Elliott Herrod-Taylor
Student Enterprise
Turning our students’ business ideas into reality.
“As twin sisters, we’ve been drawing on the same large sheet of paper ever since we could pick up a pencil,” says Abigail Baldwin. “It made sense that we would study design together and work together.”
They did. After studying Fine Art and Graphic Communication at Scarborough Sixth Form College, Abigail and sister Chloe enrolled together at Leeds where both gained a degree in Graphic & Communication Design. At the same time as studying, the twins were also funded by a donor to pursue their dreams of establishing a business, supported by the University’s business support service SPARK.
Now their Leeds-based design company Buttercrumble is creating fashionable clothing and fabrics influenced by mid-century design, folk art, Scandinavia, stories and everyday life. “Our ethos is to make people smile through the use of fun and exciting visuals and, through doing this, it makes us smile too,” says Abigail.
The girls acknowledge the role that SPARK played in establishing their business and developing their confidence: “This scholarship has helped us to build vital skills that will help us in all areas of life. We have had amazing experiences this year through the Enterprise scheme and learnt so much.” In a personal message to their donor, they add: “We cannot thank you enough for your generosity and for all the opportunities you have created for us.”
(Picture courtesy Yorkshire Post Newspapers)
Here, medical student Jenna Weets talks about the support she has received in establishing her design business Minimalist Me.
With the help of people like you, SPARK offers a range of opportunities to inspire students like Chloe and Abigail to think entrepreneurially and develop their business ideas. This support enabled us to establish the Undergraduate Enterprise Scholarship, the first of its kind in the UK. We also now offer scholarships for undergraduate students to take a year out from their studies to develop their business idea. Our scholarships provide students with a tailored package of support to give their business the very best chance of success, including:
- One-to-one business advice;
- Guidance from financial, legal, sales and sector experts;
- Proof-of-concept funding;
- A place at an intensive two-day Business Bootcamp where experts help get their ideas into shape;
- Networking opportunities and support for collaborations between separate student enterprises.
Your support could give a student the chance to develop their business idea, creating employment and prosperity for themselves and for others. Without it, their great idea might never get off the ground.
In September 2014, Harrogate-based technology group InTechnology supported the launch of a new enterprise incubator at the University, giving practical support and financial assistance to current students and recent graduates wishing to set up their own business. Three years on, the incubator has given office space and specialist support to well over 100 student businesses.
This Yorkshire Evening Post story tells how former Enterprise Scholar George Biddle’s app is bridging the gap between employers and graduating scholars.
- Read about the 2018 Business Plan Competition winners
- Read about the 2017 Business Plan Competition winners
- Read about the 2016 Enterprise bootcamp, which helped our young entrepreneurs to get their ideas into shape.
- Read about the new graduate business, supported by SPARK, which is helping supermarkets to reduce their food waste.
- Read about the latest businesses to win the prestigious Sir Peter Thompson Awards in 2016 and 2017.
The Enterprising University
CLICK ON THE LINKS AND VIDEOS BELOW TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS
Chris Wilson
Harriett Howe
Olabusayo Longe
More stories of our enterprising students
2017 Business Bootcamp
Emma Sheldon
LVNDR
Nick Howard
Limehouse Films
James Wilkinson
One Event Services
How you can help
Your gift could be the vital boost which helps a student business to get off the ground. And because the University of Leeds is a charity, UK taxpayers can make their gifts go further. Gift Aid enables the University to reclaim the basic rate of tax on the value of the donation, while donors can reclaim the difference between the basic rate and the higher rate of tax.
Your support will give a bright and motivated student the tools they need to make their business happen, forging for themselves and for others the start of a bright and prosperous future.
| If you pay tax at 40% | If you pay tax at 45% | |
| Full value of gift | £5,000 | £5,000 |
| You give | £4,000 | £4,000 |
| The University claims Gift Aid (1) | £1,000 | £1,000 |
| You claim tax relief | £1,000 (2) | £1,250 (3) |
| Net cost to you | £3,000 | £2,750 |
- Added at the basic rate of tax.
- Higher rate relief is the difference between basic rate and higher rate tax.
- Additional rate relief is the difference between basic rate and additional rate tax.
For further information on tax-effective giving, click here.
