12-07-2010 | Entrepreneur blown away by business acumen of Loughborough University students
The Department of Computer Science enlisted the help of businessman Adrian Gill to inspire and challenge students taking the ‘E-Business Planning and Marketing' module. Mr Gill, who is currently the Midlands regional sales manager for Everest, had a number of internet-based business ideas that he wanted to pursue and asked the students to help develop his ideas.
The students were put into groups of six and set to work on projects as diverse as DIY, charity volunteering and commemorative tributes. The work involved interacting with Mr Gill to determine his requirements, constructing working ecommerce websites and developing marketing campaigns to ensure the success of the businesses.
After seeing the students' concepts Mr Gill was so impressed that he has offered them the opportunity to join together with him in a formal business consortium to develop the ideas further and to help launch the businesses.
Dr Russell Lock, the lecturer in the Department who leads the module said: "This has taken us all by surprise. The level of work produced by the students was very professional and innovative. Not only has it impressed the University but also Mr Gill, which is why he has offered the students a chance to take this even further."
Mr Gill said: "I have always relied on recruiting and motivating groups and individuals to expand and improve sales results. I have a real interest in the development process of individuals and training them to become successful."
The University is hoping it will be able to continue working with Mr Gill on future modules and that future students can benefit from the experience of working for a ‘real world' client. Any other entrepreneurs or existing businesses that would like to explore the potential of working with Loughborough undergraduates on this course please contact Dr Lock by emailing R.Lock@lboro.ac.uk or calling 01509 635660.
-ENDS-
For all media enquiries contact:
Judy Wing
Senior PR Officer
Loughborough University
T: 01509 228697
E: J.L.Wing@lboro.ac.uk
Notes for editors:
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 was awarded the coveted Sunday Times University of the Year 2008-09 title, and is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in national newspaper league tables. In the 2009 National Student Survey, Loughborough was voted one of the top five universities in the UK, and has topped the Times Higher Education league for the UK's Best Student Experience every year since the poll's inception in 2006. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, the University has been awarded six Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
Loughborough is also the UK's premier university for sport. It has perhaps the best integrated sports development environment in the world and is home to some of the country's leading coaches, sports scientists and support staff. It also has the country's largest concentration of world-class training facilities across a wide range of sports.
It is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience.
Source: Loughborough University, 12/7/10 http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/news-releases/2010/111_Entrepreneur.html
