Entrepreneurs to be honoured at Enterprise Awards

The networking event for local businesses - which is set to take place between 5.30pm-7pm on Tuesday September 25 at the University's city centre campus in Old Broadcasting House, Woodhouse Lane - will see the winners of the inaugural Vice Chancellor's Enterprise Scholarships formally honoured.

Founded by Leeds Metropolitan Vice Chancellor Professor Susan Price in 2011, the scheme awards two entrepreneurial graduates' £3000 worth of funding towards their business start-up. This includes support through the University's business incubator, QU2; dedicated business advisors and mentors; profiling and networking opportunities; membership of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce; and a city centre business address for 12 months.

Former student Sorcha Bemand will be using the funding to set up her business, Holistic Horse Products, an online store that will supply holistic and natural products for horses and for smaller pets and their owners that fit with her ethos of 'do no harm'; while graduate Louis Speight will use the scholarship to develop his planned business, Premier Disability Services, which will offer bespoke disability awareness and access planning for businesses and organisations. He is currently running pilot workshops and building a portfolio of services for marketing purposes.

Professor Price said she was proud to be the founding donor of her scholarship scheme - supporting deserving young business professionals.

"This event is our chance to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and success of our students and alumni," she commented. "I'm looking forward to congratulating Sorcha and Louis- they are a real inspiration to our current students and the wider community. The Enterprise Awards are also an opportunity for us to publicly thank our fantastic sponsors, whose generosity, support and commitment is fundamental to the success of this scholarship scheme."

The evening will include a drinks reception with refreshments and a focus on the upcoming launch of Leeds Metropolitan's Student Enterprise Competition
2012-13.

If you are part of a Yorkshire business and would like to attend the event, please contact eventsteam@leedsmet.ac.uk