Three Loughborough University London graduates shortlisted for national graduate enterprise competition
Three former students from Loughborough University London have been shortlisted to win a prestigious competition for graduate entrepreneurs, organised by the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs (NACUE).
The competition is open to recent graduates with an inspiring start-up or business idea, and promises a reward of £10,000, a national title and priceless networking opportunities for the winner.
The three-stage competition includes an online public vote, a business bootcamp with an impressive team of mentors and a grand final, where some of the UK's most influential leaders across the media, government, corporate and start-up industries will be present.
Entries are now closed, and three students from Loughborough University London have made it through to the online public vote, including Sport Business and Innovation student, Diccon Loy. Rising entrepreneur Diccon has taken part in a number of business development initiatives organised by Loughborough University London, including a £3,000 e-challenge for aspiring entrepreneurs and a student business accelerator programme.
Diccon's business idea, Marathon Swims involves the organisation and delivery of a new series of long distance swimming events, hosted in iconic venues across the globe. Diccon's first UK event is due to take place in November at the London Aquatic Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Since its announcement, the event has received overwhelming attention and sold out in October.
Previous Dean's Award for Enterprise scholar, Sumai Bertrand has developed an industry-leading business idea, SPKTRA, which aims to revolutionise the nail polish industry by eradicating the use of harsh chemicals, sticky brushes and difficult-to-use applicators. Sumai also participated in the University's £3,000 e-Challenge as well as the student business accelerator programme.
Soon-to-be graduate from the Institute for Sport Business, John Grant has also been shortlisted for the competition with his restaurant venture, Two Fingers: a dynamic restaurant chain which celebrates the nation's love of fish fingers. During his studies, John participated in the University's £100for100 competition, which rewarded aspiring entrepreneurs with £100 for a strong and persuasive business pitch.
The online public vote is open until midday on Wednesday 11th October, and the business idea with the highest number of digital votes will be fast-tracked to the final of the competition.
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2018 THE Student Experience Survey.
Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2020, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 8th in The UK Complete University Guide 2020.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
Specialising exclusively in postgraduate-level study, Loughborough University London is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers cutting-edge master’s and PhD degrees, as well as business collaboration, research and enterprise opportunities.
The seven specialist institutes at Loughborough University London include: Design Innovation, Digital Technologies, Diplomacy and International Governance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Management, Media and Creative Industries, and Sport Business. Close industry partnerships with a wealth of leading businesses and creative organisations means teaching and learning is informed by real-life challenges and driven by true industry pressures.