Student named one of the Future 100 Young Entrepreneurs for 2010

Shaun Gurmin, founder and Managing Director of student social enterprise CHARGE, received the prestigious accolade during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2010.

CHARGE was launched in 2010 and aims to improve students’ networking, work experience and their CVs.

Shaun, from Wolverhampton, is studying Business Management at the University of Wolverhampton Business School. He also was on the University’s Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education West Midlands (SPEED WM) programme last year, which enables students to launch a business alongside their studies.

The 21-year-old said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been named one of the Future 100 Young Entrepreneurs for 2010. CHARGE has gone from strength to strength since we launched and this is great recognition for what we are doing with the enterprise.

"CHARGE is an innovative concept which creates opportunities for students and employers by linking them directly. We also organise careers orientated events and donate all the money to various charities."

It is the second year that a University of Wolverhampton student has been named as a Future 100 Young Entrepreneur. Waqas Baggia, the founder and president of the Student Enterprise Network (SEN), was named in last year’s list.

The intention of CHARGE is to connect students and employers through work-based activities and enhance their employability. The enterprise achieves this through networking with educational organisations including universities, and with employers, and organising business visits. The visits allow students to gain a competitive edge by learning exactly what employers are looking for.

Students are able to get a glimpse into the life of the professional career they aspire to, for example a day shadowing an accountant or manager. This is intended to allow students to decide if the industry, business or career path is right for them.

CHARGE also arranges a variety of events throughout the year to enhance students’ employability. These include careers events, fundraising days and other fun activities, and students are able to volunteer at any event.

The Future 100 Awards profile young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 who are demonstrating entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture and one which demonstrates a balance between economic, environmental and social goals to achieve ultimate business success.

The Awards encourage and reward extraordinary vision, ethical business practice and social responsibility. They aim to showcase businesses that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to social problems. The Future 100 Awards is organised by Striding Out www.stridingout.co.uk, a social enterprise which is committed to supporting the development and growth of young and ethical entrepreneurs.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is looking to unleash people's enterprising ideas to address some of the society's biggest issues - Climate Change - Poverty - Gender Equality - Health.

ENDS

Picture caption: Shaun Gurmin

Further Information

Charge - www.charge-wlv.co.uk or email shaun.gurmin@live.co.uk

Future 100 – www.future100.co.uk – A full list of award winners can be found on the website.

Striding Out - www.stridingout.co.uk - For further information, please contact Ruth Soundarajah, Marketing Manager of Striding Out on 020 3303 0468 or email ruth@stridingout.co.uk

Global Entrepreneurship Week – www.unleashingideas.org – For information concerning global entrepreneurship week.

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