Enterprise Showcase - public nominations 2017

Georgie Phimister

Student/Graduate Entrepreneurial Spirit

I continue to strive for my best within my work, undertaking extra activities such as my illustration project: https://www.facebook.com/usabjorn/ and learning a new language to improve on my self and work. I work well as both a team and by myself, thinking of ways to practically sell ideas within the industry.

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Georgie Phimister


What a swell girl. She's constantly producing new designs for her usabjorn charger and promoting it. Lots of dedication and hard work.

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Stella Adagiri


She's been phenomenal. I see the work she does and it is absolutely amazing and wide spread. She also organises the best events where we international students get to feel more at home.

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Valentin Razvan Mangu


I have managed to deliver a fully functional organisation with over 16 staff members , with great feed back from the customers and great achievements with the continues improvement of the company.

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Joshua Elkington


Despite always seeking and taking part in projects, I have used my time in University to concentrate and work hard, which has left me to complete achievements that will go unnoticed to my fellow students, who will only know my face from lecturers unless they have worked with me in Gamejams or extra curricula projects.

To showcase the tenacity I employ within projects and entrepreneurial endeavours, I would like to nominate myself for this award, in the hopes that the recognition will open more doors to me.

To quote Associate Dean, Senior Lecturer in Enterprise Education, Course Leader and Faculty Employability and Enterprise Coordinator Simon Brookes, 'please don't think for a minute you are being a nuisance - I admire your entrepreneurial spirit. I'm sure it'll get you far! :-)'

Between March of 2015 to June 2016, I was involved in assisting the creation of a company from the start of pre-production - filming all of the footage used in demonstration videos for primary PE in a range of challenging environments, working both outdoors and indoors in a range of challenging weather conditions and with children of all ages. I assisted in testing the biomechanical theories of the leader of the project and owner of the company. When working with The PE Suite, I coordinated another videographer and created video presentations for board meetings using Adobe Premiere with footage I had filmed, music I had composed and voice over work I had recorded and helped script. My videography, images and editing work through the Adobe suite were called 'instrumental' in forming a partnership with Sir Clive Woodward and his digital platform Captured by the company's director. My skills were then used by Sir Clive Woodward and his digital platform Captured, and were praised by all parties with what was achieved.

By the end of 2015 my work of over 300 completed video demonstrations started to be used within 9 schools in Hampshire and shown to over 100 teaching staff and 2500 children as part of their taught curriculum and teacher training. My experience was showcased by the University of Portsmouth, and I worked with the marketing and business development teams of The PE Suite to create promotional videos and images for marketing campaigns.

More about this project, including video exampleshttp://joshuaelkington.wixsite.com/portfolio/the-pe-suite

UoP Presshttp://uopnews.port.ac.uk/2016/03/09/sports-skills-videos-transform-pe-teaching/

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I believe that the founder of this company has put in a lot of time, effort and resources to start up this business and I have seen how dedicated he is to constantly improve and offer excellent services to his customers.

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Started by a single student of the University of Portsmouth, Ace Dot Services has become one of the best cleaning company in the area. Offering cost efficient services and a friendly approach, Mr. Mangu has managed to build great rapport with his customers taking pride in the fact that he is a student of the Business School of the University of Portsmouth.

Myself I admire the fact that Mr. Mangu has started his business from almost nothing while still studying at the University. Mr. Mangu has efficiently applied the knowledge learned from his university course and transformed into something practical: a cleaning company. He is one of the most passionate owners of a business that I have met, inspiring me to find myself better ways to apply what I have learned from my own courses at the University. He is an example that there is still possible to build something successful from as little as nothing.

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Stella Adagiri


Stella has displayed an entrepreneurial spirit which is evident in her business Portsbridge Educational services. She has demonstrated resilience by staying focused and consistent in spite of the challenging times and being innovative as she explores new grounds based on her passion and interest . She has been a good motivation and role model to other international students and the international community in Portsmouth. I have participated in several programs she has organised and have observed her passion and interest in making an impact both locally and in Nigeria. Her company has received press coverage in Portsmouth and in Nigeria. I hereby nominate her as a graduate with entrepreneurial spirit.

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David Ralph


Last summer, David accepted a work experience position with our company, KnowNow Information, based at the University's Innovation Space. He was due to work on a specific customer web application and the limit of our expectation was to scrape some data from existing websites.

David was able to accomplish this and so much more. He used some bleeding edge technology from IBM to interpret the data in new and innovative ways that delighted our customer and provided us with the ability to offer new 'cognitive' services which have rapidly seen take-up from our customers.

One example is that we have now proposed a system for a major television broadcaster that will provide customised viewing recommendations based on a machine analysis of the content of the programmes.

David has truly pushed the boundaries of what is possible using cognitive computing to the benefit of ourselves, our customers and the wider industry. We really hope we can continue to work with someone who has proven to be a natural innovator.

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Valentin Razvan Manugu


I would like to nominate Valentin for having the courage to start his own business while studying at University. He demonstrated a true passion for building something great from nothing and he is constantly willing to push himself to the limits to grow Ace Dot Services. I deeply admire his ambition and courage and I truly think his entrepreneurial spirit has determined him to go over and above while at University.

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Peter Ashdown


Always thinking about business ideas and how to apply them in a creative way in our time of study.

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Denis Brzozowski

Student/Graduate Entrepreneurial Spirit “ ”

Always ready for anything with a great attitude.

Aslak Butler


After completing a successful placement year trading during 2015/2016, business-start-up of the year runner up 'Deckki Trading Card Games' Director Aslak Butler has been in full-swing of preparations for his next venture, in another niche market with special expertise entry barriers - Old School BMX! Launching in Autumn 2017, his new business aims to offer customers premium Old School BMX components (dating from 1976 to 1984) to customers worldwide on Ebay.com and Facebook.com. Quietly-confident, serial entrepreneur, niche market tactician and proficient at bottom-line results, Aslak Butler is an entrepreneur to watch!

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They are passionate about their business plans and make sure that their ideas will make a positive impact to the people around them; with this attitude extending beyond university.

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Aslak Butler

Aslak Butler


Aslak is a dedicated student who achieves anything he sets out to do. He is a pleasure to work with and is an inspirational individual.

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Dominique Kiss


One of six finalists for National AutoCar Next Generation Award competition and won the Ben Ainsley Racing sustainability competition.

Also, he is always exploring new ideas with recent technology with the innovation of a design engineer, pursing unique projects that utilise new technology that has yet to be fully explored. This sort of creativity ought to be acknowledged and celebrated.

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Aslak Butler


He really does just have the best entrepreneurial spirit. Started up his own business last year and then uses that experience to help anyone trying to do the same or looking for a placement.

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Tom Graham


Tom is a first year student who not only has plans to start his own Property Development Company upon graduation but is pushing ahead with his current Startup in order to ensure he develops as many of the skills he will need in the future. He is very engaged and goes out of his way to spot the entrepreneurial talent of other students, offering encouragement and support.

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Ming Wu


Ming is an opportunity seeker. He uses his talents as a good networker to get involved with new initiatives. He is willing to give anything a go and is always exploring new & innovative ways of working. He has become a go to person for other Startups who want to tap in to his ways of thinking and working.

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Denis Brzozowski


Denis constantly interacts with the local entrepreneur community and produces high quality content for them. If you ever have a random business idea you can sit down and have a chat with him about it for ages to really flesh the idea out. He's also done a considerable amount of work for the NEST community.

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Ming Wu


Ming has amazing entrepreneurial spirit and will carefully listen and consider any business idea you talk to him about (even if it's a crazy/stupid one). It's really easy to build a hype around your business idea when you're talking to Ming about it because he will encourage you and bring the route to your goals to light. If he's interested enough, he'll even join you for the journey, as I've seen happen many times during my time in the innovation space. Everyone needs a Ming!!

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Aslak Butler


Passionate about business as well as setting up his own business, I can't think of anyone else who would deserve this award.

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Edward Mcbride


Very enthusiast attitude towards innovation and a positive input towards all activities he is involved in/running.

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Aslak Butler


Throughout his university life Aslak has shown a real passion for business and innovation. Planning and creating a successful business in his placement year proves his real drive and commitment for his ideas and degree.

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Aslak Butler


Az has countless amount of times shown his entrepreneurial spirit, the way in which he passionately talks about starting businesses and seeing them develop makes a student a year below really aspire to have this level of enthusiasm. Az also started his own business during placement year being one of the most successful in fact, not only this he is always talking about what idea to realise after university. I strongly feel that Az deserves this award as I feel entrepreneurial spirit is lacking on a public front and Az is trying to bring his to public attention.

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Aslak Butler


Aslak is very innovative and is always looking for new business ideas and finding new ideas to take to market.

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Aslak Butler


For his creative idea and willingness to take risks, in order to peruse it.“

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Aslak Butler


When As talks about business his passion for every aspect of his studies comes across in a way that I find myself wondering if I am doing the wrong degree.

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Aslak Butler


Very intelligent person with strong analytical, sharp and critical thinking within a business context.

I've been extremely impressed with Aslak Entrepreneurial exploits. It brought me to admire his achievement and how he went about.

Aslak has huge potential as an entrepreneur and he has my nomination.

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Aslak Butler


I had the opportunity to work with Aslak in one of my units, part of our grade was conducting a group presentation, it wasn't a requirement to assign a team leader, nor was is it suggested. After our first group meeting, myself and the rest of our team felt more comfortable after asking if Aslak would take on the role. He is a highly competent and organised individual whom gives his full attention to a task.

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Aslak Butler


Aslak used his skills to run a successful business during his placement year last year. His idea of card trading was unique and allowed him to gain great skills for the future as an Entrepreneur. He is very organised, on the ball, and has some creative ideas that could be adapted to form a successful businesses in the future.

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Sam Asiri


Sam Asiri was a highly motivated student who came onto the Interior Design MA from a back ground in engineering/product design. His first degree was from UoP. Sam used the course to change the way he currently works and to think through the current maker space movement. His project is now becoming real as he is setting up a maker space in the Guildhall, in Portsmouth. The space will open in April 2017.

The maker space is a community led project that aspires to support the development of a making network across the City and to support young people to engage with new technologies as 3D printers. Sam inspired his fellow students in 2015/16 to push the boundaries of their practice and will be coming back into the studio this week to inspire current students to use the 3D printers.

Sam Asiri is also working with Marta Mantoan and Efstathia Palyvou - 3 students from MA in Interior Design, to implement a successful competition win to design a listening space at the University of Winchester. The project supports the development of an MA in Peace and Reconciliation at Winchester University. The students are working as a team with the University to bring the project to fruition this summer. It will have lasting impact as the thinking behind the project will be incorporated into a new building which is in formation.

Key to Sam is his collaborative practice and keen sense of community and support of others to grow and engage in new technologies and ways of working.

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Edward Adams


Started up the Enterprise Society from scratch in 2014 and has grown into over 170 members. Enterprise Tuesdays are structured to allow for maximum student engagement. Since the events stated they have touched on many interesting topics. The society has also organised excursions to University of Cambridge, London and currently looking at organising a trip to San Francisco.Ed has showed determination, intuition and creativity in the development of the society from scratch. Building a committee, a brand and a following. He has persuaded PBS to sponsor the society. Organised over 20 individual entrepreneurs from across the country to come in and speak at the events. He has stay focused on developing student engagement for the society. Most importantly he has created a student run society where enterprising students can connect, network and share ideas at the university.

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Kathleen Winter


Started business at 16 year old and has managed it into a successful business alongside degree. Has done various project including portrait and community involvement at events/uni events etc.

Was inspired to nominate after a careers appointment with Katie.

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Nipan J Maniar

Staff Entrepreneurial Spirit

Nipan is a fantastic tutor, he is always willing to offer help not only in his own unit, but in others. He makes things clear to understand quickly. The unit (Streaming Media Website Design And Delivery) has been laid out thoughtfully on Moodle. Nipan in versatile - he has a profound knowledge of web technologies but also remembers what peoples skills are. He offers the education and genuinely cares about his students. I feel Nipan deserves this award because (like most jobs, but to a clearly strong extent here) he is always helping other people with their problems but not often met with something purely positive.

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Nipan Maniar


His passion for educating, teaching and learning. Unwavering commitment, patience, kindness, understanding and support to ensure his students reach their full potential. He's always there for us, passing on his own experiences as well as introducing real world job opportunities and prospects for which I have gratefully received and currently taking full advantage of. He's an inspiration to us all and the perfect example of what teaching should be all about.

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Dan McCabe


Dan's always putting his full efforts into anything he does. He takes time to understand us as individual students and make uni the best possible experience for us. His teaching methods are beneficial and pushes you to your highest potential. He not only notices your academic progress, but also your wellbeing and personal progress at uni. He is always willing to help you with advice and guidance, taking his time to help you out and make the most of opportunities. He puts his time into extra curricular activities such as a fundraising event we have planned for our summer show. He is supportive and passionate about his role, and he seeks to support everyone in all we do. Dan is one of the best lecturers within the Graphic Design staff team and everyone loves him! He deserves an award for his efforts he puts into us and our course. Uni is a much better experience with someone as supportive as Dan!

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Natalie Long


She is an honest, confident, innovative enterprise lecturer who is candid about her life experiences in the business field that apply to her teachings. She is a fantastic speaker and her freewheeling approach and respect for her students as adult peers is impressive and admirable.

She recognises hard work and challenges laziness, like that of a boss at work. She gets the best out of her students, and is clearly an entrepreneurial force.

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Nipan Maniar


Always turns up to class with a beaming smile on his face. And always willing to spend as much time to help us with any problems we have, even problems not to do with his particular unit ! So so helpful!

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Amy Doyle


As organiser of the University supported Female Entrepreneur Network Amy continually demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and support for local business and the community. The network continues to attract in excess of 30 members at each meeting and the Facebook group continues to grow. Amy looks to support members and business together and seeks out ways that business and the university can work together and be supported, This year Amy is also bringing innovation to the group and is partnering with The Girls Network to offer create a mentor and support network between the 2 groups as well as offering workshops on key business development tools and strategies.

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Emma Coppins


I would like to nominate our senior online course developer, Emma Coppins, for the Staff Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Emma has proven herself to be a fantastic asset for the Faculty of Science and is a member of staff many of us rely upon in order to develop innovative and testing pedagogies. On a number of occasions I, and my colleagues, have a vague plan of what we would like to do in the classroom, but only a limited sense, if any at all, of how we can use technology to help us deliver innovative and blended approaches to our teaching. I am always amazed at Emma's resourcefulness, 'can do' attitude and her ability to provide solutions to seemingly insurmountable difficulties within the classroom; to find new ways to use technology to enhance student learning and to add efficiency savings to our delivery and assessment processes. Over the years Emma has done many things to support the Faculty of Science and her entrepreneurial spirit has shone through on each and every occasion. To provide a few examples: Emma has developed a series of paper based clinical case studies into online problem-based learning workshops using the Moodle quiz functionality in a novel way. This allows clinical information and results to be trickle fed to students at appropriate times rather than simultaneously thereby providing an authentic experience for students, allowing them to develop their interpretation skills and fostering a collaborative approach to problem solving. Emma has developed electronic peer assessment tools allowing us to move away from the antiquated, inefficient, paper-based processes previously used in our department, saving hours of transferring grades from page to spreadsheet. She has also been instrumental in aiding the design and delivery of the technical arm of a first year undergraduate academic unit which has formed the basis of a substantial piece of pedagogic research. Emma is the personification of entrepreneurial spirit, works above and beyond her role, and I thoroughly recommend that Emma is considered for this award.

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Amy Doyle


I am the coordinator of the University's Female Entrepreneurs Network.

The Network has continued to grow over the last year. We now host 6 well attended events per year and our Facebook group has grown to over 450 members.

The network provides support and inspiration for female entrepreneurs across Portsmouth and beyond. Our events bring women together to learn from and about each other, providing support and inspirations for those running (or wanting to run) their own business.

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2016 I ran the Big Networking Night, an evening that brought together over 100 local business people, start-ups and students. The event received excellent feedback.

Running the network has inspired me to return to University to get my Masters degree and I am currently studying for the LLM(Law) focusing on areas that will be of use to start-up businesses.

This year the Female Entrepreneurs Network will be linking up with The Girls Network to host their annual prize giving ceremony, and members of the Female Entrepreneurs Network will be on the guest panel. By bringing these 2 networks together I hope to help demonstrate to the young women of Portsmouth that there are more options than just working for someone else when they grow up!

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Suzi Edwards


Suzi is the driving force behind the annual 'Start Your Business' Conference. This year's event, on 4th February, was attended by over 100 local business people, start-ups and pre-startups.

Following a successful social media campaign, run by Suzi, the event came to the attention of Google UK who contacted her to ask if they could run one of their #digitalgarage sessions as part of the event!

Suzi also coordinates Shaping Portsmouth's Tooled Up events for small businesses.

Suzi's entrepreneurial spirit is not just confined to her work. She has a great drive for self-improvement that will benefit others. Last year she completed the University's Delivering Excellence programme which led to the production of a departmental blog. Having identified a need to improve our department's social media presence, she has just started on a masters degree in Digital Marketing. Suzi uses what she is learning to help promote the events and services the University provides for small business, helping improve our presence and reputation in this area.

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Jaimes Ede


Jaimes took on the project of Impact Week 2016 with enthusiasm. He coordinated activities across the university faculties involving many senior staff and students. He spoke to external speakers and arranged all their access requirements. He pulled together an exciting engaging programme of useful and informative events and activities for all our students. Jaimes overcame adversity and 'hiccups' with a smile (keynote speaker challenges in particular). He attended each day during the week, working very long hours and being at everyone's beck and call. At no time did he complain or express frustration. He worked tirelessly to achieve the most 'impactful' week we have known. See this article for more statistics http://uopnews.port.ac.uk/2016/10/21/business-students-get-head-start/

Jaimes embraced the entrepreneur theme of the week and designed and promoted the events with vigour and at a level a marketing agency would have charged a fortune to do so.

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http://uopnews.port.ac.uk/2016/10/21/business-students-get-head-start/



Pat Smith


Pat Smith embodies entrepreneurial spirit!

Pat applies it in her role with the Business School but she applies it in her dealings within the local business community. Pat gets the 'spirit', the benefit of it, the attitude towards it, the value of it.

For some people, it is an everyday natural process. It is not a tick box task she fulfils or meets an objective with it. Pat applies it in the literal sense; as spirit.

It can also be applied in the spirit of goodwill, the spirit of friendship, the spirit of good sportsmanship and so on. Pat, I feel, applies it in all these ways. She is a credit to the University!

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Susan Noble


Susan has championed enterprise within the curriculum since 2002 when she set up the University's degree in fashion and textiles. At the time, to blend business learning into the design process was unheard of, but Susan had the foresight to know that industry needed design graduates with entrepreneurial abilities and practices under their belt too. Since then, Susan has led the enterprise focussed units, watching our graduates leave and set up their own successful enterprises. Many of which have been awarded prizes in the University's Enterprise Challenge, yet Susan herself has not yet been recognised for the work she has done in delivering innovative enterprise teaching. Alongside this, Susan has also worked on social enterprise work such as her 'Little Flower Chennai' project. She visited a home for blind women in India, the Little Flower Convent, and saw that the women were hand-weaving cotton cloth which was sold very cheaply to be used for floor cloths. Susan directed a project with the students to develop a range of products using the fabric would provide the women with a higher income from the labour intensive work they do. She went back to the convent with two students to show the women the outcome of the project. More recently, Susan has used the enterprise focus of the course to highlight the issue of diversity in the fashion industry. Student groups set up fashion labels and design and market collections for a diverse consumer; whether in age, gender, ethnicity, ability. With the work produced on Susan's units, students have been successful in being shortlisted for the DiversityNow! award, a national design prize. Susan is now also using the undergraduate model to teach this embedded entrepreneurial approach to design students at postgraduate level. I cannot recommend Susan for this award enough, her entrepreneurial spirit is well known across the University and evidenced year on year across the 15 year history of the courses on which she teaches.

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Susan Noble


Sue has led the enterprise strand running throughout level 5 of Fashion & Textile Design, and the impact of these units has seen many of our graduates leave and set up their own successful enterprises. Sue has used the enterprise focus of the course to highlight the issue of diversity in the fashion industry and student groups set up fashion labels and design and market collections for a diverse consumer; whether in age, gender, ethnicity, ability, with students having been successful in being shortlisted for the DiversityNow! award, a International design prize. Susan is now also using the undergraduate model to teach this embedded entrepreneurial approach to design students at postgraduate level, and the impact of this will be seen in the years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend that Sue receives this award in recognition of her huge contribution in this area over the past 15 or so years.

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Omar Saleh


Omar has a unique way of teaching that I and others I have discussed this with have not come across before. Omar promotes students taking their thinking to the next level, challenging the norms and even him (if you dare). If you are to challenge his way of thinking he will listen and understand your point of view and then turn it into a critical discussion between an entire class or on a 1:1 basis.

I have never been in a class where such a large proportion of the students complete the preparation work so they are able to actively engage in the conversations and activities.

This makes him an innovator in his own right by adapting teaching norms into contemporary and relevant discussions with his students.

It is very clear he teaches for the students and cares a great deal about how they are developing under his teaching from their mind set to their critical knowledge. Unlike a lot of lecturers I have come across he wants to deliver knowledge that we will be able to apply in the real world - he is able to relate theories to real life situations which allows a much better understanding of subject areas and encourages engagement.

There are many other positive comments that could be said about Omar, but he would probably prefer I spent my time doing his coursework instead of writing this nomination.

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Dr Joan Farrer


Prof Farrer has tirelessly led the Innovation programme in CCi, inspiring students and staff to engage in innovation and enterprise, with a mix of events, talks, enterprise hothouses and seed funding. In her own work she always has an eye on the real world, and understands how to make her research relevant to the needs of the market.

She is a great role model to demonstrate how to maintain academic rigour and integrity but also engage with the business world.

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Ted Turnbull


Ted first took an interest in us during our second year when we brought up an idea for a game in one of our lessons with him. Since then he's been an great inspiration and support, giving us advice on how to start up and run a game studio. Whenever we needed help he's taken time out of his own busy schedule to give advice.

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Paul Charisse


Film company to produce "Stina and the wolf"

http://stinaandthewolf.net/

This is a staff project that involves students. It is yet to make any money, but has given students the skills that they need to get jobs in the industry.

This is a mammoth task, that is supported by two members of staff who have given student so much opportunity to develop themselves. It will not make any money for a few years, but is set to become a great production company.

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Valentin Razvan ManguAce Dot Services Limited

Startup of the Year

After only 13 months of trading the organisation managed to gather a turnover above £15 000 whish is great for a start-up.

The organisation managed to implement a transparent invoice system where the customer can accept or deny a quote and can see and download at any time their invoices.

Ace dot Services tried and succeeded to franchise the business to other cities in U.K. like Petersfield and London.

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Kayem Ali MyUniStudentBox

Startup of the YearI feel that I should win as I have been determined for over a year to get this start up off the ground and I feel it can benefit so many students.

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Kayem AliMyUniStudentBox

Startup of the Year

I admire it because he made it initially with students in mind. He has invested a lot of his own money in to it whilst working part time to get it off the ground knowing that there will be no monetary reward in the immediate future. He just wanted to help out his fellow students! He had a problem with selling his old textbooks so though "why don't I create something to make this easier?"

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Holly SciosciaFluke Travel

Startup of the Year

With no luck with financial backers everything has been self funded, with very little IT experience before this endeavour I’ve now produced a fully functioning website and all of it being done single handedly.

This whole business revolves around the only thing I’m truly experienced in and that's travel. I grew up travelling and have now been to 42 countries. I always knew I wanted to succeed but both of my parents are lower class and I am the first in my fathers family to attend university. My whole childhood I dreamed of what my life would be like when I was finally old enough to earn my own money and settle down but as that age drew closer I felt more and more lost. I didn't feel like I had anything to offer the world and was angry with my parents for not settling down. I wandered the globe for 4 years before applying to university and even now I have moments of self doubt in my course. I realised I had to figure out what I was good at and what I enjoyed in order to be my best self and that's when I thought of Fluke Travel. I feel confident that through my business is how I can best thrive and benefit others, I feel secure in my experiences and hope to one day earn a living as well as change the way people see travel.

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Jack DalyJack Daly Photography

Startup of the Year

Jack has been self employed since his second year at UoP. I admire his work ethic and passion for without both he would not have come this far. He is very self deprecating however I think he overlooks how impressive it is for someone his age to earn a living from doing what they love. I find Jack truly inspiring and peer I can look up to and learn from whether it be for business, marketing, networking or simply having fun.

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William GreenStrive

Startup of the Year

As a digital media student, this Startup does not only help Will, but his fellow students helping them find work, and also to help them find products they believe in. He works harder than anyone I know and he has a true passion for his work. The most deserving person.

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Startup of the Year

His dedication to growing the startup has been admirable. A good gap in the market that he has recognised. He has created something unique and very valuable to students nationally.

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Kayem AliMyUniStudentBox

Luke Amer, George Phillips, Paul Power, Robert Webb, Matthew Evans

Square Mountain

Startup of the Year

Square Mountain’s placement year game No Trace received widespread media coverage, being picked up by major gaming websites such as Kotaku, Destructoid and PC Gamer. No Trace’s announcement trailer has been viewed 27 thousand times since it’s launch at the end of July. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBSAqFD0y64

The team exhibited at EGX Rezzed (London), Protoplay (Dundee) & MCM Comic-Con (London) during the placement year and were also Dare to Be Digial 2016 Global student games competition finalists.

Square Mountain are currently in the closing stages of signing a publishing deal with a major UK independent games publishing label to continue development full time on No Trace after graduation.

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Startup of the Year

Since I met Holly she has always had an entrepreneurial way of thinking. She's always working on a personal project along with her uni studies, entrepreneurship seems to be what makes her tick.

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Startup of the Year

Holly's pretty driven when it comes to her personal projects. She does her best to stay focused on her studies but I think that she would really thrive working for her own company. Unfortunately being a student right now is particularly impoverishing so hopefully she'll win this award.

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Startup of the Year

Despite rejection holly keeps getting up and implementing what she learned into her business. I think it's a great idea and don't know how she isn't a millionaire yet!

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Startup of the YearI just think it's a great idea, who doesn't get overwhelmed by unlimited decisions? I also think it would be a fun experience to give myself the gift of a surprise holiday.

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Valentin-Razvan ManguAce Dot Services

Startup of the Year

I believe that the founder of this company has put in a lot of time, effort and resources to start up this business and I have seen how dedicated he is to constantly improve and offer excellent services to his customers.

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Startup of the Year

Myself I admire the fact that Mr. Mangu has started his business from almost nothing while still studying at the University. Mr. Mangu has efficiently applied the knowledge learned from his university course and transformed into something practical: a cleaning company. He is one of the most passionate owners of a business that I have met, inspiring me to find myself better ways to apply what I have learned from my own courses at the University. He is an example that there is still possible to build something successful from as little as nothing.

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Gav, Ming & SamThe Maker’s Guild

Startup of the Year

The team behind the Maker's Guild have spent over 2 years in planning and creating the foundations for the makerspace. With the passion to push on creating the startup, slowly influencing the right people and businesses to be excited with such a space in the works.

It is a project that aims to put Portsmouth on the map for innovative thinking and creative solutions.

Now everything has fallen into place, with the feeling that it is too good to be true. But it is true and it is happening.

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Startup of the Year

I admire the simple yet clever idea. There are many students in Portsmouth that do not have time to do cleaning in their houses and so do landlords, especially the ones who own quite a few houses. And what differentiates this cleaning company from many others is the fact that it is being run by a student and in my opinion, will understand better than anyone else the situations and what needs to be done to solve the problems.

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Oliver Pennington and Ben CampbellPolar Digital

Startup of the Year

Their enthusiasm and determination to succeed!

They have mapped out their somewhat ambitious aspirations for the company and are well on the way to achieving them.

These two students are a credit to the University.

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Startup of the Year

Valentin is my friend and I remember how he started by handing out fliers to people on the street and advertising his company on Facebook trying to get a customer base. He also started using his personal car and multiple times carrying out the work himself until late at night. through a lot of hard work and dedication, the company now has its own website, it is a proud member of Checkatrade and has its own personalised van. Moreover, Valentin teamed up with a series of people that now help him to carry out the work at different locations at the same time. I truly admire the effort that he has put into growing this company while being on top of all the requirements at university.

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Startup of the YearGood service.“ ”


Startup of the Year“

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Run by a very hardworking person who has put a lot into the business and starting it completely from scratch.

In addition, they always deliver excellent services, and are completely happy to fix any problems.

Simon LambSylvadale ltd

Startup of the Year

I admire Simon’s drive to succeed, since I’ve known him he held down a full time job while completing a part time degree at Portsmouth University in leadership & business management and in his final year took the risk of starting his own business (Sylvadale Plumbing & Heating) with very little funds. Simon works hard on growing his business all hours of the day. He works an 8hr day on the tools, traveling around the city fixing plumbing and heating problems for new and existing customers. During evenings and weekends he spends time reading up on how to improve his management skills and looking at ways of continually building his business, not only does Simon look at ways of building his business and customer experience he offers a great customer service and has taken the opportunity to give youngsters from the city the opportunity of joining the team in the form of an apprenticeship.

Simon should win as I think he will simply appreciate the fact that he has been recognised for all the effort he has already put into his business and I’m sure if he does win it would just inspire him to continue growing it and would encourage him to scale it up giving the residents of Portsmouth the opportunity of warm homes and hot running water from a company that cares, as well as the opportunity for more of the city’s youngsters the opportunity of an apprenticeship with him and jobs into the future.

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Startup of the Year

I have known Valentin since second year of study he is a smart and goal motivated person who try to be first in everything is doing. ”

Valentin-Razvan ManguAce Dot Services “

Startup of the Year

Valentin didn't have any external help , he was solo from the beginning. He was so excited about building up the company and applying the knowledge he learned from the university and at the end by seeing his company growing within months made us both happy. Valentin is the only colleague that I know who started a business and he is still on the market today with the profit figures growing. The effort he put in the business is his key to his success and am sure his company will be more profitable in the future.

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Startup of the Year

I have known Valentin for a long time and I've watch him starting this business from the begging and get it to the point that is now. He had a vision and he put it into practice. He worked hard, establish connections and regular satisfied customers and at the moment is a fully sustainability business and for this reason a truly believed he should win.

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Startup of the YearPolar Digital has grown massively since the launch of their business. Having worked alongside both Ollie and Ben on several projects I can say that they have huge passion for what they do, and more than capable of working on several projects no matter the size.

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Startup of the Year

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Polar Digital have recognised that there is more to web development work than simply freelancing on various projects. They have been working tirelessly to develop various turn-key strategies to make sure they survive as a business as opposed to a freelance partnership. They have given valuable advice about the web to many students who come to the Innovation Space with various business ideas, and they've even created websites for some of their businesses.

William DaviesPlantPod

Startup of the Year

It's an innovative product that fills a need in the market.

They show passion for the product and their business.

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Startup of the Year

Since it's beginning, it has constantly grown. Day by day, they provide high-quality service and setting a new standard to professionalism for student start-ups.

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Aslak Butler

Startup of the YearHe works, works and works! He is Never lazy. He does not mind to sacrifice anything in order to pursue his targets. What an ideal person!

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Jordan Osborne Vendor

Startup of the Year

Vendor constantly provides cultural updates that allow me to keep up-to-date with things that are happening in the world of entertainment. The regular updates, smart finish to the website, and the excellent content make it a great place for anyone to get their cultural news fix.

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Startup of the Year

The thing I admire most about Jordan and his start up is that he has done everything on his own and from scratch. His blog has received numerous hits, which is a hard thing to accomplish. Also, his freelancing work is outstanding and is reflected within the pieces he completes for various companies. This is obvious as most companies continue to employee him for his work.

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Startup of the Year

I admire Jordan's dedication to his start up. He works day and night not because he needs to but because he wants to. He is so committed to issuing the very best to his customers and readers and takes great pride in his writing. Jordan utilises his organisational skills and is always professional in every aspect of his work. Vendor is a pleasure to read and Jordan's success in freelancing for multiple companies shows that he is good at what he is doing. This is why he should win.

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Jordan Osborne Vendor “

”Startup of the Year

This startup started off fairly small, but grew in readership and content. Jordan has worked incredibly well to deliver quality content on culture and media almost daily. It has been my source for music and film news as well as opinion pieces.


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Startup of the Year

Vendor constantly provides cultural updates that allow me to keep up-to-date with things that are happening in the world of entertainment. The regular updates, smart finish to the website, and the excellent content make it a great place for anyone to get their cultural news fix.


The thing I admire most about Jordan and his start up is that he has done everything on his own and from scratch. His blog has received numerous hits, which is a hard thing to accomplish. Also, his freelancing work is outstanding and is reflected within the pieces he completes for various companies. This is obvious as most companies continue to employee him for his work.

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Startup of the Year


I admire the start-up 'Vendor' for their incredible drive to create a creative space for music, creative writing and film in an incredibly stylish way. For someone to create a stand--alone, well built website with little support and continually create incredible content is alone reason enough for Vendor to win this award. There are copious rival websites that are created, fail and regularly disregarded. To have put new and innovative content up regularly since 2015, shows the level of professional and persistence from Jordan and his team. Vote Vendor!

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Startup of the Year


Vendor offers a range of reviews and opinions on music as well as short stories and a whole host of other things. The music reviews (which I use the most) have introduced me to new music and bands that I have not heard of before, this is always something that I really like. The short stories are also a good feature, they are all submission based and are a great platform for new and potential up-and-coming authors.

Overall, this site offers features that I am interested in and that it opens me up to more new music and artists.

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Startup of the Year


”Startup of the Year

Jordan's articles are always interesting and a delight to read. It's obvious how much work he has already put in and how far he and Vendor can go!


Jordan's articles are always interesting and a delight to read. It's obvious how much work he has already put in and how far he and Vendor can go!

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Startup of the Year

Jordan Osborne Vendor “ ”Startup of the Year

Great entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach.

Lucy Earp, Viraj Nayee, Matt Busuttil, Martin Pike, Dan BusuttilWaving Bear Studio

Before deciding to do a self employed placement year we were told by various lecturers at the university to do our placements at an existing company. While searching for placements we all thought why not create our own games studio? All of us had the skills and drive necessary to start one so instead of working for someone else why not be our own bosses and create our own video games. Thanks to the help of Purple Door we were able to achieve this. We are no creating our own video games that we are proud of and excited to show off.

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Startup of the Year