Businesses urged to rise to the Unipreneur Challenge

Black Country businesses are being sought to work with students on a brand new initiative aimed at improving entrepreneurial skills and boosting employment opportunities across the region.

Unipreneur Challenge is being piloted with the University of Wolverhampton and will be launched later this month.

The aim is to promote and develop entrepreneurial skills for young people, develop relationships with businesses in the region, boost enterprise and create potential employment opportunities.

At least 15 students from the University’s School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications will take entrepreneurial ‘scans’ to assess their strengths and take part in workshops to develop best practices before focusing their skills within businesses for several weeks.

The scheme is the brainchild of Gary Lennon, entrepreneur and founder of Wist Ltd, which supports learning and development, primarily in entrepreneurship.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both businesses and students. The pilot scheme will encourage students to contribute to the businesses by implementing and showcasing their entrepreneurial skills, working on real opportunities that will provide clear benefits for both parties. It will also help companies to recruit top talent.

“It will create new partnerships and enhance the relationship between the University and companies within the region. At a time when there is so much publicity around youth unemployment, this is a chance for students to develop skills valued by employers and improve their future prospects.”

Unipreneur Challenge will take place over several weeks, culminating in formal presentations and an awards ceremony.

Dean of LSSC, Professor Judith Burnett, said: “We feel this is a really innovative scheme which will enable businesses to see what our students have to offer and will help the students with their future employability. We hope that lots of companies will see the potential here and come forward to take part in what promises to be a very exciting initiative.”

One business already on board is Talbots Solicitors. Partner Derek Simmonds, based in Stourbridge, said: “I am thrilled to be given the chance to participate in this innovative scheme. This will give us the chance to develop our links with the university further. I am sure our young Unipreneurs will be a great source of inspiration and fun to work with.”

Any business interested in taking part in the scheme should contact Gary Lennon on 07788 543955 or via gary@entrepreneurscan.co.uk

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736