Encouraging business (From News Shopper)

Encouraging business

10:00am Friday 16th November 2007 in News By Neil Phillips

A SERIES of events held in and around Buckinghamshire New University have brought the business world firmly into focus for young people around the county this week.

Enterprise Week has featured a range of events since Monday, to encourage people to engage with different elements of business.

Today it reaches a climax when Dragon's Den success story Levi Roots pays a visit to Buckinghamshire New University.

Susan Jones, director of Enterprise, said: "Every year Buckinghamshire New University's Enterprise Week gets bigger and bigger. Entrepreneurial spirit and skills are nurtured and promoted throughout the week and Levi will be joining us for our Caribbean Twist to sing, answer questions and tell us what business and drive mean to him."

Events began with the "Bucks New Uni Challenge," which saw sixth form students from West London get the chance to develop their entrepreneurial skills. It was followed with a presentation on "how to play safe in business," made by Silas Brown, from IP lawyers Briffa, and Brendan O'Neill, a young businessman who hopes to become a full time inventor.

Mr Brown gave an overview of copyright, trademarks and similar legal issues, while Mr O'Neill talked about his own experiences.

Then, on Tuesday, former students of the University spoke about turning ideas into a business reality, while a later event focused on the art of networking, with Andy Lopata Tony Diment, of the Wycombe Enterprise Hub - a sponsor of the event - said: "The Government initiative of this Enterprise Week works as a fantastic opportunity for getting young people to realise their potential. The programme at Bucks New Uni covers all aspects of getting started and moving forward. And then we at the Hub are able to provide resources for companies in the area to realise their potential."

Wednesday saw a Dragon's Den style event get underway, and also a Women in Business presentation at Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. This discussed matters like networking skills, life/work balance, and many more.

Last night saw The Enterprise Week Business Club Dinner take place at Lane End Conference Centre, and it also marked the presentation awards of stage one of the "My Great Business Idea" competition.

And tonight, Levi Roots is set to appear at the Bucks New Uni Enterprise Showcase, called "Caribbean Twist." The popular figure, who successfully marketed his "Reggae Reggae Sauce" product with the help of Marlow based Dragon Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh.

Other sponsors for Enterprise Week included: Dreams Plc, Enrichment Technology, IOD, HW Chartered Accountants, The Royal Bank of Scotland, and Softcat.