Lancaster University

This is archived news from Lancaster University. You can find up-to-date stories in our current news section.

Student Entrepreneurs at Westminster

11/25/2009 06:43:57

Elizabeth Whatley with Lancaster Students at Westminster
Elizabeth Whatley with Lancaster Students at Westminster

Five Lancaster University students who want to be their own boss attended a business networking event and enterprise debate for women in Westminster this month.

The event was hosted by the Pink Shoe Club, a network of successful and influential female entrepreneurs, in association with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Entrepreneurship.

Speakers included the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Helene Martin Gee, serial entrepreneur and founder of the Pink Shoe Club, Tessa Sanderson CBE, Olympic Gold Medallist.

The five Lancaster University students are interested in perusing business ideas including events management. As part of the Westminster event, they were included in roundtable discussions hosted by influential professionals and politicians.

They were chosen to take part after Lancaster University Student Union Enterprise Unit Create held an event called ‘Enterprise in Heels’ for women considering self-employment.

Elizabeth Whatley, Create Student Enterprise Supporter, said the trip was part of a broader scheme to support women with business ideas at the University.

”Many female students at Lancaster have a strong desire to set up their own businesses, but often lack confidence. The trip to Westminster was inspirational. Our students got to meet influential women from so many different professions and hear their stories.

“We hope that the day gave them more of an insight into the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs today and encourages them to take the next step.”

Create aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality and have had several successful applicants.