students. He is touring the UK under his “Bald Man in a Van” campaign to inspire 1 Million people around the UK. Check out http://www.baldmaninavan.com for more details.

He will be in the following city centres:

• May 16th the tour begins in Manchester
• May 17th – Glasgow
• May 18th – Newcastle
• May 19th – Leeds
• May 20th – Manchester
• May 21st – Liverpool
• May 24th – Birmingham
• May 25th – Milton Keynes
• May 26th – Bristol
• May 27th – Cardiff
• May 28th the journey ends in London

Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards

Specsavers in association with Everywoman announce their Retail Awards. By highlighting the industry's inspirational women and celebrating their successes and achievements, the Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards aim to highlight the contributions that women are making to their field and to encourage more women to pursue a career in the sector.

Being selected as a finalist, or in fact winning an award, will attract attention and support from the business world, government, industry and the press. It will recognise the nominee as an inspirational ‘role model’ who will inspire more women to consider a career in the retail industry.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award - This will go to the founder/operator of a retail business whose entrepreneurial talent and vision inspires others to start their own venture.

To nominate someone please go to - http://www.everywoman.com/everywomanAwards/everywomaninRetailAwards/Makingyournomination/. Closing date is 31st May 2010.

Working 5 to 9 – how to start a successful business in your spare time

GaBoom wins NACUE National Varsity Pitch

Jessica Ratcliffe founder of www.GaBoom.co.uk  and student at  Royal Holloway, University of London won the National Varsity Pitch and presented a cheque for £10,000 by Dr. David Bozward, Director of FyingStart at NCGE - 5th May 2010. Jessica beat off over 200 other student enterprises from all around the country to win this competition.

The Finalists

1.    Plus Minus Design – Leeds University
2.    GaBoom – Royal Holloway University
3.    Lab Minds – Oxford University
4.    SMA Football – Queen Mary’s University
5.    E-resistible – Warwick University
6.    Squid London – London College of Fashion
7.    Move-It – Royal College of Art

First Winner of the FlyingStart Shell LiveWire Grand Ideas Awards!

There were 31 ‘quality’ applicants and 8 Shortlisted with 5 getting an award. Congratulations to Aimee Grundell (Maggie Cassidy's), Elizabeth Leary (Kindred Sole), Louise Broni-Mensah (Shoobs), Max McClure, Nicola Gray (Fidgets), Pamela Haining (OfficeBadger), Rebecca Andrews (Not For Ponies) and Tim Yusupov (Zooza.co.uk) who have been shortlisted for the March Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards (given out at the end of April).

With 5 prizes of £1,000 up for grabs EACH MONTH, all 8 have recorded a short elevator pitch video which you can view and vote for your favourite by logging in to www.shell-livewire.org/my-business-kit

• Louise Broni-Mensah (Shoobs)
• Tim Yusupov (Zooza.co.uk)
• Pamela Haining (OfficeBadger)
• Nicola Gray (Fidgets)
• Rebecca Andrews (Not For Ponies)- FlyingStart Winner

Rebecca Andrews- Not For Ponies,

Not For Ponies designs and manufactures sustainable fashion items. Products we retail include recycled t - shirts, sweatshirts and dresses, recycled accessories, and re-worked vintage clothing. Alongside our main product range, we also offer 'upcycling' and sewing workshops. (Upcycling is the process of taking something old or unwanted and turning it into something new - our workshops enable customers to turn their old, unwanted clothes into fabulous new jewellery/ accessories.) Not For Ponies has also created a fantastic opportunity for business in Reddish, Stockport. We have joined forces with Village Vintage (a start up vintage clothing business), to hold a vintage fair once a fortnight at Broadstone Mill. This is not only giving vintage/ clothing/ craft traders in the area a fantastic opportunity to sell their products, but is also attracting new visitors to the area.

Kick Start – have you entered our biggest ever start-up competition yet?

FlyingStart in association with the Oxford Entrepreneurs is proud to announce the launch of our biggest ever start up competition

You haven’t applied yet?! – What are you waiting for? Kick Start your life today.

Entries close by 23^rd May

We are searching for passionate people and teams who really want to make a difference and become successful entrepreneurs.

What you could win:

• Up to £15,000 investment to Kick Start you and your friends’ internet or technology business.
• Personal guidance and real practical help from successful internet entrepreneurs at every stage of your business.
• An exciting future and a potentially lucky escape from being a lawyer/accountant/banker!

What you could lose:

Nothing!

Click here to find out more and enter right now. 

Remember don’t kick yourself – apply for Kick Start by 23^rd May!

Barclays Take One Small Step Competition

Got a great business idea?

Put it in words. Bring it to life on film. Sell it. Whether you’re starting up, developing a product or looking to move into new markets, your idea could be the one the public votes for.

The aim of the Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition is to find people with ambition, passion and, most importantly, a great business idea. The brief is open — it could be a lifelong ambition or a recent brainwave. It could be a personal experience or a distant dream. Even a revolutionary concept that changes the world. It’s an open invitation and anyone with a great business idea and the drive to make it happen could win. From start-ups to existing businesses, anyone can pitch for the chance to turn a great idea into an even better reality.
Want to show your support? Do your bit for businesses. Get behind the competition and prepare to vote for your favourite idea.

GiveMeTap.co.uk Pitch to Win at NACUE \'Business Not as Usual\' Conference

Edwin Broni-Mensah fought off stiff competition from 22 other young student entrepreneurs to win £1000 courtesy of Shell LiveWIRE's elevator pitch competition at the NACUE 'Business Not as Usual' Conference at UCL on 27/28th March 2010.

The 23 students pitched their business idea to the Shell LiveWIRE panel of Stuart Anderson and Paul Lancaster on Saturday 27th March with three for the 23 selected to come back and pitch again to the conference delegates on the 28th March.

Edwin impressed the judges with his business, GiveMeTap.co.uk,  which enable users of specially branded bottles to free tap water at a number of restaurants and cafes throughout Manchester and soon London.

More information on the NACUE 'Business not as Usual' conference can be found here

University graduate wins Enterprising Young Brit Award

The founder of a recession-beating charity which began life at The University of Nottingham has won a national award for entrepreneurship… a Daily Mail Enterprising Young Brit Award. 

‘Alumnus Laureate’ Rob Wilson set up READ International in 2004 while studying for his Politics degree at the University. The idea was born out of a gap year experience when a group of students were shocked at the lack of resources in schools they visited in Tanzania. Since then Rob’s charity has shipped around 600,000 books to East Africa.

Rob was one of six young entrepreneurs presented with their awards by the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, at a ceremony at the headquarters of the Institute of Directors in Central London.

Lord Mandelson declared that it is young people like Rob and his fellow award-winners, all under 30, who will help to drive the economy out of recession. He said:

“Despite the toughest economic conditions we have known for decades, this year’s Enterprising Young Brit competition has received a record number of entries. That says something about enterprise and about the young people who are committed to enterprise in this country. Their skills will be the key to the nation’s economic future. ”

Rob Wilson’s award for READ International was in the Social, Ethical and Environmental category. As well as collecting, shipping and distributing schoolbooks and other resources, the charity also supports the renovation of dozens of school libraries there so that access to the books is improved. Rob said:

“ It’s difficult to describe in words just how far we’ve come since we started this as a bunch of mates at The University of Nottingham with a vision to change the world.  Winning this award means so much to me — but so much too, to the thousands of student volunteers who have invested time, energy, sweat and passion into READ over past 5 years.  Not just the volunteers from Nottingham — but the volunteers all across the UK who are now involved.“ 

 “But we haven’t done it alone. It was The University of Nottingham’s volunteer department that provided us with the perfect platform we needed to launch our organisation — which now has 1,000 student volunteers engaged, working from over 45 university locations around the UK.  I and READ owe a debt of thanks to the University for the support we received at the time, but also the support that the alumni services has given me ever since.  I have recruited trustees through the alumni network and attracted supporters.”

READ International also has links with UK schools in its delivery of a workshop programme called Think Global to secondary schools. This is in partnership with Oxfam GB and is aimed at raising awareness of global citizenship to UK school children.

It has also successfully established other commercial partnerships with Big Yellow Self Storage, British Airways, Latham and Watkins, DHL, Waterstones, KPMG, Staples and the British Library.

Win a Make It Happen Kiosk for a Year at Your University

NCGE Flying Start are offering the loan of six kiosks to Enterprise Societies of English Universities. The pitching and awards of these will be done at the NACUE Leaders training event at the end of April. These kiosks will be delivered to the winning teams during May 2010.

To win the kiosks you must create a proposal addressing the following:

· You have a prominent space to locate the kiosk within the university. This location should have power and either wired internet or wifi.

· The ability to create a portal which promotes the society, enterprise within the university and FlyingStart.

·      Demonstrate how this will increase awareness of the society within the university in terms of membership, awareness of facilities and services, and widen participation of Enterprise activities within the university.

Rules

The judging criteria will be based on the impact the kiosk will have to the Enterprise Society and what benefits they can obtain in using this over the coming year.

· Only one kiosk per society or university.

· The Enterprise Society is responsible in ensuring the kiosk is kept up to date.

· The Kiosk will be provide free of charge on loan for one year, whereby all Enterprise Societies will have the ability to pitch for the Kiosks again.

· The decision of the judges is final.

Click HERE for more information

Isabelle Stead wins two awards at the Berlin Film Festival

FlyingStart entrepreneur Isabelle Stead's latest film 'Sons of Babylon' has won two awards at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2010 - the Amnesty International Film Prize Award and the Peace Prize. 

Human Film have given away the entire prize money of 10,000 Euros to charity. They are currently looking forward to the Istanbul Film Festival among the 14 film festivals their film has been selected for, including Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival in America. Human Film have also opened a branch in the Netherlands.

Come squidding along!

Make Your Passion a Success - FREE eBook!

Why read this NOW!

- This is based on entrepreneurial findings from over 500 successful business start up – so take the shortcuts to make your passion a success.

- The next 20 minutes could just change your life – be inspired – be great – you can’t say fairer than that, can you?

- We have asked some great entrepreneurs about what they think. Use their ideas for free.

Download this now.

Imagine you having what you want in life, seeing yourself being successful, or hearing the waves on that beach, knowing that people are loving the difference you make, or feeling great when you have had a wonderful day at work. Wouldn’t it be great to be there now?

Only you know where ‘there’ is. Everyone is different. And everyone wants to succeed. It could be changing the world, changing your life, making your passion a success, controlling your own destiny, making more money, never having a boss, using your skills more. Whatever it is this book is for you.

How to use this book: a serving suggestion:

Use this book as a recipe book, with some great ideas to dip in and out of, to be enjoyed quickly and easily, to help you start your idea so you can be successful – in whatever way you feel that is.

Each section stands alone – each can take as little as 20 minutes. So let’s get started.

Each section helps you with your idea become a reality.

Each end chapter ties into our ‘Let’s get started’ video to help you with your success.

SO get started: Here are the ideas: Download this now.

How to start:

This idea is here to help you start you idea. And then to make it a success.

The sole focus of the next 20 minutes of your time is targeted only on businesses like yours, on new idea creation, on where you are right now and where do you want to be? Great.

Download this now.

Nin Castle\'s Goodone upcycled fashion to be stocked at Tesco

FlyingStart entrepreneur Nin Castle's exclusive range of upcycled clothing will be launched at Tesco in April 2010. Goodone has revamped Clothing at Tesco's obsolete, faulty stock into vibrant cropped knot T-shirts, quilted pocket skirts, circle dresses and black jersey peg trousers.

To match demand, Goodone currently outsources production to the HEBA project in Brick Lane, a registered charity for disadvantaged women and a social enterprise called Bambanani in Cape Town.

www.goodone.co.uk

FlyingStart Competition

Want to win a pair of VIP passes to Start Here! With Doug Richard?

The event takes place in Hull on Monday and the prize includes two complimentary front row seats!

This is your opportunity to get up close and personal with a former BBC Two Dragon and one of the most entertaining and successful entrepreneurs in this country.

For your chance to win, simply help us choose the title for our brand new book about developing your business. Click here to choose your title. Hurry the prize draw will close at 12pm today!

What would you like to see more of, at FlyingStart events?

Here at FlyingStart, we are dedicated to helping graduates, like YOU start a business and be succesful! 

At our workshops and programmes, we provide you with all the information and skills you need to get started, but what would you like to see more of?

Let us know by completing our latest poll, which can be found on the left hand side of our homepage.

FlyingStart Entrepreneur Meets Lord Mandelson

FlyingStart Entrepreneur, Simon Phelps was praised by Lord Mandelson for inspiring his community with his innovative flood barrier at a small business reception at number 10 Downing Street.

Simon established his company ‘Fluvial Innovations’ in 2006, to commercialise a flood barrier system that he developed whilst in his final year at University. He was selected by the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) to take part in the 2006 – 2007 Global Fellows programme, which involved a 6 month trip to the US, where he was able to pitch his business idea and develop the commercialisation.

He has since been selected by STEMNET, funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, as a case study for secondary schools and received the award for the ‘Most Innovative Product of 2009’ by the Emergency Planning Society.

Lord Mandelson said:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy and we recognise what an important role they have played in getting the country through the recession. Simon Phelps is an inspiration to his community and a good example of why support from Government was so crucial over the downturn.”

Simon Phelps said:

“I can’t explain how inspirational this experience was. Although I had already received fantastic support from the University and from the Regional Development Agency, I was still very naïve when it came to running my own business.

“The access I received to key contacts was priceless and my mentor, who was a business entrepreneur in his own right, was so generous and altruistic with his time and insight. Importantly I saw first hand that you don’t have to be a genius to run a successful business – you just need to be focused and apply common sense.”

Events are a Big Hit on FlyingStart Online

The latest FlyingStart poll has revealed that events come out on top as your favourite feature on FlyingStart Online.

Events received 35% of the vote, with the mentoring system and funding database closely behind with 25% and 28%.

We've kept this in mind when putting together the sechedule of events for February and March and are pleased to bring you a fantastic range of programmes and workshops with great variety! From Start Here! School for Startups with Doug Richard and an ideas workhop with Phlip Taylor (The Apprentice 2009) to STEM workshops and a Women's Programme in Surrey, the next few months are set to be our best EVER!

Click here for details of upcoming programmes and workshops.

Don't forget to have your say in our next poll - "What would you like to see more of at FlyingStart events?" The poll can be found at the bottom left hand side of our homepage.

Do you have the skills to rebuild a piece of history?

Channel Four are looking for passionate engineers, construction workers, designers and architects who have worked on iconic projects, for a new series that will see parts of the legendary Titanic being re-built.

Each episode will feature a new building challenge using traditional Edwardian techniques, machinery and materials to re-build integral parts of the vessel.

If you think you fit the bill, email titanic@twentytwenty.tv  or call Kate Fraser on 020 7424 7721

Get Funding for Innovative, Ultra Efficient Lighting

Businesses will be given the opportunity to develop brand new ultra efficient lighting thanks to a new £1.2m research fund from the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The money will be available through the Small Business Research Initiative (BBRI) in their Ultra Efficient Lighting Competition, which launches on 22nd February 2010.

Business will compete for £40,000 funding in the first stage, to fund research into the feasibility of their projects, before the best projects are given a further £450,000 to develop and evaluate a prototype, which will then be subject to a 6-month vigorous field trial.

Click here for further information.

Budding Entrepreneurs Get a Lesson from Doug Richard

Over 200 students and graduates flocked to Birmingham University yesterday, for Start Here! School for Startups with Doug Richard, supported by Nacue and FlyingStart.

Doug Richard, a former BBC 2 Dragon wowed the audience with tales of his rise to the top, as well as offering personal advice on business plans from members of the audience and his top 20 questions on how to start a business.

Ashley Sutton was the lucky FlyingStart winner, who won a VIP pass to the event, including a FREE ticket, front row seat and a Mr Site Takeaway Website PRO package, worth £99.99.

For your chance to win an award-winning Takeaway Website Pro package, worth £99.99, to create your very own dot com website and get it online within a matter of hours – courtesy of Mr Site, Click here to complete our latest survey. The closing date is Sunday 21st February 2010.

FlyingStart Make Waves In Liverpool

Over 30 young entrepreneurs got a FlyingStart at a general business programme in Liverpool last week. 

The 3-day programme covered everything a graduate would need to know about starting a business, from sales and pitching to taxes and registering with Companies House.

Ideas were discussed and developed in practical workshops and the attendees met their personal mentor who will be on hand to offer support and advice for the next 12 months.

Laura Becceria, who attended the programme said:

"Future participants should not be afraid to attend because their idea isn't perfect. They should know they will be given the tools to find a clearer picture. The workshops were really relevant and interesting and having Simon as a mentor really helped me fine tune my business idea and set targets to make things happen."

To find out about upcoming FlyingStart programmes, click here.

Win a Website Builder Package Worth £99.99

It's all about YOU!

Here at FlyingStart, we want to know everything about you and your business aspirations to make sure that we are always offering the best possible service to get you started up.

So let us know about your start up basics, by completing our short survey, it will only take 2 mins and one lucky winner will receive an award-winning Takeaway Website Pro package, worth £99.99, to create your very own dot com website and get it online within a matter of hours – courtesy of Mr Site.

Click here to complete the survey. Closing date is Sunday 21st February 2010.

Internship Opportunities for Graduates

UCLAN is operating a graduate internship and placement programme during 2010. A range of short term internships are available within the North West area for graduates to undertake on a paid basis within businesses, public sector and other organisations. Internships are a great way for a graduate to develop his/her knowledge and exposure to the workplace, to grow a network of industrial contacts and to explore the hidden job market.

UCLAN are actively seeking unemployed graduates that are seeking to enter the job market and who are able and willing to undertake short term opportunities to enhance their employment options.

If you are interested, contact UCLAN Futures for more details on 01772 - 895958.

Business Heroes Competition in Aid of Haiti

Win £1,000 for your Business

Are you an enterprising young Brit or do you know someone who should be in the spotlight?

The sixth Daily Mail Enterprising Young Brits Awards is now open and calling for entries so if you or someone you know has made their idea happen in a new, innovative or inspiring way, what are you waiting for?

Run by Enterprise UK and supported by the Institute of Directors and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the competition is open to anyone aged 30 and under.

If you want to be in with a chance to win £1,000 and money-can’t-buy profile for your venture, then click here for more information and to enter.

The closing date for entries is 5 March 2010. Good Luck!

Win £1,000 in The Grand Ideas Awards

The Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas awards are now open to business within the first 12 months of trading (previously 6 months.) So if you’re a new start up with a Grand Idea, then apply now for the December / January award to win £1,000 cash for your business. Closing date is Sun 31st January 2010.

Click here to apply.

Do you have a killer idea that will impress the Dragons?

The BBC are looking for people to take part in the next series of Dragon's Den, so if you are looking for investment of £50,000 and above and think that your idea will impress the Dragons then practice your pitching and submit your application!

If you are looking for investment of less than £50,000, don't worry you're still in with a chance of securing some cash, as you can now pitch online by submitting a video.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Win a VIP Pass to Start Here! School for Startups with Doug Richard

Do you have the flair?
Put yourself to the test for your chance to win a VIP Package at
Doug Richard's School for Startups!

Starting a business requires special qualities such as need for achievement and autonomy, creative talent, the ability to take risks and drive and determination.

To find out if you make the cut, take our test.

We'll assess your personality traits to see if you would be a good entrepreneur and provide the results instantly.

You'll also be entered into a prize draw to win a VIP pass to Start Here! School for Startups with Doug Richard, a one day event that will provide an insight in to how to suceed in business. (Choose from 2 locations: Hull or Birmingham.)

Doug Richard, one of the original stars of 'Dragon's Den' will keep you on your toes with an interactive seminar including videos, case studies, Q&A sessions and much more!

Your VIP Pass will include:

* A complimentary ticket
* A front row seat
* An award-winning Takeaway Website Pro package, worth £99.99, to create your very own dot com website and get it online within a matter of hours – courtesy of Mr Site.

Click here to complete the test.

Deadline for entries for the VIP Package is midnight on Sunday 31st January 2010

Local Entrepreneurs Are the Most Desirable Speakers!

The results of the latest FlyingStart Poll show that local entrepreneurs are the most popular choice as inspirational speakers at FlyingStart events, with  Alan Sugar's 'Apprentices' as the least popular choice.

The results:

•    A celebrity – 3.7%
•    Someone from The Apprentice - 2.8%
•    A local entrepreneur – 42%
•    Someone from Dragon’s Den – 26%
•    A millionaire – 24%

The latest poll asks what the best feature of FlyingStart is. To take part, visit the homepage: www.flyingstartonline.com. The poll is on the left hand side.

Want to Meet up with Investors in California?

The Technology Strategy Board is a main sponsor of Clean and Cool Mission 2010, which will take 20 of the most innovative and high potential young companies in the cleantech space to California, in late February (20-26 Feb 10).

They will meet their peers, potential investors and partners and sector experts, and have the opportunity to attend part of the CleanTech Forum.

To ensure as many eligible companies as possible have a chance to apply after the Christmas break, we have extended the closing date by a week.

The new and final closing date is Friday 15th January 2010. For details see www.cleanandcoolmission.com

Join the Growing Trend of ‘Fempreneurs’

Sisters will be doing it for themselves in the new decade, according to an article in The Sunday Times. Jeremy Baker of the ECSP Europe Business School has predicted a sharp increase in the number of female entrepreneurs, or ‘fempreneurs’, with double the number of female MP’s, 100% growth in female-owned start-ups and a tenfold increase in the number of female CEO’s on the FTSE 100.

There are currently 1 million self-employed women in the UK, which is set to double in the next decade, spelling the end of the traditional housewife. Self-employment has become more appealing, especially to women who would still like to juggle child care with their career, offering flexibility, freedom and allowing them to achieve a better balance between work and home life. Click here to read the full article.

FlyingStart are on hand to help this new breed of ‘frempreneur’ realise their business dreams with the GO WEST programme, specifically for women in engineering, science and technology.

The FREE 3 day programme is fully residential and will include food, so all you have to do is come along with your idea and we will help you to develop it over the three days. You will benefit from practical workshops on crucial topics such as finance, sales, pitching, marketing and writing business plans, inspirational speakers and invaluable networking sessions to set you on track for a successful business!

So what are you waiting for? The programme will take place from 24th-26th March 2010 at the University of Surrey, Guildford.

Click here to apply online.

Win up to £25k Investment for your Digital Business

Dedipower, together with e-skills UK and the Sunday Telegraph are searching for Britain’s best and brightest digital entrepreneurs.

If you have a business idea, with the internet at its core that you think will stand out from the crowd then enter the 2010 Dedipower Digital Entrepreneur Awards for your chance to win £2,000 business development funds, up to £25,000 business investment and 2 years of free hosting.

A runner up with a great business idea or business plan will receive £2,000 business development funds and 1 year of free hosting.

Closing date for applications is 1st February 2010.

Click here for more information and to enter.

Competition: Get Your Product on The High Street!

Think you have a ground breaking invention, that's worthy of the high street shelves?

Here is your chance to link up with some of the most influential buyers of the biggest and best high street shops, under the watchful eye of TV Dragon Theo Phaphitis, in a new BBC series.

The best products will be selected by the buyers and stocked on their shelves offering you an un-missable route to your market.

For your chance to come face to face with the buyers, all you have to do is complete an application form with details of your invention. The best ideas will be selected to attendee an open day in February 2010.

Click here for more details and to download an application form

Completed application forms should be sent to: highstreet@mavericktv.co.uk

Marketing Champions Awarded £500!

Students around the UK went Guerrilla-mad during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009, as they competed to create the best marketing campaign on campus!

The task was to create a marketing campaign, based on anything of their choice, as long as it was aimed at students.

Through a series of videos on the FlyingStart Capture Competition website, they picked up a variety of skills to help them with their campaign, from Guerrilla marketing tactics, to E-marketing, PR, market research and more.

FlyingStart are pleased to announce 5 local winners, who have each won £500 for the best marketing campaign at their University.

•    Coventry University: Richard Burridge (studentfightback.com)

•    University of Huddersfield: Benaiah Matheson (Mind Elevation)

•    University of Bristol: Ruth Fehilly (The Social Enterprise Project)

•    Royal Holloway University of London: Royal Holloway Entrepreneurs

•    University of Essex: The A Team

They will now go on to compete in a national final in January, where the best of the 5 campaigns, as judged by FlyingStart, will win a further £1,000!

Good luck to all the shortlisted entries.

Win £1,000 in the Funding Drive

Think your business idea would impress a panel of the UK’s top investors? Funding Drive is offering you the chance to test your pitching skills out for the chance to win a £1,000 grant for your company, as well as a revolutionary exercise machine worth £5,700 for your University.

To enter, you need to submit a proposal online by 18th January 2010. The best 20/30 business ideas will be invited to a workshop on 28th January 2010, where they will be shortlisted to 10. The final 10 will then be asked to pitch to some of the best UK investors on 8th February 2010.

For more details and to enter, click here.

Put your business plan to the test and win up to $45,000

Do you have a talent for writing business plans? Then take part in the Global Social Venture Competition 2010, for your chance to win up to $45,000.

It’s the largest and oldest student-led business plan competition, providing mentoring, exposure for social ventures around the world.

Eligible teams must have at least one member who is studying any graduate business programme, or have completed a graduate business programme within the last 2 years. Operating companies can also enter, as long as they are less than 3 years old.

The first step is to submit an executive summary by 20th January 2010.

Click here for more details and to enter.

Win an Apple iPhone in the FlyingStart Survey!

Preston Graduates Make It Happen!

24 aspiring, young entrepreneurs attended the FlyingStart Make It Happen Day in Preston on Thursday, to turn their business dreams into a reality!

The one-day event included practical workshops, inspirational speakers and networking opportunities to set the students and graduates on the path to becoming their own boss.

Mike Southon, 'Beermat' entrepreneur and Financial Times Columnist took the floor, in a lively workshop, that was well received by the aspiring entrepreneurs.

Cameron Bell, a recent graduate said: “Great day, easily the best seminar I have been to and I’ve been going to as many as I can!”

Fellow attendee, Mike Crewdson said: “Mike Southon was really helpful. A really inspirational guy and his honesty and explanation of entrepreneurship was fantastic”

For more information on FlyingStart Make It Happen, click here.

Graduates Flock to Birmingham to Make It Happen!

67 students and graduates arrived at Aston University in Birmingham yesterday to find out how to become their own boss!

FlyingStart Make It Happen delivered a fast paced, energetic workshop to introduce them to the world of self-employment and business start up, as well as developing their ideas in a practical ideas generation session.

57 of the attendees pledged to continue on to a 12 month programme to further develop their business idea, or for help in becoming self employed. The 12 month programme consists of a combination of online resources, in depth workshops and one to one mentoring to turn any business dreams into a reality.

For more information on FlyingStart Make It Happen, click here.

The Majority of FlyingStart Members are looking for Funding

The latest FlyingStart poll has indicated that the key area, where FlyingStart can help aspiring entrepreneurs is in funding opportunities.

The poll: "How can FlyingStart help your business."

The results:
I need help generating an idea: 25%
I would like help in getting funding: 42%
I need mentoring support: 21%
I would like networking opportunities: 12%

So how can FlyingStart help with funding?

FlyingStart Online boasts a fantastic funding database, that is packed with the latest opportunities, including loans, bursaries, grants and competitions. Click here to take a look.

Don't forget, we also have a great bank of mentors, who are ready and waiting to help you with all aspects of starting a business, including funding applications! So make full use of this fantastic free resource, by logging into your FlyingStart Online account (or registering, if you are not currently a member) and ask the experts!

Who would be your Dream FlyingStart Speaker?

FlyingStart have had some fantastic speakers over the past few months that have motivated an inspired our budding entrepreneurs, incuding:

• James Caan, entrepreneur star of Dragon's Den
• Caroline Marsh, property investor and star of Secret Millionaire
• Mike Southon, 'Beermat' entrepreneur and columnist for the Financial Times
• Imran Hakim, inventor of the iTeddy and 'Dragon Slayer'.
• Claire Young, star of The Apprentice

In order to contine to bring you the very best speakers, who will help kick start your business dreams, we would like to know who you would like to see at future FlyingStart events! To complete our poll, visit the homepage (it's on the left hand side.)

Get Your Business in the Startups 100 List!

Calling all start-ups! If you think you are one of the UK’s best and brightest new companies, then make it official in the Startups 100 – a definitive list of the best start-ups of 2009.

To be in with a chance of making the cut, your business should be innovative and original, or take a new approach on an established market. You should be UK based and privately owned, and you should have launched from January 2007 onwards.

To be considered, you should complete the questionnaire and send it back to sarar@crimsonbusiness.co.uk by 5pm today (Friday 4th December.)

Click here to download the questionnaire.

The Startups 100 list will be published in the new year.

Over 170 People Are off to a FlyingStart This Week with Make It Happen!

51 graduates and students attended the FlyingStart Make It Happen Day in Lincoln yesterday, to learn how to become their own boss.

44 pledged to attend a further self employment and business start up programme, to set them on the path to starting a business or becoming a contractor or freelancer.

Charlotte Elis who attended the day said: “It was very useful and was good to find out what is out there!”

Fellow graduate Rebecca said: “It was all useful and applicable, regardless of where you are in your business plan”

66 budding entrepreneurs attended the FlyingStart Make It Happen Day at Walsall Campus of the University of Wolverhampton on Monday, with 61 pledging to attend a further programme and 55 attended in Coventry on Wednesday, with 31 pledging to attend a programme.

For more information on FlyingStart Make It Happen, click here.

FlyingStart Make It Happen Goes Down a Storm in Coventry and Walsall

56 students and graduates attended the FlyingStart Make It Happen Day in Coventry yesterday, with 51 pledging to attend a further self employment and business start-up programme.

The day was a great success with 'Beermat' entrepreneur and Financial Times columnitst, Mike Southon delivering an inspiring workshop on how to succeed as an entrepreneur and Alan Ward conducting a well received ideas generation workshop.

66 budding entrepreneurs were in attendance at the FlyingStart Make It Happen day in Walsall on Monday, with 61 pledging to attend a further business programme.

FlyingStart Entrepreneurs Are Pitch Perfect in Liverpool

The 3 day general business programme in Liverpool drew to a close yesterday, with the budding entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of experts, as well as their peers.

The enthusiasm and confidence of the students and graduates was highly impressive and the quality of their ideas was a shining example of how the three day programme really develops and inspires their business ambitions.

Victoria Astor, who dreams of opening a day care centre for children said:

“The FlyingStart Programme was fantastic. I found everyone really helpful, supportive and enthusiastic and they gave me the knowledge and confidence
I need to show me that I can do it. My mentor Barry has been amazing, giving me advice and goals. He is really friendly and is always there to support me.”

Chris Charlesworth who has a business idea to manufacture healthy, locally produced soups said:

“The FlyingStart programme enabled me to speak with professionals and mentors, who gave me an objective point of view. They help me to build and elaborate on my business idea and I am now excited to go back and work on it. The networking has also been very beneficial.”

For more information on FlyingStart Programmes, click here.

Entrepreneurial Ideas Are Flowing at Liverpool Hope!

27 budding entrepreneurs have arrived at Liverpool Hope University today for a FlyingStart General Business Programme.

The 3-day intensive and highly practical programme covers a wide range of topics, including business planning, marketing, sales, pitching, pricing, intellectual property, taxes, finance and more to guide participants through the early stages of starting a business.

The attendee's will also meet up with their personal mentors, who will be on hand for advice and support for the next 12 months to turn their business dreams into a reality.

Click here for more information on FlyingStart programmes.

FlyingStart Entrepreneurs Create the Perfect Christmas Present

Squid London have been voted as one of Shell LiveWires favourite Christmas presents for their colour-changing umbrella.

The innovative duo behind Squid London, Viviane Jaegar and Emma-Jayne Parkes attended a FlyingStart programme in January and it's been onwards and upwards for the duo since then!

They won the Shell LiveWire Grand Ideas Award, back in July, have been commissioned for the Tate and appeared on BBC's Working Lunch on 11th November.

Click here to take a look at the Shell LiveWire's favourite gift ideas for Christmas.

James Caan Delivers a FlyingStart to Budding Entrepreneurs

FlyingStart were joined by over 200 students and graduates at a workshop yesterday at London South Bank University.

There was a great line up of speakers including; TV Dragon James Caan; property investor and ‘Secret Millionaire,’ Caroline Marsh; inventor of the iTeddy and ‘Dragon slayer’, Imran Hakim and marketing guru Dan Sodergen.

Dan Sodergen kicked the day off with an energetic workshop on marketing and how to be great. He was followed by James Caan, who generated a great buzz among the audience with his honest and frank talk on being an entrepreneur.

He stated that everyone he meets is a potential entrepreneur, but the key to being successful is in how you execute your idea. He also recommended that people shouldn’t be afraid to call upon the skills and experiences of others to grow a business. Successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with the right people are able to recognise the skill sets they need.

During the question and answer session that followed James’ talk, he revealed some of the mistakes that he made in the past, that helped develop the career he has today. A member of the audience also asked him to invest in his business, which was very enterprising!

James was followed by Imran Hakim, who entered the ‘Dragon’s Den’ and achieved £140,000 investment for his iTeddy. As a young entrepreneur, he was a great inspiration to the attendees, advising them to find their motivation, as being excited when you wake up in the morning, is what it’s all about.

Finally Caroline Marsh, a leading female property investor closed the day, sharing her experiences and challenges as a black entrepreneur in the UK.

She started her career as an air hostess in Zambia before exporting spare parts for trucks, in an attempt to create a better life for herself. She then married and re-located to the UK, where she discovered a new career in property investment.

Caroline promoted a very positive message about the importance of giving back. She currently donates 10% of what she earns and invests a further 10%. A member of the audience asked when the right time is to give back and Caroline responded; ‘right from the start.’ You should always give back in any way you can, even if it’s only your time.

As the workshop drew to a close, the room was still buzzing with members of the audience desperate to speak with Caroline, Dan and Imran to further discuss their business ideas.

FlyingStart took the opportunity to speak to some of the attendees, to get their views on the day:

“I thought it was an excellent event. It was very informative and it was great to hear from a range of different entrepreneurs, who are from different industries, who are all able to offer different business information that was relevant to my journey, in regards to networking, manufacturing products. All the information I received today was very insightful, definitely a must. If you do another workshop like this I will definitely be attending, because it was excellent, very organised as well.”
Seponia

“The day went well. The entrepreneurs are very inspirational and it’s always a pleasure to meet people like James Caan, Caroline Marsh, Imran Hakim and also Dan (Sodergen.) He opened my eyes to a few things, not things that I didn’t know but it’s always nice to get that information regurgitated.”
Lamin

“It was a fantastic event, James Caan and Imran Hakim were very realistic. Also Caroline (Marsh) was very much inspiring and I think everyone should come and join this event. It’s a very good start(ing) point. I look forward to the next event.”
Pravas

“I thought the event was absolutely fantastic today, very energetic. The speakers were inspirational and it was definitely worth the visit.”
Manoj

“I thought this morning was very good. I thought the range of speakers was very good as it wasn’t just business informational fired at you about what you should and shouldn’t do, as it was quite inspirational and nice for people who might need a kick.”
Sully

“I thought the speakers today were brilliant, I really got an insight into how they started and the problems they experienced in starting a business. That was really helpful. I really hope you carry on and hold events like this throughout the country.”
Nicholas

“I found it brilliant. It was the first time I met James Caan. I’m actually reading his book right now, so to actually see him and reinforce exactly what the book is saying as a brilliant idea and I was to thank FlyingStart for this opportunity. Please let me know if there are any events’ coming up...It’s been brilliant.”
Emmanuel

For more information on FlyingStart, visit www.flyingstartonline.com

NCGE Global Fellows Learn Advanced Business Skills at BIS Head Office

The NCGE Global Fellows (a group of entrepreneurs selected by the NCGE to take part in a 12 month fellowship programme with the Kauffman foundation,) were brought together with a group of FlyingStart entrepreneurs for a special programme in London, to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The 2 day programme aimed to help the entrepreneurs, most of whom are either already or trading or are in the advanced stages of their business development, hone their business skills.

The programme covered topics such as international trade, sales and pitching, marketing, funding and intellectual property and benefited from a fantastic range of speakers including Wendy Torrance of the Kauffman Foundation and Gary Jennings of GJ International.

The Global Fellows were selected by their universities to participate in a 6 month exchange programme with Kauffman Foundation in America.

Manu Bhardwaj said of the Global Fellows Programme:

“It changed my mindset and outlook for what I wanted to achieve for my future. It taught me to think bigger and helped shape my business decisions.”

They were joined by Adam Jackson, Director of Enterprise at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, who opened the floor to the attendees, to discuss their experiences with NCGE and FlyingStart, as well as their perceptions of the cultural differences in entrepreneurship in America.

Many of the fellows agreed that networking is a key behaviour in America that should be embedded into the culture in the UK. Entrepreneurs in America distribute their business cards ‘like confetti’, which can increase business contacts and lead to potential sales.

Richard Mairs (pictured on the left) said of been accepted on the Global Fellows Programme:

“When I heard I'd been selected for the programme I couldn't believe it, what a great feeling, I was over the moon".

The programme inspired him and his business partner Jonathan Lloyd (pictured on the right) to give back to others and inspire entrepreneurship in young people.

FlyingStart Graduates on BBC’s Working Lunch

Emma Jayne Parkes and Viviane Jaegar of Squid London appeared on BBC’s Working Lunch last week, to discuss their experiences in starting a business.

The London based graduates, attended a FlyingStart programme back in January and since then have won the Shell LiveWire Grand Ideas Award and have been commissioned by the Tate for their innovative colour changing umbrella.

They credit their success to the help of FlyingStart and their mentor Mark Bailey:

"FlyingStart could not have happened at a better time. The intense yet creative workshops encouraged us and reminded us of what we wanted to achieve. Our first trial collection of 100 umbrellas had arrived just days before we attended and we sold our first ever umbrella at the Flying Start programme! We were allocated a brilliant mentor Mark Bailey whom we still keep in touch with and who is such a positive encouragement ".

Take a look at Squid London’s interview on Working Lunch on BBC iPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nz20l/Working_Lunch_11_11_2009/

38% of FlyingStart Members Want to Become a Millionaire

The results of the latest FlyingStart Poll show that one third of FlyingStart members want to become millionaire!

There were over 300 responses to the poll, asking FlyingStart members to choose their business aspiration.

The results:

• Become a millionaire  -  38%
• Give back to society  -  23%
• Make a day-to-day living  -  23%
• Grow a business and sell it  -  15%

NORTH WEST STUDENT ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE 2009

Do you need help overcoming the barriers that are holding you back from unleashing your full potential and achieving your dreams?

Then register now for the NorthWest Student Enterprise Conference, where you will experience inspirational speakers and helpful workshops to help you gain more confidence and self belief and be encouraged to take action towards your future goals.

This year, the North West Student Enterprise Conference will accommodate some of the most inspirational entrepreneurs who have fought their way to the top and have remarkable achievements. These people never stopped believing in their selves and their abilities, and now they are willing to share their experiences and help you do the same.

To attend the North West Student Enterprise Conference 2009 on Friday 13th November at 11am in Maxwell Hall, University of Salford, book your tickets online through the following link: www.conference.justeasymedia.com (please note there is a fee of £5.)

The day will consist of:

• Inspirational speakers (Naomi Timperley, Baby Loves Disco, Dragon’s Den; Suzy Madge, Life Coach, Mountaineer, Motivational Speaker etc.)

• A selection of interactive workshops (Networking Skills, Perfect Pitch, Confident Selling etc.)

• Personal advice Help Clinics (Student Life Award, NCGE Flying Start, Careers and Employment etc. offering advice on Tax, Start-ups, Personal Development, Banking etc.)

• Lunch and refreshment breaks with networking opportunities throughout the day

• Sponsors’ goody bags

• Entry ticket raffle with exciting prizes at the end.

Want to live the life of an entrepreneur, without spending a penny?

Take part in the Shell LiveWire Virtual Business Challenge. It’s a virtual business game that allows you experience what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, without the financial risk!

The best part is – from Monday 9th November until 9am onThursday 19th November, Shell LiveWire will be giving away 3 cash prizes to those completing the hame with the most net profit!

•    1st Prize - £750 plus a selection of business start up books and Shell LiveWIRE goodies

•    2nd Prize - £500 plus a selection of business start up books and Shell LiveWIRE goodies

•    3rd Prize - £250 plus a selection of business start up books and Shell LiveWIRE goodies

For more information, click here - http://www.shell-livewire.org/news/simventure

Good luck!

Win £40,000 for Your Big Idea on Climate Change

Do you have an innovative, low carbon business idea? Enter the Shell Springboard Competition, for your chance to win £40,000 for your business. Hurry though, the deadline for entries is Friday 6th November.

Shell Springboard is another of Shell's Social Investment Programmes that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. £40,000 is awarded every year, no strings attached, to eight businesses with an innovative product or service that will lead to greenhouse gas emission reductions and is commercially viable.

Click here to enter - www.shellspringboard.org

As always the Shell Springboard team are available if you need to ask any last minute questions. You can contact them at help@shellspringboard.org or on 0870 850 7085.

Good luck!

Northwest Women in Business Awards 2010

Calling all women in the North West!

The Annual Northwest Women in Business awards are now open for entry.

The awards give recognition to women in business throughout the Northwest and reward the huge contribution that they make to the regional economy.

The Awards, organised by the Northwest Women’s Enterprise Forum (NWWEF) both celebrate the achievements of the women who are running some of the region’s most successful and innovative businesses and inspire more women to consider enterprise as a career.

Major funding for the awards comes from the NWDA and this year the organisers are proud also to announce unprecedented support from the private sector. The Awards, which takes place on Friday 29 January 2010 at Ribby Hall, Lancashire, are to be presented in association with lead sponsor Barclays Wealth.

This year there are 5 awards categories including a specialist Creative & Digital sector award. Deadline for entries is Friday 20th November 2009

Click here for more information - www.glasgows.couk/nwwomeninbusinessawards%20

Are You In The Future Top 100?

The Future 100 awards, supported by Striding Out, recognise the achievements of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35, who are running a business with a social and environmeYtal impact. The awards aim to raise the profile and support this new generation of leaders who are paving the way in sustainable business.

The Future 100 is supported by Striding Out.

Heather Wilkinson, founder of Striding Out said:

“We are looking for the 'Future 100' young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of everyday business and improve commerce's impact on the wider world."

The Future 100 Winners are applicable to be provided with:

•    media and PR training

•    exclusive London networking events and opportunities

•    business coaching, training and professional mentoring support

The deadline for application is November 5th, 2009

To find out more and apply visit www.future100.co.uk, or contact Quinn Simpson at quinn@stridingout.co.uk.

Ratemyplacement.co.uk - Placement and Internship Awards 2010

Have you taken part in a work placement or internship?

Then get involved in the RateMyPlacement.co.uk Placement & Internship Awards!

Held at Oxford Brookes University on Thursday 21st January 2010, the first RateMyPlacement.co.uk Awards sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers are designed to celebrate and reward all the stakeholders who contribute to excellence in work experience for undergraduate students in the UK. After setting RateMyPlacement.co.uk up with two friends off the back of his own experiences on placement in final year at Loughborough University in 2007, Flying Start member Oliver Sidwell now runs the business full time employing 4 people.

See how you can get involved at: http://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/articles/ratemyplacement-awards/

Win up to £1,500 in the FlyingStart Capture Marketing Competition!

Do you have a passion for marketing? Or do you simply have great ideas for engaging students at your University that you want to SHOUT about? Then take part in our Capture Marketing Competition!

The competition is open to all students at participating Universities. If you University isn’t currently taking part, then please pass on the details and ask them to get in touch! (email: Jennifer.smith@ncge.org.uk)

Once your University is on board, register to the website to access 9 videos that will help you devise a killer marketing strategy, then carry it out during Global Entrepreneurship Week (16th-22nd November.)

Upload your results to our website http://capture.flyingstartonline.com – it can be anything: video’s, photo’s, documents, brochure designs, web designs and more! The best marketing strategy at your University will win £500 and the chance to win an extra £1,000 in the national final!

What are you waiting for? Click here for more info

MMU Students - Win a Laptop!

Calling all MMU students! Do you have a passion for marketing? Or do you simply have great ideas for engaging students at MMU that you want to SHOUT about? Then take part in the Capture MMU Marketing Competition!

The competition is open to all students at MMU - regardless of what you're studying.

Register to the website to access 9 videos that will help you devise a killer marketing strategy, then tell us about it by filling out the simple application form - http://capturemmu.flyingstartonline.com.

The best marketing strategy will win a laptop! Hurry though, the deadline for applications is Friday 2nd October 2009!

What are you waiting for? Click here for more info.

Another Success!! FlyingStart Creative Industries Programme

Hailed a “fantastic experience” by one of the participants, the Creative Industries Programme in Carlisle at the University of Cumbria was another great success.  The Programme held between Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th September 2009. FlyingStart was based on the Fusehill Campus and throughout the three days all participants engaged themselves in obtaining essential and priceless knowledge to help them in their quests to create successful enterprises.

One participant said “being part of the group and helping others to see their own potential was very rewarding and inspirational”.

The three days included talks from various organisations who gave wise words of advice as well as inspirational speeches. The atmosphere for the duration of the programme was energetic and lively with the participants networking skills being further developed throughout the three days. One participant said the Programme contained “plenty of useful information as well as inspiration”, whilst another said;  “I've just been finalising my Digital City Fellowship application and am glad I've had the Flying Start experience to inform my thinking.”

FlyingStart also had business mentors in attendance, of which each entrepreneur who attends a Programme is assigned their own mentor to get FREE help and advice for 12 months. During the Programme each participant gets time to sit down and discuss anything related to their business and create goals to help them to continue to move forward. A participant of the programme acknowledged that the “personal time with your own mentor is what really made everything come together”.

FlyingStart Entrepreneur Viviane Jaegar and Emma Jayne Parkes: Shortlisted for the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of

FlyingStart entrepreneurs Viviane Jaegar and Emma Jayne Parkes have been shortlisted for the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2009.

Their company Squid London is famous for their innovative umbrella, which changes colour when rain hits the panels.

The umbrella has so far been commissioned by The Tate and won Squid London the people’s choice award in the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas competition, back in June.

Squid London attribute some of their success to the FlyingStart programme they attended in Bournemouth in January:

"FlyingStart could not have happened at a better time. The intense yet creative workshops encouraged us and reminded us of what we wanted to achieve. Our first trial collection of 100 umbrellas had arrived just days before we attended and we sold our first ever umbrella at the Flying Start programme! We were allocated a brilliant mentor Mark Bailey whom we still keep in touch with and who is such a positive encouragement ".

Viviane Jaeger and Emma Jayne Parkes have now been shortlisted, along with 28 others, for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and will be judged by a panel of 12 experts from the world of UK enterprise, who will decide on a further shortlist of 8. The final 8 will then take part in an assessment day, before a winner is announced in 27th October. The winner will receive £10,000, as well as publicity from an award winning PR agency.

Good luck from the FlyingStart Team!

Click here to take a look at the full shortlist.

FlyingStart entrepreneurs SquidLondon featured in the Sunday Telegraph

FlyingStart entrepreneurs Emma Jayne Parkes and Viviane Jaeger have been featured in The Sunday Telegraph's Business section (issue dated September 13, 2009). Detailing SquidLondon's progress and various achievements, the article by Richard Tyler also mentions the FlyingStart programme Emma and Viviane attended in January 2009.

Watch out for more FlyingStart entrepreneurs featured in the media soon.

Branding Talent - Win £1000. HURRY entries close Monday 7th September

Enter your seed idea, win £1000 idea development money, and a potential commercial commission with Shop Direct!

Branding Talent is open to small creative companies and freelancers from across the digital media industries, including advertising, design, creative technology, software design, TV, mobile, web, PR, gaming and film

Shop Direct is a massive (and massively successful) home shopping organisation that has moved online in a big way over the last few years. They are currently in the process of preparing to launch a new fashion clothing retail brand that will live in both the online and offline worlds

Branding Talent 09 is a project between Aegis, NESTA, Shop Direct and Just-b.
What are we looking for?

New ways of connecting with consumers - predominantly young adult female consumers - and of connecting them with, and involving them in, a genuinely exciting new online/offline fashion retailing experience

This includes (but not exclusively):
- applications; platforms; communications ‘products’; social media applications; rich media applications; content vehicles, relevant new functionalities; ‘widgets’

- Usable innovation in the space where digital media, technology, data, personalisation and content can be leveraged in new ways to drive a combination of shopping and connecting online

 How it works:

The best five (as selected by Aegis, Nesta, Shop Direct and Just-b.) will be awarded £1,000 in funding to turn their initial germ of an idea into a presentable concept

They will have one month to develop their idea further, before pitching to Shop Direct
What we need from you:

- 150 word seed idea
- Representative image
- A full biography

Ideas will be judged on technical feasibility, response to the brief, format innovation and entrants’ ability to deliver

To enter and find out more information click here

FlyingStart Entrepreneurs Question Business Experts

FlyingStart Member’s FLOODSTOP Invention to appear in all Secondary Schools

Simon Phelps, a member of the 2006-2007 NCGE FlyingStart Global Entrepreneurs Programme set up a company called Fluvial and developed a modular flood system barrier called FLOODSTOP in 2006.

FLOODSTOP has been extremely successful and has now been chosen by STEMNET (funded by The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills) to appear as a case-study in all UK secondary schools.

Cheaper and far more effective than sandbags, FLOODSTOP is lightweight, easy for one person to assemble and deploy, repeatable and reusable, and highly recyclable. It protects households or other premises from flood damage in a number of scenarios, and it is multifunctional – it can also be used as a road traffic delineator, saving local authorities and householder’s money.

As a result of the Global Entrepreneurs Programme Simon developed significant business contacts, in-depth knowledge of his sector and a broad range of essential business skills such as marketing and finance know-how.

From participating in the scheme he has been able to pitch his business to several business leaders and work on the commercialisation of his product.

Simon said:

“The time with my US mentors during my internship has been invaluable, they have provided me with amazing insight and advice which really helped me make headway with the progress of the business.”

NCGE and FlyingStart are extremely pleased to hear that Fluvial Innovations has been specifically chosen to demonstrate to students that they can have a rewarding career by designing and developing their own products, with an aim to boost the number of school leavers entering careers in design and manufacturing.

3 Month Training Programme for Creative Graduates

Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (part of University of the Arts London) is running a part time 3 month training programme for creative graduates starting in September to give them the skills, confidence and guidance to make a career in their chosen sector or start their own business.

What happens after graduation?

Immersion is a training programme to give ambitious creative graduates a head start into employment or setting up on their own.

It is a 3 month part time programme that provides the professional and practical skills and industry networks, to help trun your creative vision and talent into a commercially sucessful future.

Programme highlights include;

•    Pitching and presenting workshops

•    Communication and interview skills

•    Business and career planning

•    Networking events with industry experts

•    Ongoung one to one mentoring from industry guides

•    Problem solving and indentifying opportunities sessions

•    Workshops on positioning yourself, your products and services

You’ll be led by a team of specialist coaches and trainers, as well as a wide verirty of industry experts, inspirational speakers and mentors.

For more details and how to apply, click here.

Get expert advice from Bulldog Natural Groomin

As a young business, there's a huge amount of information to gather, knowledge to grasp and issues to cover off. If you're in this position, the British Library have help on hand in the form of Rhodri Ferrier and Simon Duffy of Bulldog Natural Grooming.

Great branding, innovative marketing (including quirky viral videos featuring David Mitchell) and a committment to natural ingredients have quickly put Bulldog on the map.

Now Rhodri and Simon are offering the chance to meet with them for a confidential one-to-one advice session.

The British Library have ten, one hour sessions in September to fill. If you interested, the click here to apply.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 2 September.

Poll: How much Money are you Looking for to Start your Business?

We have been running a Poll on the FlyingStart website to find out how much funding you are looking for – and we now have the results!

Less than £5,000                       = 34.4%

Between £5,000 and £15,000     = 32.4%

More than £15,000                    = 33.2%

The results are extremely close, with the smaller amount just edging ahead. But it just goes to show that isn’t a popular amount when it comes to funding – it really does depend on the nature of the business.

This month’s poll is: “What inspired you to start your own business?” Please visit the FlyingStart online homepage to vote.

Thank you to everyone who voted, your opinion counts!

FlyingStart Feature in an Online Magazine - Prospects!

Prospects, which is an online magazine for students, features an article in the latest edition looking at the effect that the recession has had on graduate employment and how more students are choosing to set up their own business as a result.

The article praises the work that FlyingStart, part of the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship, does for students in terms of mentoring them and providing them with the skills and support they need to set up their own business.

Asa Bentley, a graduate from Manchester University and a member of FlyingStart is writing a series of books for young children that focus on green issues. He commends the support from FlyingStart, as well as his University for helping him to get his business off the ground.

“I’m going volunteering in Nepal in August for 10 weeks. When i get back i’m going to try to hit it full time. By Christmas i need to be selling 1,000 books a month and i need to draw up a product road map, for example, which will set out what products we are going to come out with and when.”

David Bozward, Director of FlyingStart stated in the article that 60% of participants in FlyingStart’s 3-day programmes go on to start their own business. Asa is one of those people and David attributes his success to the attractiveness of his books to children:

“If you start a business in a recession you can do very well when we come out of it.”

Calling all Social Entrepreneurs: Get Financial Support for Your Business!

The First Social Enterprise Awards - Now Open for Entries!

Good news for Social Entrepreneurs!

The Social Enterprise Coalition is launching the 1st Social Enterprise Awards, which aims to
recognise and champion the vital work carried out by the most successful social enterprises in the UK.

The competition has three categories, one of which will award the ‘Best New Social Enterprise’, which has been operating for less than three years, with at least one year of accounts.

There will be regional heats in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales initially, then the 12 regional winners will compete for the UK National Prize in their category.

To be in with a chance of winning, your business will be judged on the following criteria:

•    Proof of impact on society and/or environment - evidence to be provided in the application
•    Evidence of innovation in approaches to addressing social and/or environmental needs
•    Quality of business - analysis of accounts, company objectives and future business plan

The awards are organised by the Social Enterprise Coalition, in partnership with: The Office of the Third Sector, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Angela Smith, the Minister for the Third Sector, Cabinet Office said:

"The best social enterprises are innovative and inspiring business models proving what can be achieved when social and environmental values are placed at the heart of business practices.

"There is a strong public appetite for socially responsible business, particular in the current economic climate, and social enterprises have a key role to play in creating a more responsible economy of the future. Across the UK, social enterprises are providing solutions to some of our communities' most pressing concerns.

"We are very pleased to be supporting the Social Enterprise Awards in rewarding and promoting Britain's best social enterprises."

The closing date for entries is Monday 28th September.

Click here for more information and details about how to enter.

Win £10,000 in The Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009!

There isn't long left now to enter The Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009, as the closing date for entries is September 11th 2009.

For your chance to win, you need to demonstrate that you have drive and determination to succeed. The winner of this award will need to show how they are entrepreneurial, that they have a robust business model, understand their marketplace and have a clear business development strategy.

So what are you waiting for?

Click here for more details.

Doug Richard\'s School for Startups Seminar

Following the huge success of our seminars around the UK, Doug and the School for Startups team are returning to The British Library. A must-attend event for any budding entrepreneur, "Start Here! Starting and Growing a Successful Business" is hosted personally by Doug Richard and is the cornerstone of the School for Startups curriculum.

At "Start Here!" you will learn:

    * The key questions every entrepreneur must be able to answer before starting or growing a business
    * How to write the perfect business model
    * How to indentify your product and your market
    * How to start an affordable marketing campaign to increase your sales leads
    * How to treat the recession as an opportunity, rather than a threat
    * How to make money and secure investment


What's included?

    * 8 hours of business tuition with one of the UK's leading entrepreneurs
    * Access to online resources and materials, including membership of VentureNavigator (see details below)
    * 12 month's free subscription to Doug's monthly newsletter
    * Accreditation as a Graduate of School for Startups (web-badge)
    * Lunch and free refreshments throughout the day

 Click here for more info...

Own-It Event - Protect Your Website

This specialised event provides essential knowledge for web design professionals, their clients and any creative business with a website. If you have a website this event is for you!

This event is for both start-up businesses and those with some copyright knowledge already. It will give you a range of questions you can ask at the event or work out for yourself afterwards. It may challenge experienced web designers and creatives and give you knowledge to challenge your existing portfolio from copyright warnings to ownership issues.

When: 23.09.09 at 18:00

Where: The Riverside Room, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3BA

Click here for more details...

Job Vacancy - FlyingStart – Business Mentor / Team Leader

Title:         FlyingStart – Business Mentor / Team Leader

Initial Period:     1st Sept 2009 -  31st March 2010

Based at:   

The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship
Baskerville House
Centenary Square
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2ND.

Reporting to:     Director of FlyingStart, NCGE.

Application Process:     Please email your CV and covering letter to helen.williams@ncge.org.uk.


The person will be expected to:

1.    Mentoring on-to-one FlyingStart Business Start-Ups
2.    Identify businesses who would benefit from mentoring
3.    Creating and developing business Action Plans
4.    Maintain frequent communications with businesses
5.    Drawing up agreed action plans with FlyingStart businesses
6.    Implementing strategies and supporting businesses  in self-esteem and confidence-building activities
7.    Presentation of Business Skills Workshops
8.    Management of team during events
9.    Monitoring business start-up rates and performance statistics.
10.    Help out in other areas of the company as required.

Person Specification:

1.    Competence in preparing and designing mentoring programmes.
2.    Ability to work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
3.    Ability to multi-task, take initiative and work effectively without immediate supervision.
4.    Business Start-up knowledge
5.    Strong interpersonal skills
6.    Willingness and ability to produce high quality work.
7.    Good understanding of IT, ability to use all Microsoft Office products, website and editor packages.
8.    Diligence and dedication.

Getting A Product Designed and Manufactured

17 September 2009 - 11am-12pm at the British Library Business and IP Centre, London

It sounds simple. But as any experienced designer or inventor will tell you, turning a concept into a designed 3-D product can be more time-consuming and frustrating than you could possibly anticipate.

Every idea is different. But as solo inventor-innovators will testify, there seems to be a shortage of obvious places to go for answers to basic questions like…

    * How much input should a professional product designer have?
    * Where do you find one with the right expertise?
    * Who owns the Intellectual Property in an innovative design?
    * What kind of IP protection (patent/ registered design/ design right/ trademark) apply to an innovative product?
    * How many design stages should you go through?
    * What are the usual hitches that can be avoided?
    * What should you expect to pay at different stages in the process?
    * Is China the only real option for manufacturing?
    * How do you go about sourcing and manufacturing in China?
    * How to protect your product from being copied in the Far East?


Who should attend?
• Women with new product and start-up ideas
• Anyone already marketing their own products
• Professionals interested or involved in bringing new products to market

Booking details:
Time: 11am to 2pm (includes networking time)
Date: 17 September 2009
Price: £20 non-members, £10 Members (includes networking lunch)
Place: British Library Business & IP Centre, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

 Click here for more info

2009 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards

Calling all young entrepreneurs!

There are just 4 weeks left to enter the 2009 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards.

There are 6 categories, with 16 awards up for grabs and a total prize fund of £100,000, including £10,000 for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The awards are free to enter and are open to anyone from Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire, North Wales and Wolverhampton. The closing date for entries is September 11th 2009.

Click here to visit the website for more information.

Job Vacancy - FlyingStart – Graduate ‘09 Assistant

Flying Start - Graduate ' 09 Assistant Job Description

Title:       FlyingStart - Graduate ' 09 Assistant

Period:   1st Sept 2009 -  31st March 2010

Based at:

The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship
Baskerville House
Centenary Square
Broad Street
Birmingham
B1 2ND.

Reporting to:     Director of FlyingStart, NCGE.

Application Process: Please email your CV and covering letter to helen.williams@ncge.org.uk.


The Assistant will be expected to:

1.    Discussing with the client the arrangement for the event
2.    Design of the workshop events, including agenda and keynote topics
3.    Booking and supervising contractors such as speaker, caterers and accommodation
4.    Prepare and upload website content detailing the events.
5.    Design, prepare and lay-out promotional and organisational materials.
6.    Marketing and publicising the event
7.    On-site management of the event, making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day
8.    Ensuring that health and safety and insurance regulations are followed.
9.    Conduct web-based and other research as directed to gather information about graduate entrepreneurship, business start-up and HEIs.
10.    Answer queries/problems relating to the events.
11.    Help out in other areas of the company as required.

Person Specification:

1.    Competence in written English, ability to write and prepare press information, general corporate information and information for website.
2.    Competence in basic web design.
3.    Competence in preparing and designing promotional materials.
4.    Ability to work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
5.    Ability to multi-task, take initiative and work effectively without immediate supervision.
6.    Ability to evaluate information and sources, and locate ‘hard to find’ information.
7.    Alertness to new information.
8.    Attention to detail.
9.    Willingness and ability to produce high quality work.
10.    Good understanding of IT, ability to use all Microsoft Office products, website and web editor packages.
11.    Sound research skills and ability to assimilate complex information from diverse sources.
12.    Diligence and dedication.

About the NCGE


The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) is an independent company formed in 2004 with the aim of raising the profile of entrepreneurship and increasing the number of students and graduates whom seriously consider business start-up and self-employment within five years of graduation.

New business start-ups have a positive and dynamic effect upon the UK economy and allow individuals to follow their dreams and shape their own career paths.  Self-employment is more than just a career, it is a lifestyle choice. It is the aim of the NCGE to facilitate cultural change in the UK and make starting your own business a viable lifestyle and career option for recent graduates.

NCGE is already becoming a focal point for entrepreneurship by connecting with students and graduates and stakeholders, supporting best practice, providing information, brokering relationships, understanding barriers through research, influencing attitudes and inspiring ideas.  We work and collaborate with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), business, business support organisations, Regional Development Agencies and a range of other partners across the UK.

UK\'s Young Design Entrepreneur Award 2009

FLYING START ENTREPRENEURS SQUIDLONDON - COMMISSIONED BY TATE

What if your umbrella could change into a walking piece of art?

Commissioned by Tate, SquidLondon designed and produced a colour changing paint drip umbrella. As soon as the rain hit the panels, the all over white design reveals splendour of colours and excitement.

The Umbrella was inspired by the Colour chart ‘Reinventing Colours’ 1950 - Today Exhibition at Tate Liverpool. It is one of the first major exhibitions devoted to the shifting moment in the twentieth-century. Highlighted artists include, Damien Hirst, Yves Klein, Gerhardt Richter, Ellsworth Kelly, Dan Flavin to name but a few.

The exhibition celebrates a paradox: the beauty that occurs when artists assign colour decisions to chance, readymade source, or arbitrary system”. It was a great honour and pleasure for SquidLondon, an upcoming design duo who joined the Flying Start Creative Industries Programme in January, to be commissioned by Tate using its colour changing concept.

 “The inspiration was paint as it drips down the canvas creating different streaks and blobs. When the rain hits the panels the border changes into the infamous colour circle. Playing with the theory of primary and secondary colours the Squidder’s gave it a fun twist whilst being inspired by the architects Herzog and de Meurons’ colour study in the 1980’s.” commented Viviane Jaeger.

Winners of the ‘People’s Choice’ award in the ShellLiveWire ‘Grand Ideas’ competition, the Squidder's are inventing a rotating display unit which sprays itself with water to help customers understand the fascinating colour change concept.

Emma-Jayne Parkes adds: ‘The paint drip design creates excitement, interaction and fun, making you want to step out in the rain – it is more than just a black and white umbrella lying on a shelf – it brightens up rainy summer days after leaving the gallery.’

As it rains 1 in 3 days in Britain, Tate’s exclusive Paint Drip umbrella, which is sold at Tate Liverpool, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, makes a functional and clever souvenir. ‘Why not walk out with a piece of the exhibition and make fun use of it in the rain?’

Precious Awards 2009 - Nominations now open for unique entrepreneurial awards ceremony for woman of colour

 Nominations are now open for the 2009 Annual PRECIOUS Awards for inspirational and entrepreneurial women of colour.

The PRECIOUS Awards, sponsored by Pearson plc, celebrate the achievements of women of colour in business and leadership. The theme of this year’s event is growth.

Nominations are open now until the end of August.

The Awards will be held on Monday 16th November, kicking off Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Ethical, Online and Young Entrepreneurs are amongst those set to be honoured.

Nominate now at http://www.preciousawards.com/

Squid London Win the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award!

Flying Start Entrepreneurs Squid London, have won the People’s Choice Award, as voted for online by the Shell LiveWIRE online community, for their innovative colour changing umbrella.

The umbrella changes into a multitude of colour, when the rain hit’s the panels; making it a piece of art, as well as a trimph in science and design.

Congratulations to Squid London! The £1000 prize fund will go towards a new display unit for the umbrella.

Click here to visit the Shell LiveWIRE website and read about the other winners.

Go Green and Win up to £40k investment for your Business Idea!

The awards programme, which is now in its 5th year, targets innovative, low carbon business ideas.

The 8 best business ideas will win an investment of up to £40k, so what are you waiting for?

Click here to visit the website for more information.

Flying Start Entrepreneurs Shortlisted for Shell Live Wire Award!

Fashion-forward entrepreneurs; Viviane Jaeger and Emma Jane Parkes have been shortlisted for the Shell Live Wire Grand Idea’s award for June.

Squid London’s grand idea is an umbrella that changes colour when it rains, creating an interactive experience and a piece of art!

They joined the Flying Start Creative Industries Programme in Bournemouth, in January and it has been onwards and upwards for the duo since then.

To take a look at their journey and to vote for the revolutionary umbrella, visit the Shell Live Wire website and register.

Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009

Do you feel you are a unique and successful entrepreneur that can see you win the Shell LiveWIRE young entrepreneur of the year 2009? The award is now open for applications and it is your time to show people why you and your business are worthy of this award.

This award offers entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 30 within the first 18 months of trading the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and receive a cash injection of £10,000 for their business.

The winner will be announced at the ‘Shell LiveWIRE Live’ event in London on October 27th where a host of young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to attend along with some famous faces in a series of workshops throughout the day.

Applications deadline for this award is 11th September 2009.

So log on and make your application now at: www.shell-livewire.org/awards

$uccess Mag - New Summer 2009 Online Edition, Available Now!

$uccess Mag have published a special Summer online edition of their magazine Click here to take a look!

$uccess Mag has one simple aim: inspiring young people to achieve.

 Make sure you take a look at this special online edition for advice on getting a great job or setting up a business in the tough economic climate.

Business North West - Business 2 Business Exhibition and Conference

Manchester Central: 28th - 29th October 2009

In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to understand business trends and be networking in person, especially face-to-face. This established and unique business event is designed specifically for time poor business owners, directors and entrepreneurs to do just this. By attending you will be in an exciting business environment where you will be able to learn cutting edge business techniques, listen to inspiring keynote speakers, network with likeminded individuals to help sustain and develop business as well as sourcing products and services from a diverse exhibition.

By exhibiting, however, you will be in the highly advantageous position of placing you business in front of these motivated business decision makers. Business North West provides a unique platform to communicate with potential and current clients, allowing you to demonstrate your products and services as well as be surrounded by hundreds of other exhibiting companies to exchange business with. It is a unique event in the North West region as it unites all sectors of business and is the only marketing medium that brings the buyer, seller and products together at the same time and in the same place. Riding on the back of our £100,000 and 360 degree marketing strategy including traditional and modern techniques exhibiting businesses can not fail to substantially benefit.

Since 2006 this annual event has gone from strength to strength and seen dramatic growth and development. It has aided thousands of businesses and business people and now plays an integral role in their annual marketing strategy. 

Tickets for this event are free, for more information please go to:

http://www.businessnorthwest.co.uk/index.php

The Morgan Foundation 2009 Entrepreneur Awards - Now Open

Encouraging entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities in the North West, North Wales, Shropshire and the Wolverhampton area.

The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards were established in 2007 and are designed to encourage entrepreneurship in the North West and North Wales - whether in new businesses, young entrepreneurs, social enterprises or charities.

New categories were introduced in 2008 and the Awards were extended to the Wolverhampton area; winners came from across the region. This year an extra category has been added to strengthen the Morgan Foundation's emphasis on charitable aims. Over and above the £100,000 of cash prizes, the winners and runners up also receive valuable professional services from the sponsors and supporters of the Awards.

The 2009 Awards were launched at All Saints Action Network in Wolverhampton on Wednesday 24th June and in Liverpool at Barclays Commercial Bank in Chapel Street on Thursday 25th June. Applications can be made on line from 25th June until 10th September - browse the website to find out more, register and download application forms:

http://www.mf-awards.co.uk/

resource

BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur award scheme open

New Programmes and Workshops

We have now released information and dates of the programmes and workshops that we will be running over the coming months.

Please click on the relevant areas on FlyingStartOnline to apply for a programme or attend a workshop.

If you have any problems using FlyingStartOnline to apply for a programme or attend a workshop please contact us at support@flyingstartonline.com

New Resource for Starting Your Business

FlyingStart Fashion Stars Make Big Splash

Up-cycled Fashions Target Breast Cancer

Goodone Fashions, run by Nin Castle - who attended the NCGE-RSA FlyingStart Design Programme in Manchester in July 2006 - has launched a black and white body con dress in collaboration with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

Goodone designs and produces innovative clothing using recycled fabrics. Their specialist understanding of the deconstruction and reconstruction of garments can create a large amount of new clothing from old, making each garment unique. This reduces waste as well as minimising energy use.

The Fashion Targets Breast Cancer dress is made from 100% upcycled fabrics and 30% of the sale goes straight to this really worthy cause. "We think it's one of our best designs to date," said Nin. "It's very sexy yet also extemely flattering on all sizes."

This limited edition dress is now available to buy from Laden Showrooms, a designer boutique in East London. Find out more at www.goodone.co.uk.

NEW National Student Enterprise Club Award

Are you involved in an active enterprise club or society at your university and want to WIN £1000 for you club?

If so, until 12th June 2009, you can enter for a national award which recognises the contribution enterprise clubs and societies make to entrepreneurship education – teaching students and providing peer learning experiences focused on entrepreneurship and enterprise creation.

In the first annual Enterprise Educator Awards, launched jointly by the NCGE and Enterprise Educators UK, one of the three Award categories offered is ‘Student Enterprise Club or Society’. It’s designed for those supporting peer learning – collaborative learning enhancing the value of student-student interaction. The national Enterprise Educator Awards are the first of their kind specifically to reward those working as enterprise educators supporting student and graduate entrepreneurship in higher education. The three categories will recognise: 1) Enterprise Educators who are transforming the enterprise curriculum; 2) Enterprise Champions who are supporting extra-curricular activities; and 3) Student Enterprise Clubs and Societies supporting peer learning.

To enter your enterprise club or society, you will need to submit a 750-word case study outlining evidence of good practice; innovation; ‘making a difference’; and impact using the web form here: http://enterprise-educators-awards.ncge.com/clubs.

Deadline Extended for FlyingStart LJMU Programme

Sign Up For CHARGE

CHARGE is the new free monthly social enterprise newsletter for 16-25 year olds, produced in conjunction with UnLtd. It's being launched on Monday 4th May.

Keep up to date with the latest in social enterprise, volunteering and youth issues by sending an email to chargenewsletter@mail.com with “subscribe” as the subject title.

For more information, or to get involved, please email Laura Gilhespy at the email address above. 

Enter The O2 X Awards 2009

Be Profiled In $uccess Mag

• Your Name
• Your Age
• Your University (if applicable)
• Where you’re from
• Contact details
• A 100-word biog
• Your photo or a business logo (preferably jpeg).

FlyingStart Assistant – Marketing Job at FlyingStart

FlyingStart – Workshops Co-ordinator Job at FlyingStart

“The Flying Start program gave me the 'big idea' but crucially, the confidence to do something about it.”

Web Editor Job at NCGE/FlyingStart

SIFE Win For King's College London

NCGE Twitter

Twitter Updates

follow me on Twitter

Essentially Free Software and Product Licenses for Start-ups

Microsoft's BizSpark programme for start-ups is quick and easy way to gain access to great software and production licenses. If you are a start-up - or the students you work with are developing start-ups - then you need to check out the benefits.

Here are the criteria

• Actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of your current or intended business.
• Your company is privately held, and in business for less than three years.
• Has less than US $1 million in annual revenue.

Here's what you get from the program:

• Development Tools, Platform Technologies and Production Licenses
• All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN Premium subscription
• Expression Studio Version 2
• VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)
• Production use rights to host a "software as a service" solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to the latest versions of Microsoft products including:
• Microsoft Windows Server® (all editions up to and including Enterprise)
• Microsoft SQL Server (all editions)
• Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server
• Microsoft System Center
• Microsoft BizTalk Server.
  

In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, including Microsoft Azure Services Platform - The Azure Services Platform is the collection of Foundational, Developer and Live Platform Service such as Windows Azure, Live Mesh, Compute Services, Storage Services, Workflow Services, Identity Services, Connectivity Services, SQL Data Services. All developers will have access to the Azure Services Platform developer tools which includes the local development fabric.

What's the catch?

There isn't one! After three years we will require you pay $100USD exit fee, that's it! If you want to continue with the software and licenses, you simply pay for your MSDN subscriptions the regular way, and if you want to keep using your production licenses, you pay for those using the Service Provider Licensing program.

What is the community saying about the program?

Don't just take our word for it, find out what the community thinks! Click here.

How do I sign up!?

Simply email ebtuk@microsoft.com with the following details:

• Confirmation that you meet each of the qualification criteria for the Programme
• Company name
• Years of trading
• Your turnover
  

Tate Commission For Squid London

SquidLondon, the duo applying smart materials innovations to the future of textile design, have gained a high profile commission working with Tate Liverpool on its new exhibition: Colour Chart: Reinventing Colour, 1950 to Today.

You can see a list of all the FlyingStart participants from Bournemouth here.

Can you design the must-have toy for 2010?

Silicon Valley Snapshot From The BBC

Young Foundation Launches New Social Enterprise Fund

A pioneering fund has just been launched to invest in projects designed to change the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities across Britain.

If you want to get a social enterprise off the ground, this fund could help you make it happen. The Learning Launchpad fund will offer a range of investment packages designed to meet the needs of any organisation or individual with an idea to provide alternatives to traditional education to young people aged 14 to 25 years old.

The fund will offer both support and finance for organisations at two stages of development. Stage one investments will provide up to £30,000, plus support, to people starting out with a new idea. Meanwhile stage two investments will offer up to £100,000, plus support, for organisations or initiatives that are already up and running and want to grow.

The support and incubation packages, offered as part of any investment, include business planning, marketing support, book keeping or simply access to contacts.

Delivered by the Young Foundation, in partnership with independent education foundation Edge, the Learning Launchpad fund is open to applications from either individuals with great ideas or emerging charities, social enterprises or mainstream business committed to delivering social change for young people.

Geoff Mulgan, director of the Young Foundation, said: “The downturn is likely  to cut off many young people’s chances of getting a job, leaving thousands without the skills and experience we’ll need when the recovery comes.”

“There is no shortage of ideas about how to solve this – the challenge is to turn more promising ideas into sustainable projects, and channel people’s passion and commitment into results on the ground.”

Tim Campbell, former winner of hit reality TV show the Apprentice, who has since set up the Bright Ideas Trust, is endorsing the fund. He said: “What I’ve learned since I set-up Bright Ideas Trust is that there’s nothing like starting up on your own to give you the freedom to pursue the things that really matter.  This fund will help remove the barriers people face when they come-up with a great idea.  For a start-up entrepreneur, it is just as important to get a cash flow injection as it is to get the tailored support you need, whether its help with finance, communications or web technology.  The Learning Launchpad offers both.  The focus of the fund is to find the best ideas that will enable young people to make a difference, something very close to my heart.  The hunt is on, so get thinking and good luck!”

Andy Powell, Chief Executive of independent education foundation Edge, emphasises the importance of taking risks. He said:  “The Learning Launchpad is one of our most exciting partnerships. Young people can often lack access to opportunities outside traditional academic routes – and the Learning Launchpad allows people to take risks and develop innovative new approaches to practical learning, showing them that there really are many paths to success.”

For more information and how to apply, please see www.learninglaunchpad.org

Two-For-One Ticket Offer - Mothers of Invention

**Buy one ticket, get one free for student entrepreneurs

Celebrating International Women's Month

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2009

Time: 18.15-21.00

Venue: British Library Conference Centre

Price: £10 (£7.50 concessions)

**Get two tickets for the price of one by quoting ‘mothers’ when you book over the phone

If you have a great business idea, long to pursue your dreams or just want to be your own boss, the British Library is bringing together four trailblazing British women for an evening of inspiration.  

In celebration of International Women's Month, 'Mothers of Invention' is a rare opportunity to hear from, and put your questions to, a group of pioneers from fields as diverse as film, retail, marketing and design.

Speakers:

• Gurinder Chadha OBE, director of Bend it Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice
• Liz Jackson MBE, founder of telemarketing business Great Guns
• Laura Tenison, who runs award-winning mother and baby brand JoJo Maman Bebe
• Dee Wright, the brains behind The Hairforce, an innovative nit and lice removal service
  

Book by calling the Box Office on +44 (0)1937 546546

Find out more at: www.bl.uk/bipc/inspiring

Creativity Inspired At Liverpool John Moores

Over 75 student entrepreneurs in Liverpool on Wednesday were provided with inspiration by internationally renowned creative business advisor David Parrish (www.davidparrish.com).

David was keynote speaker at the FlyingStart Rally, which delivered a series of workshops and activities giving participants an insight into starting up and running a business or social enterprise.

The event - organised jointly with Emma Hunter, North West Enterprise Champion at Liverpool John Moores, and her colleague Dominique Aspey - attracted a range of students and graduates interested in creating their own futures by setting up businesses. Dominique Aspey said: "we are delighted with the success of yesterday’s event and feedback that I have had from my business contacts who came along as ‘industry experts’ shows that we have a huge amount of support from established entrepreneurs for what we are doing."

The NCGE's FlyingStart Events Coordinator David Benson said: "Speaking to many of the participants throughout the day it seems we have really sown the seeds for the Programme and have some great candidates who I am sure are now going to apply at FlyingStartOnline.com."

Check out the full list of upcoming FlyingStart Programmes (www.flyingstartonline.com) and Rallies on the website.

FlyingStart Global Entrepreneur's FLOODSTOP Deployed In Kent

Rapid deployment of 175m of the Fluvial Innovations FLOODSTOP barrier designed by pioneering FlyingStart Global Entrepreneur Simon Phelps last week guarded against a predicted 6.8m spring tide at Sandwich Quay in Kent.

Paul Marshall, Operations Delivery Team Leader for the Environment Agency in Kent, oversaw the deployment of the FLOODSTOP barrier system and provided residents with information about flood risks. Other Environment Agency colleagues from the region travelled to Sandwich to see the system in action.

Luckily the tide did not overtop the bank, but the defences were in place with plenty of time to spare.

In 2006-2007, Simon was one of the first NCGE-Kauffman International Entrepreneurship Fellows - now known as FlyingStart Global Entrepreneurs - to be selected to spend six months in the United States experiencing how they support entrepreneurship in higher education.He also gained funding from