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http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/ Contract expands Spider sense Fellowship finds Creepy-crawlies further funding meet sticky end see page 3 see page 8 enterprisematters issue 13 | Summer 2008 Investing in excellence for Scotland’s future £1 million boost “The new allows Network funding will help to support more us to continue entrepreneurs to cultivate an environment in A pioneering scheme to develop a new which innovators generation of entrepreneurs at the University of Strathclyde has secured a and entrepreneurs cash boost of just under £1 million. Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network can thrive.” supports students and graduates of the University in business creation Chris Moule and growth, and works with a range of partners to develop entrepreneurs. Now the Network is to receive funding from the Scottish to further tailor its free service to an Government’s SEEKIT programme, ever-expanding client base. the European Regional Development Over the next three years, the Fund and the University to enhance its Network will offer Strathclyde students services over the next three years. and alumni start-up support for new Set up in April 2005, the Network business ideas, product development has already supported more than 250 support and access to a range of clients, enabling the creation of 36 University services for young SMEs new companies and helping assisted looking to grow. companies grow their sales revenue by Chris Moule, the Network’s Enterprise more than £1 million. Manager, said: “We believe it’s vital to Fiona Ireland, Project Manager, said: support young entrepreneurs, and we “Strathclyde has a strong portfolio of work hard to ensure our advice and enterprise activities, and the success of assistance is tailored to each client’s the Network is testament to the culture individual needs. “The strength of the Network lies in Anchoring the Network: Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network team Suzanne its ability to link budding entrepreneurs Tinning and Tony Hamill (rear), and Fiona Ireland and Chris Moule (front). with established business people, an arrangement which offers an unrivalled of innovation and entrepreneurship at Postgraduate courses include source of support, be it mentoring, all levels throughout the University. Europe’s first MSc course in finance or access to an even wider “Ultimately, the Network results environmental entrepreneurship, network of commercial contacts and in new business creation, the launched last month to give students expertise. introduction of new products and the skills to launch new ventures, “Investing in excellence is at the heart the development of early stage SMEs products and technologies to of the University’s ambitions, through – all of which make a significant address climate change and promote education, research and knowledge contribution to Scotland’s economy.” sustainability. exchange. Strathclyde has built an international The Hunter Centre is also home “The new funding will help us to reputation in enterprise, with world- to Scotland’s first undergraduate continue to cultivate an environment

Designed and written by class research in the field, a suite degree in business, management and in which innovators and entrepreneurs The BIG Partnership. of Masters-level programmes and enterprise – a course tailored for can thrive.” the opportunity for undergraduate people seeking leadership and senior Enterprise Matters is printed on students of every discipline to take management positions. For more information please contact: 100% recycled paper. classes at the University’s Hunter The Entrepreneurial Network will [email protected] Centre for Entrepreneurship. build on the University’s track record 2 | News Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008

Education Worldwide market for enterprise Strathclyde centre helping to export

Scots enterprise education to Africa Eastern promise: The University of Strathclyde played an important role in an Inter-Regional Seminar on Entrepreneurship Education in Thailand in February.

For a number of years, the University Entrepreneurship to African Children The Expert Working Group aims to “This offers the of Strathclyde’s Centre for Enterprise, and Communities. review lessons learned and exchange views Career Development and Work in the Most recently, the Centre for Enterprise, among experts in the subject in order to University the Faculty of Education has worked alongside Career Development and Work has been identify issues and strategies for the way the Scottish Government and other working with international agencies such as forward. exciting opportunity stakeholders to design and implement UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Following this, UNESCO invited the enterprise education for Scottish schools. Scientific and Cultural Organisation), University to participate in an Inter- to influence the The Scottish approach to enterprise UNIDO (the United Nations Industrial Regional Seminar on Entrepreneurship education is considered unique, and has Development Organisation) and the World Education, which took place in Bangkok in design and delivery of attracted attention from countries around Bank. The aim of this work is to share the February this year. enterprise education the world, including Holland, Norway, ideas behind the Scottish model and see The UNESCO seminar considered the New Zealand, Japan, China and Chile, who what lessons can be learned to inform role of entrepreneurship education in throughout Africa” are keen to learn from the University of the development of enterprise education various international initiatives such as Strathclyde about the Scottish model. programmes in the rest of the world, Education for All, the UN Millennium Angela Jackson Over the last couple of years, the Centre particularly in developing countries. Development Goals, and the UN Decade has been working with colleagues from Angela Jackson from the Centre for for Education for Sustainable Development Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania to adapt Enterprise, Career Development and 2005-2014. the Scottish model for the African context Work commented: “We were invited to In addition to sharing experiences share materials, experiences and views. and has devised a new programme participate in a UNIDO Expert Working of entrepreneurship education in their Angela continued: “The invitation to called TTEACH, Teachers Teaching Group on Entrepreneurship Education in countries (including Tanzania, Malawi, participate in these international working Vienna last November. Ghana, Liberia, China, Jordan, Tunisia groups and seminars has been invaluable “It was an invaluable opportunity to and Barbados) and holding a lively debate in raising the international profile of hear about enterprise education initiatives on the challenges and opportunities the University of Strathclyde as an in countries such as Uganda, Namibia, for promoting entrepreneurship in entrepreneurial university and experts in Mozambique, and Timor-Leste, as well as developing countries, the participants the field of entrepreneurship education in countries such as Norway, Denmark and also had the opportunity to visit schools schools. the United States with which we are more and colleges to view practical examples of “For example, as a result, we have recently familiar.” entrepreneurship education in Thailand. been invited to advise on the incorporation An increasing number of countries UNESCO now plans to form an of enterprise education into UNESCO’s recognise the importance of creating Entrepreneurship Education Working Basic Education for Africa Programme, entrepreneurial culture and attitudes Group, which will facilitate ongoing which is currently being piloted in The among young people, and UNIDO networking between the seminar’s Gambia. provides technical assistance to a number participants. “This offers the University the exciting Spreading the word: Angela Jackson of developing countries to help them The University of Strathclyde is playing opportunity to influence the design from the Centre for Enterprise Career introduce entrepreneurship into the a key role in this, including creating a and delivery of enterprise education Development and Work. secondary curriculum. dedicated web portal for the participants to throughout Africa.” Strathclyde seminar highlights knowledge exchange Interface – the knowledge connection for business, a free marketplace in the area of social science and economics. reach their full potential. service which acts as a central point of access between Case studies from a number of universities were used to “We want to encourage more of a dialogue between industry and Scottish academic research, hosted a seminar demonstrate how effective partnerships have worked with researchers and businesses. If companies can create new with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) at both businesses and social enterprise and how they can products and implement innovative new ways of working the University of Strathclyde’s Business School earlier this contribute to developing a self-sufficient community of through knowledge exchange, the UK business market will month. Scottish professionals. go from strength to strength.” Interface was set up by the Scottish Government and Talks were given by Tom Tumility, Head of Innovation The ESRC is a leading research and training agency in the Scottish Funding Council to advise and link businesses Policy Unit at the Scottish Government, and Dr Siobhán UK addressing economic and social concerns and supports to potential partners in higher education organisations, Jordan, Director of Interface. Kevin Moore, Deputy Head research of importance to the government, businesses and depending on their requirements. of Knowledge Transfer at ESRC also spoke about funding the public sector. By teaming up with suitable institutions, businesses opportunities. The research council has recently developed a number are able to tap into new ideas or products and can find The informal event included a question and answer of knowledge transfer programmes to support companies innovative solutions to problems they may face. session and participants were encouraged to share their working with research institutions to enhance their The seminar was designed to increase awareness among experiences of knowledge exchange. products and processes. Scottish universities about the effectiveness of knowledge Siobhán Jordan said: “Knowledge transfer and exchange For further information visit: exchange and the role it can play in bringing research to the is all about sharing ideas and skills to allow organisations to www.interface-online.org.uk and www.esrc.ac.uk Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008 News | 3

Pioneers

Software goes Jolly good fellows up for auction Fresh funding boosts success of Enterprise Fellowship

More successful business ideas are A technology created by engineering set to become reality following the academics at the University of Strathclyde announcement of a new £5.6 million deal has hit the market in a pioneering new between Scottish Enterprise (SE) and the way. Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). The intellectual property for the Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, revolutionary computer software, which the Enterprise Fellowship Programme, is able to predict future trends across a run by the RSE and funded by SE, seeks to variety of sectors, was recently sold at commercialise the science and technology auction in San Francisco. base of Scottish universities by investing in The technology was created by talented individuals. Professor John Soraghan and his team The new five-year contract was within the Signal Processing Group in announced at a ceremony held at the the University’s Department of Electronic Mitchell Library in Glasgow. The event and Electrical Engineering. attracted 150 people, including some of Professor Soraghan’s software uses data Scotland’s eminent business leaders and 30 to forecast movements in business and former Enterprise Fellows. the stock market and predict product life Anthony Keating, Executive Director at cycles, and can even be used for criminal the Hunter Centre said: “The Enterprise Strathclyde’s got talent: Sabrina Malpede is just one of the RSE/SE Fellows to intelligence. It is also able to alert users to Fellowships have contributed to Scotland’s contribute to the flourishing Enterprise Fellowship Programme. potential problems in global markets. economy greatly. The intellectual property went under “The new contract is testament to the programmes in the country. intensive programme of business training the hammer at the Ocean Tomo IP success of the Enterprise Fellowship Two of the UK’s prestigious Research at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship Auction in San Francisco in April. Programme, turning the insights and Councils have taken Scotland’s lead and at the University of Strathclyde, equipping The event, which was held at the Ritz innovation of Scottish science and have chosen RSE as the partner for their them with the tools to turn their Carlton Hotel, brings together some of technology into high-technology businesses own Enterprise Fellowships schemes, technologies into spin-out companies. the world’s foremost investors and was a which will fuel the economic progress of with Fellows travelling to Scotland from The training is specifically geared to high-profile platform for Strathclyde to Scotland and substantiate its competitive universities such as Cambridge, Warwick the needs of scientists and technologists showcase the technology. position in the world. and Manchester to take part in the training and takes them from the basics of market Professor Soraghan said: “This software “This scheme has enabled the country’s programme. assessment and how to structure a is unique in that it can be used in any most talented scientists and technologists to The initiative pays a year’s salary for the company to detailed business planning industry, from medicine to meteorology. use their knowledge to create products that Fellow and provides a development fund as and raising entrepreneurial finance. It can also operate on a standard PC, can compete on a global scale.” well as a network of mentors and experts An independent review from auditors which is a major bonus.” The Enterprise Fellowship Programme to advise on how to launch a successful Ernst and Young found over £70 million Matthew Carpenter, Intellectual has built an impressive reputation as business. of investment had been made into the Property Rights Manager at the one of the most successful development In addition, Fellows undertake an companies formed as a result of the University, added: “One of the SE-funded Fellowships, with businesses University’s strengths is taking ranging from cleaning systems for the oil technologies created by our academic and gas industry to yacht sail design. staff out of the labs and into the The launch event at the Mitchell Library marketplace. Braveheart backs Cascade featured a talk from keynote speaker Sir “By auctioning the patent for this Scottish investment management company Braveheart is among the investors to Tom Hunter. software we were able to reach an pour a further £1 million into Cascade Technologies. Sir Tom is keen to encourage Scotland’s international audience of potential Cascade was incorporated in 2003 to commercialise research from the University entrepreneurs to make a real impact on developers, which was exactly the result of Strathclyde and is expecting to post a sales target of £4 million for the next the economic development of the country we wanted.” financial year. and help Scotland compete on a global Strathclyde is well known for its The new round of financing is designed to support Cascade’s sales and marketing scale. commitment to commercialising new efforts while it builds its order book. He praised the Enterprise Fellows and technology. congratulated them on their work. It was the first university in the UK Dr. David McBeth, Director of Research to create a fund to invest in spin-out and Innovation at the University of companies and intellectual property School bands battle it out Strathclyde added: “Strathclyde is when it launched the Strathclyde YRock Ltd, set up by enterprising graduate and Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network committed to encouraging the creation of Innovation Fund. client Grant McWhirter, has recently hosted a nationwide competition to find the best spin-out companies and we have always The University teamed up with venture original school rock band in Scotland. seen Enterprise Fellowships as a valuable capital company Braveheart Investment The event took place at Strathclyde Students’ Union and saw 11 young bands battle it way of starting talented individuals on the Group to launch the scheme last year. out on stage to win three top prizes, kindly donated by event sponsors Marshalls and road to entrepreneurial careers. McCormacks. “The programme’s results speak for Grant, who started YRock in 2005, said: “Standards were exceptionally high at the themselves. Professor John national final, with all 11 bands giving 100%. “Pound for pound, it must be the most Soraghan, head “It’s essential that we continue to hold similar events to encourage and showcase productive scheme of its type in terms of of the Signal Scotland’s young talent.” the economic impact of the companies Processing Group, International Business and Modern Languages graduate and budding entrepreneur formed by the Fellows.” Department Nadia De Marco was also on hand to interview band members fresh off the stage. of Electronic and Electrical Nadia’s coverage can be seen at www.whatsurmusic.com To find out more visit: More information on the Battle of the Bands and upcoming events can be found on www.rse.org.uk/ Engineering YRock’s website www.yrock.co.uk. research_fellowships/scot_ent.htm 4 | Feature Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008

University expertise helps environment Building a new future in Lanarkshire University of Strathclyde plays a key role as new investment promises regeneration for two former industrial sites

New course cultivates green entrepreneurs Scientists help the environment to help itself

The emergence of green matters as issues of climate change, promote sustainability and Probiotic yoghurt drinks have soared in popularity in recent years genuine consumer concern in recent years improve environmental quality. on the back of claims they boost the growth of healthy bacteria to has led to the creation of a new breed of “The course aims to create a whole new help ward off infection. environmentally-aware business leaders. generation of environmental entrepreneurs Now, a team of scientists from the University of Strathclyde The University of Strathclyde is playing a with the skills that will allow them to launch is working to produce similar results in soil in a bid to improve leading role in the development of this new new ventures, products, and technologies that farmland quality for future generations. generation of ethical business bosses by address society’s environmental and natural The team – led by the Head of Civil Engineering at Strathclyde, launching its new MSc in Environmental resource problems. Professor Robert Kalin – is working with partners from around Entrepreneurship. “This MSc is not only for those graduates the UK and Europe to develop the NITRABAR project. A collaboration between the Department who see their future in small and medium- NITRABAR works by using natural materials to promote of Civil Engineering and the Hunter sized enterprises, but also traditional bacteria in soil and remove nitrate from ground water. This excess Centre for Entrepreneurship, with input graduate employment in large companies nitrate is turned into harmless nitrogen gas before it reaches rivers. from the Department of Economics and who need employees who not only can think Nitrate levels in many ground water bodies and rivers across Strathclyde Law School, the new degree entrepreneurially but can also make a positive Europe have increased over the past 50 years. This affects the course is the first of its kind in Europe. contribution to environmental issues. ecological quality of freshwater and coastal habitats, which can The MSc aims to provide students “It’s not just about green business or with a sound theoretical and practical renewable energies, it’s about how companies understanding of environmental can reduce their carbon footprints, entrepreneurship in preparation for a introducing cycling to work schemes and Dr Elsa João: “We’re not just teaching career in an innovative organisation, or to reducing waste. these principles – we want them to be self-employment. “We also encourage students to look at put into practice and make a difference.” Through the MSc, students will how companies can link with each other, so learn how to identify, assess and shape they can spot opportunities for turning one Should it prove a success, there are plans environmental ideas into real business company’s waste into another company’s to invite ethically-minded companies to opportunities. resource. participate in a scholarship programme It is available as a full-time, one-year “We want this course to appeal to people to allow students lacking the necessary course or over two to three years part-time. from all different backgrounds and all finances to enrol in the course. Course leader Dr Elsa João said: “There different sectors, and we’re not just teaching For more information on the course, visit is growing worldwide demand for these principles – we want them to be put into the website: www.strath.ac.uk/civeng/pg/ technologies and products that address practice and make a difference.” enventrepreneurship

Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008 Feature | 5 Building a new future in Lanarkshire Dr David Grierson, values from the outset and project “Our core principal was University of Strathclyde plays a key role Director of the partners North Lanarkshire Council David Livingstone and Scottish Enterprise have that sustainability as new investment promises regeneration Centre for relied heavily on the expertise of Sustainability Strathclyde’s Dr David Grierson and values are embedded for two former industrial sites his colleagues at the University’s David Livingstone Centre for within the Gartcosh Sustainability. project values from The team is helping shape the development of Gartcosh and is the very beginning” assessing tender submissions from New hi-tech, innovative businesses developers and advising project Dr David Grierson are springing up where Scotland’s managers on how these tenders heavy industries once reigned measure up on the environmental supreme. front. Redevelopment of the former Dr Grierson said: “This is a fairly remediate the land, and upgrade Ravenscraig steel works in unique concept in Scotland – tackling transport links and initial infrastructure. Lanarkshire is continuing apace with a private sector project from a quality Developers are currently being asked a new town centre, complete with and sustainability perspective. to submit expressions of interest in the commercial facilities, soon to be “Our core principle was that development. constructed. sustainability values are embedded The site lies next to an 80-acre nature The site of the former Gartcosh within the Gartcosh project values reserve just 10 minutes from Glasgow Steel Mill, also in Lanarkshire, is also from the very beginning. city centre. being transformed, and architects “We will be looking at everything Gartcosh also has its own railway and engineers from the University of from transport, land use, impact on station, providing a half-hourly service Strathclyde are driving forward the the local area, employment issues and to Glasgow and surrounding Lanarkshire plans. even the materials bidders propose to towns and reducing business reliance on Gartcosh Business Interchange use when building the infrastructure the car. is set to become a new 50-hectare and assessing these issues against our Cycle parking is provided at the business location which has already sustainable agenda. station and a cycle/pedestrian link to been selected as the location for “It’s vital that modern business the Strathkelvin walkway/cycleway the major new office campus for locations aren’t just functional is planned. Scotland’s new FBI-style crime unit. concrete boxes to house as many It is anticipated that Gartcosh will workers as cheaply as possible. create up to 170,000 sq ft of business We hope Gartcosh will become a To find out more visit: space which could support up to model for how modern business www.scottish-enterprise.com/ 4000 jobs. developments will look in the future.” publications/gartcosh_business Uniquely, the development will More than £20 million has been _interchange__brochure.pdf be underpinned by environmental invested in Gartcosh to date to Scientists help the environment to help itself

Probiotic yoghurt drinks have soared in popularity in recent years have a devastating impact on the rural economy of affected areas. on the back of claims they boost the growth of healthy bacteria to Professor Kalin said: “This project is about creating the right help ward off infection. conditions to allow natural processes to flourish. In other words, we’re Now, a team of scientists from the University of Strathclyde helping the environment to help itself. is working to produce similar results in soil in a bid to improve “Over the last few decades, farmers have been improving practices so farmland quality for future generations. the nutrients they use are taken up by crops and not released into the The team – led by the Head of Civil Engineering at Strathclyde, environment. Professor Robert Kalin – is working with partners from around “But some nitrate is lost, even with good farm practice. We also need the UK and Europe to develop the NITRABAR project. to deal with the nitrate that is already stored in ground water and will NITRABAR works by using natural materials to promote eventually reach our rivers. bacteria in soil and remove nitrate from ground water. This excess “The NITRABAR system is a simple and cost-effective solution to nitrate is turned into harmless nitrogen gas before it reaches rivers. excess nitrate from past and future farming practices.” Nitrate levels in many ground water bodies and rivers across NITRABAR involves digging a narrow trench between a field and Europe have increased over the past 50 years. This affects the a surface body water, which is then filled with a mixture of natural ecological quality of freshwater and coastal habitats, which can materials. Ground water, runoff and field drainage waters pass through the system and micro-organisms attach themselves to the materials, converting the nitrates into nitrogen gas. The clean water then flows on into the surface body water. It is hoped the NITRABAR system could be available to farmers within the next five years. A pilot project has been demonstrating the system in operation at the ECOS Millennium Environmental Centre in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, since 2006. A roadshow to outline the benefits of the system is currently travelling throughout Europe. VIP treatment: Northern Ireland’s First Minister Dr Ian Paisley learned about Alongside Strathclyde, the partners in the NITRABAR project are: NITRABAR during a recent update event in Ballymena. Dr Paisley is pictured (left), Ecomesh Ltd, Northern Ireland; the Environmental Agency of England alongside Major of Ballymena Councillor Maurice Mills, meeting Professor Robert and Wales; Zenenzo Byba, Belgium; PRGW, Poland; APCO Ltd, Malta; Kalin and Mrs Fiona Marie Kalin, and (above) with some of the many others who CL:AIRE, England and Environmental KTN, University of Oxford. attended the event. 6 | News Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008

Celebrating entrepreneurship Ideas fire dragons’ interest

Experienced eyes review promising business plans at special event

The University of Strathclyde marked Celebration of Entrepreneurship (CoE) day in April with a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style event in the University’s McCance Building. Interns from the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SiE) Christina Beveridge, Leo McLeman and Volker Prediger were tasked with organising a themed event to mark the occasion. The three ‘dragons’ on the panel were Iain Graham, founder of leading technology company Graham Technology; University of Strathclyde graduate and current Chairman and Chief Executive of Clyde Blowers, Jim McColl and John McGlynn, founder and chairman of Airlink Group. The three business leaders faced five budding entrepreneurs keen to hear what the dragons had to say about their innovative business ideas. Students Idong Usuro, Rangi Jericevich, Johnny Neill, Brian Connolly, and Sandra Patterson were the quintet facing the panel. Idong, Johnny and Brian pitched with potential business ideas in the hope of catching the dragons’ interest and possibly some start-up capital. Rangi and Sandra already have established companies and were eager to secure funding to further develop their ventures. The trio were impressed with the students’ ideas, which included Idong’s proposed company Infollect – designed to provide events managers with the tools to plan, promote, manage and evaluate events. Open University student Sandra also caught the judges’ eyes with her successful business, Den of ingenuity: Jim McColl (left) Iain Graham (centre) and John McGlynn played the role of ‘dragons’ as would-be Boxby. The Boxby website allows customers to businessmen and women pitched their ideas at the Celebration of Entrepreneurship day. obtain delivery quotes from up to 700 courier companies via one online form. Strathclyde’s Enterprise Awards Dinner last However, the winning idea was pitched year. by Rangi, a first-class honours graduate in Audience participation was encouraged Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from during the event and a beermat challenge A major hit for All Saints Strathclyde. He launched nofiasco.com in was set, which saw contestants write their Young entrepreneurs at All Saints Secondary School in Barmulloch have beaten tough October last year, which allows users to business ideas on a beermat and submit it for competition from across Glasgow to scoop a top business award. personalise their homepage with windows to evaluation. The All Saints pupils were named overall winners of the Young Enterprise Scotland their favourite websites and customise it with Wendy Sneddon impressed the trio with Company Programme Awards, held at the University of Strathclyde, after establishing a variety of trendy designs. her Bodydry proposal, which is a large drying and running a firm selling customised T-shirts and gifts. Nofiasco also has the ability to display room for people just out of the shower, The team of nine will now go forward to take part in the Scottish final in June. previews from users’ most frequented sites, eliminating the need for a towel. Lesley Boyd, Chair of the Glasgow Area Board of Young Enterprise Scotland, said: show emails and provide news alerts and SiE intern Christina said: “We were keen to “Young people taking part in the programme gain a range of skills in the areas of updates. Rangi was also presented with come up with something a bit different and the finance, marketing and business administration, as well as team work, communication the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award at Dragon’s Den idea seemed to fit the bill. It was and interpersonal skills. a real coup getting Iain, Jim and John along “The experience gives the pupils a great advantage when deciding which career route and it boosted the pitchers’ confidence. to take.” “Our year as SiE interns is almost up and this was a good event to finish on.” Tony Hamill, Enterprise Advisor, added: “The interns were set the task of coming up Awards honour for Elimpus with something innovative for CoE day and they did a marvellous job. Elimpus Ltd, a spin-out company from the University of Strathclyde, was a finalist “The dragons thoroughly enjoyed hearing the in the Most Entrepreneurial Young Company category of the 2008 Lanarkshire next generation of businessmen and women’s Business Awards. Into the dragons’ den: Johnny Neill, ideas. It was also a fantastic opportunity for the The awards give local companies the opportunity to promote their industry Rangi Jericevich, Sandra Patterson, Idong next generation of entrepreneurs to present achievements to the wider Lanarkshire business community and celebrate their Usuro and Brian Connolly pitched their their ideas to seasoned professionals. success with an elite group of local business people. business ideas to the experts. “Next year’s interns have a lot to live up to.” Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008 News | 7

Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network Grateful graduates praise Strathclyde

Fraser shares Charles and Mark both completed their Entrepreneurial Network also worked with MBAs at the University and reckon the Eriskay Associates to develop marketing his recipe Consultants off academic content of the MBA was well and promotional materials which could be balanced with practical application. The pair used around the launch of the business. for success to a flying start were encouraged by the support services He also provided an experienced available at Strathclyde for business start- sounding board for the company’s Jam provided ample food for thought at after practical ups. innovative ideas and solutions. Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network’s most Charles said: “The strategic element of the Charles continued: “When we launched recent networking event. MBA courses MBA is highly practical, drawing on work the business, it was the input from all of Guest speaker was Fraser Doherty, the with live organisations rather than case these Strathclyde departments and projects 19-year-old founder of SuperJam, who shot studies or theoretical materials. that gave us the support and encouragement to fame last year when Waitrose announced Business consultancy Eriskay Associates is “Our work with the Hunter Centre for we needed, as well as a number of our initial it would stock his jams in 130 of its 184 UK the latest company to forge a competitive Entrepreneurship gave us a highly practical business leads.” stores. cutting edge, thanks to the University of grounding in the real issues faced by The business is now successfully bringing Fraser has developed mouth-watering Strathclyde. entrepreneurs at the stages of business start- in a range of clients from a variety of sectors spreads created from super-fruits such Founded at the end of 2007 by Charles up and growth.” and the new focus is now on marketing. as cranberries and blueberries. Waitrose Vincent and Mark Taylor, Eriskay Associates The team’s MBA project, Making Strategy Charles added: “We are now increasing launched the product across its stores earlier is a consultancy which helps its clients for Entrepreneurs, provided a solid base our marketing activities and bringing on this year and Tesco has since followed suit, develop a sustainable competitive advantage for them to launch Eriskay Associates. The new clients, and we expect to expand our stocking the jam in 230 of its stores. within the marketplace through the creation project provided the team with a level of team of consultants by the end of this year.” The audience viewed a video collage of of a robust, unique business model, using investigation and market research as well as For more information, visit: Fraser’s journey from making jam in his new and innovative processes developed at product and service development. www.eriskay-associates.co.uk or email mum and dad’s kitchen to making it to the Strathclyde. Chris Moule at Strathclyde [email protected] shelves of Waitrose and Tesco. Fraser was at the event to present his story and describe the routes to success followed by his company. The BA Accounting and Finance student spoke of his aspirations and his time selling the product at farmers’ markets, meeting with Waitrose to strike his first major deal and eventually selling his jam in the supermarket. Last year, Fraser scooped the Brightest Young Business Award at the University’s first ever Enterprise Awards Dinner. His win saw him jet off on an all-expenses- paid executive management course at the prestigious MIT Sloan Management School in Massachusetts, USA. Fraser’s presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session and the opportunity to network with other like- minded entrepreneurs.

To find out more visit: www.eatsuper.co.uk Good grounding: Strathclyde provided a strong springboard for Charles Vincent (left) and Mark Taylor of Eriskay Associates.

Adventurous firm given latitude to win The Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network (SEN) He paired the company with a Non-executive team is celebrating another new business success Director, provided a Hot Desk facility from following Latitude 56 Degrees’ recent win at a which to run the business and helped them prestigious national business competition. patent the first of their product designs, as well as Kevin Fox and Lawrence Broadley, the team collaborating with DMEM to create the prototype behind Latitude 56 Degrees (LAT56°), won product. £10,000 in business support and £5000 cash at Kevin said: “The SEN team has supported us the recent Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) from the beginning with invaluable help and National Business Plan Competition. advice. The duo has been supported by SEN since the “We have been provided with everything from lead-up to LAT56°’s launch in August 2007. office space to marketing and patenting expertise.” LAT56° was set up to design pioneering SEN will continue to support LAT56° through products for the adventure sport and travel to the manufacturing and sales stages of the market and it is soon to launch its first product business, where it is set to launch in both Europe onto the market. and the United States. The Rat-Pak™ is an ultra-portable suit carrier for Tony said: “We recognised Kevin and Lawrence global travellers and cycling commuters. had an excellent product right from the start LAT56° receive their £5000 prize at the SIE awards, with Tony Hamill, Enterprise Advisor at SEN, has and were very focused on driving the business James Barlow of SIE and Steve Peyton from sponsors helped provide a range of support services for forward. It has been a pleasure to work with them Enterprise Rent-a-Car. LAT56°. and to share their delight in their recent success.” 8 | News Enterprise Matters | issue 13 | Summer 2008

Opportunities Back budding enterprises

Having tried all the sprays, gizmos and spider-catching mechanisms, Robin Watson took matters into his own hands and invented the SpidaTrap, a clever system of long traps that can be laid to create a barrier surrounding the householder. Each trap has a sticky gel-like substance that sticks to the legs of the spider and sloping non-grip sides that ensure that the spider cannot get a grip on the carpet to drag itself free. Aimed at serious arachnophobes, the trap will stop spiders in their tracks eliminating their unpredictability, speed and movement. The SpidaTrap is the first product on the market aimed specifically at those suffering from arachnophobia. The phobia – whose name comes from the Sticky snare: SpidaTrap stops spiders in their tracks. Greek arachne meaning ‘spider’ and phobia meaning ‘fear’ – affects more than 100 had the idea to supervise, arrange and local merchants. million people worldwide. co-ordinate reputable tradesmen for small All listings are pre-installed on multiple The trap, which has been positively residential projects. platforms with proven multiple revenue tested on some of the world’s most The idea grew and Rob set up ‘Hire a streams, with selling propositions poisonous spiders, can be used in Tradesman’ to complement his existing through their unique USB drive and any environment and not just by business and establish an on-line gateway for mobile platform. arachnophobes. clients to find tried and tested tradespeople. Pagesclick was founded by an Robin is now looking to market his Having created the brand, Rob is now MBA alumnus from the Strathclyde invention both locally and internationally, looking to grow the business on two fronts: Graduate Business School and the company particularly over the web, and is interested Although now based in Australia, to extend the ‘Hire a…’ brand and move into is seeking to engage an experienced and in talking to recent Strathclyde marketing Strathclyde alumnus Rob Harris is looking new services: and to establish the ‘Hire a innovative technology entrepreneur or graduates with a view to developing his for an entrepreneur in the UK to assist in Tradesman’ brand in the UK. angel investor to assist in the development marketing communication plan and the initial research and establishment of the of the next generation Web2.0 Global Small e-marketing strategy. UK arm of his successful Australian based Business Multimedia Directory, Classifieds Visit www.spidatrap.com for more business www.hireatradesman.com.au and Search Engine. information about the product. The website puts clients in touch with The right individual will be tasked with professional, reliable and reasonably priced An innovative Web2.0 company based in setting up the UK subsidiary company, tradespeople. Singapore is in the market for a partner to developing the business model in the UK If you are interested in any of these Rob graduated from Strathclyde’s help it set up its UK base. and EMEA region, accessing funding and opportunities, contact Christopher Department of Architecture in 2001 and Pagesclick is the driving force behind marketing the business. Moule, Strathclyde Entrepreneurial emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in 2002. a new technology venture, Bulletpages™, It is anticipated that the entrepreneur Network on 0141 548 3494, or email Having set up his own residential design a multimedia search tool that works as would have an equity share in [email protected] business ‘Elements of Home’ in 2005 he an online or offline search engine, listing this subsidiary company.

Last word What do businesses need from University-based CPD?

Dr Stephen Gibb, have closer and stronger links with our key knowledge that other training providers current skills and teaching base. Director, Centre communities and their needs. cannot? We have an immense teaching for Executive One of those needs, providing also the In convincing business to enrol for more capability which can be applied beyond Education, surest way to have close and strong links, is university-based CPD there are three key undergraduate and credit-bearing Strathclyde around CPD. challenges. postgraduate programmes, to training and Business School The market for training, including CPD Challenge one is about the value of CPD for business and management. in the form of short courses which are not research and converting research into Developing the skills to do that and credit-bearing, is estimated to be worth learning. This is what university business incentivising and rewarding activity other billions. schools do that other training organisations than grant-based teaching and research are Currently, university business schools are do not – to capture and celebrate what it big issues. big organisations with a small share of that. is that successful enterprises do, through Challenge three is about design and Of all the forces coming to bear on us in They have the capability to do more. research. accessibility. CPD needs to inspire and university-based business schools, the A shift in shape and culture is required We are best placed to filter and disseminate accompany growth and development vision of providing more university-based to offer more short-course provisions in these research-based accounts of enterprise through experience. It is not an alternative Continuing Professional Development leadership and management development and leadership through CPD activities. path to success. When CPD is available and (CPD) as a way to improve training for programmes and initiatives in business skills, There is no panacea through a university- how it is delivered are critical. enterprise development has potentially personal and interpersonal development. based CPD path to growth and success, For university-based CPD to grow it the greatest power to help re-shape But what more exactly is it that people in but the growing and developing enterprise must meet these three challenges and, in business schools in the future. businesses could gain from more university- depends on continuous development and doing that, it will have to shift shape – a This is for the simplest of reasons; to based CPD ? learning among its leaders and workforce, new sense of identity, a new set of teaching enable us to carry on doing what we do, What can we add to business skills, and is shaped by both of these. skills and a different kind of partnership that is, teaching and research, we need to personal and interpersonal development Challenge two is connecting with our with users and clients.

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