Entrepreneur awards

12 October 2007

With more than 50 companies already established, and on average ten more being set up every year, LJMU is ranked in the top ten UK universities for business start-ups. 

The new Graduate Entrepreneur Awards recognise the efforts of LJMU entrepreneurs and the support the University receives from Liverpool's business community in helping turn ideas into commercial reality.

LJMU's Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Brown said: "The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking in Liverpool John Moores University. Ideas are the lifeblood of both business and universities and it's vital that entrepreneurs get the right advice and guidance when starting out. These awards are our way of saying thanks to our business partners and alumni for their vital support while also celebrating the work of our graduates and students, the business leaders of tomorrow."

The Young Enterprise Volunteer of the Year Award, supported by MEC Working week, recognises the efforts of business consultants who volunteer to work with LJMU students hoping to set up their own business. The award was presented to Howard Woodcock from the following finalists: 

• James Dunningham, an LJMU graduate and co-founder of Fresh Consultants Ltd, one of the North West's most dynamic business consultancies.
  
• Howard Woodcock, Managing Director of Bibby Offshore Ltd, and LJMU's longest serving volunteer business consultant.
  
• Julia Emelogu, also an LJMU graduate and Managing Director of Maximum Impact Solutions (MIS), a Liverpool-based management consultancy.

The Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Business Link Northwest, recognises the success of businesses established by LJMU graduates or which form part of the University's active company portfolio. The winner Splinter Design Communications was selected from the following finalists: 

• Creatine Store UK Ltd - one of the largest independent retailers of Creatine and other Sports Nutrition and Bodybuilding Supplements in the UK.
  
• Mando Group Ltd - a web development and design consultancy founded by LJMU graduates and currently listed in the top 10% of agencies nationwide.
  
• Splinter Design Communications - an award winning multi-disciplinary design studio based in Liverpool.

The Innovation Award, sponsored by Liverpool Ventures, recognises business excellence and innovation. The award was presented to Neil Johnson from the following finalists:

• Activity Box, a new business set up by LJMU graduate and Start Up Bursary award winner Andrew Harrold and his business partner Craig Bond, which provides educational but fun resources for children's groups, such as the Beaver Scouts.

• Neil Johnson, the creator of the Gravity Cue, the first legal innovation in cue sports for 200 years that could revolutionise cue sports globally. His innovative product, developed after working with LJMU's Engineering Development Centre and Commercialisation team, was runner up in this year's Merseyside Innovation Awards.

• LJMU Product Design graduate David Hemsley is the creator of the Guardian rock climbing safety device, the only camming device that can be placed and removed with just one hand. British Army personnel and other investors have already shown interest in his innovative product.

The Alumnus of the Year Award, sponsored by DWF Solicitors, recognises graduates of LJMU who have shown unstinting support for the University's student entrepreneurs. The award was presented to Garry Millar, from the following finalists:

• Paul Corcoran, Agent Marketing Ltd, who delivers marketing master classes to business students on the Young Enterprise Graduate Programme.
• Owen Cotterell and Phil Halpin, co-founders of Mocha Productions Ltd and Media Professional Studies graduates, who regularly deliver Young Enterprise master classes, Self-employment in the Arts events and offer vital work experience opportunities to students and graduates.
• Gary Millar, part owner of the Parr Street Studios/ Ripples on the Mersey Ltd and leading figure in Liverpool's business community, who has worked as a mentor and coach to students through his involvement in the Sirolli programme. He has also employed students through the Business Bridge project.

Colin Ling, Business Link North West received  the Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to supporting LJMU's Entrepreneurship Activities.   Emma Hunter, LJMU's Entrepreneurship Champion explained why: ''This award is in recognition of an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to support entrepreneurship activity at the University. Colin Ling has been a mentor to both staff and students and he has opened many doors for the University. He is a strong advocate of what the University is doing and a champion of young people and entrepreneurship.''