Speed networking is a hit with student entrepreneurs
Female students who are interested in starting their own businesses have benefitted from two specialised events this term. Enterprise in Heels was designed by Elizabeth Whatley of Create, LUSU's Enterprise Unit, to encourage female students to start their own businesses and gain skills to make it happen.
The first workshop on 17th February saw industry specialists Catherine Eve, Rachel Haslam and Maureen Fearon explaining the importance and benefits of business networking but also identifying the barriers for women to this useful business tool. The event included some practical tips to make the students more confident networkers.
The second Enterprise in Heels event on 3rd March gave students the chance to use these new networking skills at a 'speed networking' event. In attendance were nine female entrepreneurs from the region, including Northwest Female Business of the Year award 2009 winner and founder of Bikeright! Liz Clarke, and Lancaster Alumna Nikki Hesford, founder of Missfit UK.
Elizabeth said: “The events this term were tailored specifically to what our students wanted. Using feedback collected at a previous session, we noticed that female students needed help with business networking. So that's what we gave them.
“The atmosphere was fantastic and both the students and entrepreneurs enjoyed the event immensely. "
Create are planning to host more events such as these next term, for more information email e.whatley@lancaster.ac.uk or visit the Create website www.create.lusu.co.uk.