TE THINK ENTERPRISE QUARTER. 2
READ INSIDE
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR NOMINATION?
CELEBRATING ENTERPRISE 2019 UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL:
DEVELOPING MICRO ENTERPRISE OWNERS THE VALUE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION TO SPORTS PEOPLE
WARM-UPS TO START-UPS
ENTERPRISE EDUCATION: DEVELOPING GRADUATES WHICH ARE
SOCIETAL & ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
THINK ENTERPRISE Quarter Two Vol. 28
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SARAH TROUTEN, IOEE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Hello and welcome to our June edition of Think Enterprise, at last the sun is finally out and it’s starting to feel like summer! I am delighted to be able to announce the upcoming release of our latest research examining the impact of enterprise education within prisons in the UK. This is something I am truly passionate about and have seen first hand the transformative effect enterprise education can have in rehabilitation, reintegration and ultimately the reduction of re-offending. I look forward to supporting our prison partners to explore and implement the recommendations within the report. We’ve spoken to Richard and the team at IOEE Academy Rocketeer who have been working closely with the PFA to develop enterprising capabilities within footballers. A fantastic piece of work and certainly needed across many sports whereby careers can be short lived. The nominations for our Celebrating Enterprise awards 2019 are still open but do close on the 19th July, so if you haven’t nominated yet please do it now! You can read all about previous years winners on page 12 and nominate at awards.ioee.uk and perhaps then be joining us at the House of Lords in October to celebrate! This month we feature two of our Centres of Excellence, David Bozward at Royal Agricultural University and David Taylor at Manchester Metropolitan University. Both David Bozward and David Taylor share a passion for enterprise and entrepreneurship education and how graduates can be supported to develop these vital enterprising capabilities. Firstly the Royal Agricultural University and we caught up with Dr David Bozward, Head of Business and Entrepreneurship to hear about his past, current role as well as his vision for enterprise at the University. We also hear from David Taylor at Manchester Metropolitan University who has written a thought provoking blog article on the role of enterprise education in developing societal and environmental values in graduates. I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone shortlisted as well as the winners at the Royal Agricultural University annual Grand Ideas Competition. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the students there recently and was impressed by the fantastic business ideas, it will be fantastic to report on how they progress with the amazing support of David, Katy and the team. We are currently involved in a number of projects including work to understand how to better support migrant entrepreneurs – find out more about how you can get involved on page 26. Another current project focuses on understanding management and leadership challenges for micro businesses and the development of resources and tools to provide valuable support. Find out how you can contribute and get involved on page 28. With Brexit drawing closer we have included some useful guidance and points to consider to ensure your business is ready whatever the outcome of Brexit may be. Finally, this months Enterprisingly Me who captures an important point, which is when is the right time to call it a day in a business? Failure of a business (or product or service) can be devastating for a business owner, it’s your baby and accepting that’s it over can be a grieving process. However, accepting this failure, learning from it and growing is I believe one of the most important parts to being a successful entrepreneur. So with that I’ll call it a day and leave you to enjoy this issue - happy summer x
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CONTENTS 6. prison research SFEDI and the IOEE are delighted to be able to announce the release date of our latest research report Unlocking Enterprise looking into the impact of Enterprise Education within Prisons.
»»p.6
8. GOING FROM WARM-UPS TO START-ups We’ve spoken to the team at rocketeer enterprise who have been working closely alongside the PFA and a Premier League Club over the past 12 months.
10. Helping small business’ in soutwark
»»p.8
Southwark Council have launched Southwark Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL), offering free support and advice to people from all walks of life to turn their business ideas into a reality.
12. celebrating enterprise 2019 As our annual Celebrating Enterprise Awards draws ever closer it’s time to make sure you’ve put forward your nomination for this year!
»»p.10
16. SPOTLIGHT ON: DAVID BOZWARD This quarter we have spoken to David Bozward who’s role as Head of School — Business and Entrepreneurship at the Royal Agricultural University has been vital in bringing an IOEE Centre of Excellence status to the University.
20. 12 TH GRAND IDEA COMPETITION winners »»p.20
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IOEE Centre of Excellence RAU recently hosted their 12 th Grand Idea competition, in which students pitched their plans to expert judges to secure £2,500 of investment.
22. ENTERPRISE EDUCATION A GATEWAY TO DEVELOP SOCIETAL & ENVIRONMENTALY RESPONSIBLE GRADUATES
»»p.22
Should enterprise education play a role in developing societal & environmental values in our graduates, so they can better-contribute to supporting the ethical & sustainability challenges facing our People and our Planet?
24. apprenticeships at clarion housing group Take a look how Clarion are taking their Apprentices to the next level with the help of the Apprenticemakers workshop & online training!
»»p.24
26. PROVIDING ENTERPRISE, LEARNING & SKILLS ‘ON THE GO’ Take a look at how through ERASMUS Funding it’s possible to develop the enterprise and employability skills of migrants in Europe.
28. DEVELOPING MICRO ENTERPRISE OWNERS & MANAGERS »»p.28
Micro-businesses are a key part of the UK economy. They represent 96% of the business population and make a significant contribution to job and wealth creation in the UK.
30. ENTERPRISINGLY ME
»»p.32
A monthly feature where you can follow entrepreneurial adventures. Names have been changed to protect the innocent but everything you read really happened, making for a very interesting read.
32. IS YOUR BUSINESS BREXIT READY? We want to make it as simple as possible for business owners and the like to understand where you can go in order to understand how your business and industry will likely be affected by the UK leaving the EU.
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Unlocking Enterprise Understanding the Benefits, Impact and Value Added of Enterprise Learning & Training
6 | Think Enterprise
SFEDI and IOEE are delighted to announce the date of release for our latest report Unlocking Enterprise will be 1st July 2019. The report follows in-depth research into enterprise and entrepreneurship education within prisons and the impact it can have in supporting the national strive to reduce reoffending rates within the UK. Since 2012, SFEDI and the IOEE have worked with the prison establishment across England and Wales supporting over 15,000 individuals to build enterprise and entrepreneurial behaviours, knowledge and skills. This work recognises that for many ex-offenders, mainstream employment may not prove a viable option for them on release and so self-employment is a supportive mechanism in providing a stable future reducing the need and/or want to reoffend. This report explores why individuals in prisons engage with enterprise learning and training, their experiences in completing an enterprise qualification and the impact and value added of those qualifications. The report concludes with a series of recomendations for supporting the enterprise learning and skills development of individuals within prisons and post-release.
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GOING FROM WARM-U T HE VALUE O F EN T R EPR ENEUR IAL EDUC AT I O N TO SPORTS PEOPLE
WE’ VE SPOK EN TO THE TE AM AT RO CK E TEER ENTERPRISE WHO H AV E B E E N WO R K I N G CLO S E LY A LO N G S I D E T H E PFA A N D A P R E M I E R L E A G U E C L U B O V E R T H E PA S T 12 M O N T H S .
We recently spoke to the team at Rocketeer Enterprise an IOEE Academy about the value of entrepreneurial education to sports people. They are wise words that have persisted for the 400 years since they were first scribed in Don Quixote: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This ageold adage reinforces the value of diversification, which itself has become an enduring principle for everyone from investors looking to minimise loss to business leaders nervous about reliance on one market. And as Richard Wood, 8 | Think Enterprise
founder of digital start-up school Rocketeer Academy, explains, it’s something especially important for professional sportspeople. Sports are generally the domain of those in peak physical condition. Those who are at the apex of physical fitness and who are a picture of perfect health. But because of these intense bodily demands, as well as the inherently physical nature of many sports, these careers are relatively shortlived. According to the UK’s Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA),
the average career length of a professional footballer is approximately eight years from the time they sign their first professional contract. However, this varies from sport to sport. For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the US states that the average professional basketball career is a mere 4.5 years. Compare this with most other professional careers, which can span as long as 50 years, and the need for professional diversification becomes critical. Yet the sheer intensity of the training and commitment required to become a professional sportsperson often means that sacrifices are made along the way, which often means other core professional skills aren’t as developed. So, many sportspeople at the end of their career ask the same question: what now? The mentality and mindset required to become a good professional sportsperson are not
UPS TO START-UPS
too different to that of a business leader or entrepreneur. You need sheer determination to succeed; you will be goal-oriented, strategic and, most importantly, disciplined. That’s why many sports stars turn to business following the end of their professional sports career. A prime example of this is former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who has actively invested in numerous business ventures and recently became the new face of Papa John’s pizza.
project was delivered in collaboration with Archetype Media Group and the Angel Investment Network.
Beyond the mentality, entrepreneurs need a set of skills and specific knowledge to set up a successful business. Fortunately for sportspeople, these can be taught. And we’re increasingly seeing sports clubs and associations support professionals in this area.
Crucially, the training showed how to achieve this in a flexible way, allowing them to devote as much time as they wanted to their start-ups. This ability to fit entrepreneurialism around their sports career was invaluable.
For example, Rocketeer Enterprise recently delivered its digital start-up training program to a premier league team. This constituted part of a pilot programme funded by the PFA aimed at re-engaging young professionals with new learning opportunities. The
Over the course of 12 weeks, the youth team learned everything it needed to know to conceive a business idea, develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and operate as a start-up. This included everything from business plan development to marketing strategy, giving the team the tools and tips needed to get their own business off the ground.
Even if the members of the youth team don’t take all their MVPs to launch, the course has still equipped them with an awareness of the transferable skills they possess which can be applied to entrepreneurship and the business environment. They can even revisit the course at a later date through the recently
launched Rocketeer Academy online entrepreneurial skills school, which provides a structured 12-week program of educational material alongside useful resources and business coach support. With Rocketeer Academy, sportspeople don’t have to hope their club alone is supporting such training. The structured online plan provides the same effectiveness in a way that is cost-effective, flexible and personalised. As true today as it was in the early 1600s, we should not put all our eggs in one basket – especially when we can only expect to have that basket for a handful of years. By ensuring entrepreneurial and transferable skills are as sharp as possible, sportspeople – and indeed, all professionals – can limit the risk of reaching the end of their current career and wondering, “what now?”
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HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES IN SOUTHWARK GROW Southwark Council have launched Southwark Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL), offering free support and advice to people from all walks of life to turn their business ideas into a reality.
SiLL is an ERDF-funded (up until 30th June 2021) business support programme led by the British Library’s Business & Intellectual Property Centre to support people from all walks of life to turn their business ideas into a reality. The team behind SiLL are aiming to break down barriers to entrepreneurship and give people the skills, information, confidence and connections they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses
10 | Think Enterprise
The programme looks to give individuals the insight and support to start and grow their business. The project is also fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the British Library, ten participating London boroughs and more! So if you are looking to start a business, or have just taken your first steps into entrepreneurship, SiLL looks to give participants the skills, information and know-how you need to build a viable business. Find the list of services available at participating libraries below: • • • •
Quarterly free workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage start-ups Walk-in access to business resources and databases like COBRA One-to-one business information sessions with borough SME Champions A programme of events, including live-screenings from the British Library’s Business and IP Centre • You will also meet like minded people and gain the confidence you need to make your business a success! For more information head to: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/business/business-supportand-advice/start-ups-in-london-libraries-sill
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CELEBRATING ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2019
HOUSE OF LORDS — 3 OCTOBER RD
It’s that time of year again! We are now welcoming nominations for our Celebrating Enterprise 2019 Awards event. This year the awards event will be held in the House of Lords on Thursday 3rd October 2019, bringing together key players from the enterprise skills sector and enterprise community. With eight award categories, including Enterprising Learner of the Year, Enterprise Support Champion and IOEE Lifetime Achievement Award, here at SFEDI and IOEE we look to recognise and award the very best in enterprise learning and skills! Do you know an enterprising individual or organisation that deserves award recognition? Click the button below to make your nomination!
N O MI N A T E N OW Nominations are open until midnight on 19th July 2019.
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Award Categories Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year The Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year is awarded in recognition of a learning provider that has delivered beyond its remit, both meeting complex learner requirements and exceeding SFEDI and IOEE’s exacting standards.
Enterprise Educator of the Year The Enterprise Educator of the Year Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated an enterprising approach to developing and delivering enterprise and entrepreneurial learning and skills, inspiring students and enabling them to realise their enterprise potential. The Enterprise Educator of the Year is someone committed to continually developing their own skills and who champions enterprise education widely.
Enterprising Learner of the Year The Enterprise Learner of the Year Award is given in recognition of an individual who has both embraced their learning programme with passion, and also shown a commitment to applying their newly acquired skills to pursue an enterprising activity.
IOEE Member of the Year The IOEE Member of the Year award is an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to their own development journey as well as being a proud champion for the IOEE and all things enterprise.
Enterprise Support Champion The Enterprise Support Champion is an individual who has worked to ensure businesses have the skills and knowledge required to start, survive and thrive. Supporting a range of businesses, as well as individuals, an Enterprise Support Champion is someone who promotes and champions business support, and is also committed to their own continual development as a business support professional.
Intrapreneur of the Year The Intrapreneur of the Year is an individual who has demonstrated an enterprising approach and activities which have had a positive effect within the organisation in which they are employed. This could be by way of a special project or by how they’ve integrated an entrepreneurial approach into their role.
Lifetime Achievement Award Chosen by our Advisory Council.
Special Recognition Award Chosen by our Advisory Council Think Enterprise | 13
CELEBRATING ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2018 winners Enterprise Learning Provider of the Year London South Bank Business Solutions Centre
Enterprise Educator of the Year Sheralee Feldman
Enterprising Learner of the Year Haydar Ali-Ismail
IOEE Member of the Year David Morgan
Enterprise Support Champion Shiela McFee
Intrapreneur of the Year Lisa Soderman
14 | Think Enterprise
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Spotlight On: Dr. David Bozward Head of School — Business and Entrepreneurship — The Royal Agricultural University
We are shining the spotlight on David Bozward, as Head of School — Business and Entrepreneurship, David has been able to give us a fantastic insight into the goings on at the newest IOEE Centre of Excellence, The Royal Agricultural University Our first question for David was around his current role within the University and what this involves, David said: “As Head of School, I provide strategic and academic
16 | Think Enterprise
leadership as well as day to day management of the School, developing the highest quality of Teaching, Research and Enterprise. As a member of the Academic Board, I am directly involved in the development and implementation of the University’s academic strategic plan. Over the last decade I have gained considerable experience in higher education developing enterprising graduates, young business leaders and entrepreneurs across a wide number of institutes.
As a serial technology entrepreneur, educator, mentor and authority on international youth entrepreneurship with over 20 years entrepreneurial business experience, I bring a wide range of leading-edge practical industry centred experience to my work at the Royal Agricultural University, providing both a theoretically informed and practice led approach to entrepreneurship education.
THE IOEE PROVIDES US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A GROUP OF UNIVERSITIES WHICH ARE KNOWN & RECOGNISED FOR THEIR ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION”
My main research interests lie in the broad fields of entrepreneurship education, new venture creation, entrepreneurial ecosystems and business growth. I lead a number of cross faculty strategic development projects such as: international collaborations, enterprise education partnerships and consultancy which support my research. In 2016, I was invited to be member of Maserati 100 the top 100 individuals in the UK actively supporting the next generation of future entrepreneurs and was awarded a lifetime fellowship of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs.” Wow! It’s clear that David has built up a wealth of experience within the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship sector putting him in an excellence position to take The Royal Agricultural University forward. This leads us onto our next questions, what entreprenurial activities are currently taking place within RAU? David said: “The university has in place a Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme (EEP) providing a robust and supportive programme for all students - from embryo of an idea through to the launch of a fully tried and tested business - and beyond.
Working through the process of Think it, Try it, Launch it, Grow it RAU has seen 1 in 10 graduated start their own business or work for themselves!” It’s clear for all to see that David has a strong vision for RAU, we asked David for his view on entrepreneurial education within RAU moving forward. David said: “Enterprise education is fundamental to developing entrepreneurial leaders, people who will develop our economy and create real social value. This means we should be creating graduates who have gained some skills, knowledge and attitudes to explore new opportunities with a positive mindset. To achieve this as a university we should be developing students through the curricula and also through extra curricula activities with the opportunity to reflect and bring together this learning. Entrepreneurship is a journey and as such we need to provide a life long learning approach for our students and graduates.” Here at the IOEE we have seen that RAU is leading the way in Enterprise & Entrepreneural education as well as support for students. David was a key figure in securing RAU’s status as an IOEE Centre of Excellence so we asked what exactly this meant to him: “As a small specialist university with a real focus on developing a positive entrepreneurial student experience its important for students, staff and our wider community. The IOEE provides us with an opportunity to join a group of universities which are known and recognised for their entrepreneurship education.”
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Get recongised. develop your ski grow. join today. IOEE.UK/JOIN 18 | Think Enterprise
ills.
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“Robert has been a finalist for both the Enterprise Support Champion and the Enterprise Educator at the IOEE’s Celebrating Enterprise Awards at the House of Lords last year, and has worked closely with the enterprising bodies.”
The Royal Agricultural University’s 12th Grand Idea Competition IOEE Centre of Excellence The Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) 12th Grand Idea competition, asked students to pitch their plans to expert judges to secure £2,500 of investment. Winner Constantin Huet, a third year Real Estate student, faced the impressive panel including Levi Roots, of Reggae Reggae Sauce; Christine Cross, former Group Business Development Director at Tesco; Dave Meneer, ex CEO of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant, and the RAU’s Vice-
20 | Think Enterprise
Chancellor, Professor Joanna Price. Constantin found success with his company Pre-O, a new badge of quality for farms undergoing the lengthy transition to becoming fully organic. Pre-organic foods will be able to charge a slightly higher price than non-organic, giving the consumer greater choice. Constantin, from Switzerland, said: “Our revolutionary business model, unlike other agricultural certification
schemes, does not charge farmers. Farmers subscribe free of any charge - no strings attached. “Pre-O is beneficial to the consumer who perhaps can’t pay regularly for high-end organic produce, and beneficial to the farmer who is in the ‘organic-transition’ period yet suffering from non-organic prices. “Until now, no outright ‘preorganic’ offering has existed in the food market. We are making that change.
“I love life at the RAU. I’m humbled to win this award as the competition was so strong from the other students.
The Enterprise Programme here is second to none. They were willing to guide me through every step of my journey to becoming an entrepreneur. The range of mentoring and networking is outstanding – and competitions like today are just one part of that.” From the whole team here at the IOEE we would like to express our congratulations to Constantin and every success with Pre-O moving forward! Runner-up Maria Perry, impressed the judges with her GLITTAGLO eyewear business, which makes and markets designer sunglasses. Maria, a postgraduate at the RAU, said: “The idea came about when I was searching for a new and exciting pair of sunglasses both to spice up everyday outfits and to add a bit of sparkle when going out! The eye-catching designs use different coloured tints with
contrasting jewels around the outside. “The eyewear label champions unique self expression and encourages the wearer to have fun with their style. The social media pages are a platform for our customers to share their style and memories created in their sunnies.” Katy Duke, Head of Enterprise at RAU said: “There were some absolutely inspirational ideas to choose from this year. Our recent survey found that 88% of RAU students want to start their own business, so entrepreneurship is right at the heart of what we do here.” The Royal Agricultural University’s Enterprise Programme has created over 50 successful business’ at their Cirencester Campus.
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Enterprise Education - a Gateway to Develop Societal and Environmental Responsible Graduates
Should enterprise education play a role in developing societal and environmental values in our graduates, so they can better-contribute to supporting the ethical and sustainability challenges facing our People and our Planet? Little did we know that Manchester Met’s launch of Young Enterprise in 2004, catering for forty nascent entrepreneurs on the then BA (Hons) Business Enterprise degree, would be sowing the entrepreneurial seeds for today’s range of entrepreneurship opportunities open to thousands of Manchester Met students. Early businesses included DJ-ing equipment, graduation hoodies and band promotion (a business trading internationally today). The infusion of responsible management into our entrepreneurship programmes came in 2006. It wasn’t an arbitrary move or political gesture, nor was it driven by the University’s mission, but rather it was a natural development, emerging from the research and practice of the teaching team, who were exploring the role that entrepreneurship played in developing sustainable responses to the environmental challenges impacting on our People and our Planet. The catalyst for this research in sustainable entrepreneurship emerged out of a serendipitous meeting with Fernando Lourenco, a furniture designer and PhD student studying entrepreneurship and sustainable education. This early meeting led to the infusion of green and ethical perspectives into our delivery of entrepreneurship education. Influence formally recognised with the introduction of a Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) Director to the boards of all our Young Enterprise companies alongside the more established directorships in sales, marketing, operations, finance and managing director. The role of the CSR Director was to inculcate socially responsible values into the Young Enterprise teams and filter every decision, process, and discussion through the lens of responsible management. This new approach led to businesses evolving with explicit social and/or sustainable, purpose and practice: T-Shirt company linked to supporting the homeless, anti-spike devices, cycling for health and the environment, making hydration exciting for primary aged children whilst supporting poorer communities in Africa, recycling, eco-friendly candles, upcycling, natural sustainable sourced coffee flavouring, technology to support the visually impaired, business-to-business sustainable packaging, nutritionist informed healthy popcorn to help tackle obesity, anti-fast fashion education, healthier eating for residents of nursing homes, and more. Many of these companies and individuals have represented Manchester Met at local, regional and national events. Haydar Ali-Ismail of HEYCANE winning IOEE Enterprise Learner of the Year 2018 for his technology supporting the visually impaired. 22 | Think Enterprise
This intervention helped students understand that entrepreneurs can be both financially successful, and socially and environmentally responsible. We didn’t see this move as revolutionary, as we had already embedded responsible management and ethics into the core of our general business curriculum. In many ways this was ‘business as usual’ for us. However, it was perhaps the first time we explicitly thought about the potential of our nascent entrepreneurs as environmental and societal influencers in the climate change, health and social justice debates. Indeed it is now our view, Universities must play a pivotal role in developing responsible leaders to take on these global challenges. These entrepreneurship programmes, whilst successfully influencing the development of students’ social responsibility values, need to be more radical in response to this everaccelerating impending climate change disaster, health timebomb, and significant social injustices. To this end we have recently piloted an approach to fast-track the development of social and environment values in our nascent entrepreneurs using interviews, role-play and reflection to explore unethical and selfish behaviours in the context of generating profits for their Young Enterprise companies.
behaviours accelerates the development of ethical values in our nascent entrepreneurs. The role-play exercise helped the Young Enterprise Directors learn and gain insights into the importance of corporate social responsibility, influenced the values and actions of their YE Start-Ups, and increased the likelihood that if the participants were to launch a business post-graduation, that the intent would be for the business to be socially responsible. Entrepreneurs are not isolated individuals operating separately from the World we inhabit. They are part of an integrated Global economy and their actions have consequences for our People and our Planet. The entrepreneurship programmes at Manchester Metropolitan University are designed to help champion the role of our graduates as responsible leaders equipped with the critical tools and moral imagination to analyse and manage the ethical and sustainability challenges facing today’s entrepreneurs in this globally connected World. David Taylor Honorary Fellow of the IOEE Principal Lecturer and Student Enterprise Faculty Lead, Faculty of Business and Law, Manchester Metropolitan University
This approach argues that we need to avoid imposing a certain viewpoint and instead create opportunities for students to develop their own values. The exploration of unethical
The “Ooto” Young Enterprise team at Manchester Metropolitan
The “Hey Cane” Young Enterprise team at Manchester Metropolitan
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The Support Your Apprentices Need This e-learning module provides an introduction to mentoring for those taking on a mentoring role to support apprentices. It is interactive and thought-provoking and develops an individual’s skills and abilities in order to become a successful apprentice mentor. The workshop also supports individuals looking to develop their wider people management skills. We have developed a module containing simple, step-by-step bite-sized lessons that your learners can access at their convenience. Individuals can purchase this course now and get instant access. You’ll also get an Apprenticemakers
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As used by:
Apprenticeships at Clarion Housing Group
Clarion Housing Group is the country’s
However, Alex explains that alongside the
aimed at lone parents, which is specifically
largest
over
challenges of his job come great rewards;
about how to set up your own business up if
125,000 properties nationwide. Through its
housing
association,
last year Clarion celebrated starting their
you have to work from home – so it’s dealing
partnership with the IOEE’s Apprenticemakers
750th apprentice, and they are currently
with such things as school run issues, finances
programme, Clarion helps people to access
working hard towards their ambition to reach
and accounting, and how to put a business
employment
and
training
with
opportunities
a milestone 1000th apprenticeship: Alex
plan
through its charitable foundation, Clarion
says: “The rewards are massive, particularly
programme has enabled Clarion Futures to
together.”
The
Apprenticemakers
Futures. Alex Dean is Clarion’s National
around apprenticeships, because you’re
deliver sustainable training and industry-
Apprenticeship Manager, and this month we
not just giving someone a job, but you’re
recognised qualifications, and the positive
caught up with him to talk about how giving
starting their career. When we look back at
results have impacted not only those directly
people the best start in work can change
some of our case studies it’s amazing to see
involved in the programme, but the wider
their lives as well as their careers.
how far people have come. Some of those
business too.
people started with us at a Level 2 or Level 3 The IOEE’s Apprenticemakers programme
position, and now they’re in a management
Alex says: “Partnering with Apprenticemakers
works closely with a variety of organisations
role. Creating career pathways and actively
has allowed us to launch the programme with
to build and strengthen apprenticeship
supporting progression forms a key part of
real momentum, and delivering this quality
programmes. It provides a range of support
our mentoring programme. As a housing
of service has ultimately had a very positive
and services, from workshops, training and
association, if you’re developing a career for
ripple effect throughout the business. We
accredited qualifications for apprentices
tenants and residents, you’re actually helping
also recently launched our Clarion Futures
themselves,
that community at large.
Mentoring Programme to support and
to
mentoring
training
for
the individuals who are supporting such
develop our internal apprentices. Being one
apprentices. Having been with Clarion for
In certain areas where we might have
of the largest housing associations in Europe,
six years, Alex recently stepped into this new
such
behavioural
we were keen to ensure that the programme
role of National Apprenticeship Manager
issues, helping to move those people into
not only had national coverage, but also that
in June of last year, and he is ambitious,
employment and away from minimum wage
the learning was standardised across the
determined and passionate about helping
and earn good money and have a career –
group to ensure each and every apprentice
people to kick-start their careers.
the effects can be huge. It’s not just about
received the same high standard of support,
things
as
antisocial
employment; you’re actually helping people
whether the apprentice worked in property
always
to get themselves a better start in life.
services or finance.
a big push to try and take on more
Sometimes you have whole families who
apprenticeships, and that’s always a battle,
haven’t worked, and you can change the
“We
because recruitment managers, with the best
lives of a whole family.” This compassion
wills in the world, often want someone to just
and understanding for people’s personal and
come in and do the job – which is, of course,
professional lives uniting runs through all of
Apprenticeships as a proven and effective
not an apprentice, by the very definition
Clarion’s courses and qualifications, and Alex
way of introducing new talent into the
of an apprentice. You need additional
tells us how this has helped to secure Clarion
business, and to continuously build a strong
support, resources and training required for
Future’s strong reputation for supporting
and diverse workforce. We are proud to have
apprenticeships to be successful, and getting
people and communities.
supported 750 apprenticeship starts to date
Alex
says:
“Internally,
there’s
everything in place that you need can make
have
very
high
expectations
set
around
sustainment
and
objectives
and
apprenticeship
progression.
We
use
and are working hard to achieve hitting our
my role very challenging. On a personal
Alex says: “Needing that work-life balance
ambitious target of 1000th apprenticeships.
level, this is a brand new role created from a
is real life, and I think our approach is a bit
It will be a massive achievement, but I’ll be
merger last year, so the fact that it didn’t exist
more sustainable than some of the others
continuing to push forwards to get even
before gives me even more of a push – to not
out there, because we truly understand that
more people trained and qualified – to give
only prove the importance and success of
people need their job to work with their
them a better start in their careers that could
apprenticeships, but to prove myself too.”
personal life and vice versa. For example,
change the course of their futures.”
we’re currently delivering a course that’s
Providing enterprise, learning and skills ‘on the go’ – Developing the enterprise and employability skills of migrants in Europe We are in the middle of a growing refugee crisis that is taking place across the world. According to the latest UNHCR figures there were 68.5 million displaced people at the end of 2017 and the number is set to steadily rise. In 2015 over 1 million people made their way to the European Union as refugees, displaced people and other migrants. The economic integration of migrants is one of the key priorities of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration. There is a strong recognition amongst EU policy makers that it is crucial to empower legal migrants to develop their skills and get access to knowledge and support that can enable them to build a sustainable livelihood in their new host country. Employment is often offered as the main root for refugees to re-establish their lives. However, labour market statistics reveal that for refugees and migrants, integrating into existing labour markets is far from easy. In 2018 unemployment rates for people born outside the EU aged 20-64 was 12.2%, nearly double that of native-born EU citizens at 6.2%. The key barriers identified in a recent review on Integration of Refugees in the labour market were revealed to be language, legal restrictions, lack of social networks and knowledge about the society. A previous UK study conducted in the North East by Northumbria University identified that difficulties gaining recognition for
26 | Think Enterprise
qualifications and experience gained outside the UK act as significant and frequent barriers to migrants accessing employment. Given the many barriers for refugees and migrants seeking employment, there has been an increasing interest in entrepreneurship as a potential solution that could help to create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, assist in accessing other resources and overcome barriers. Whilst entrepreneurship can provide a potential solution and help migrants and refugees build a sustainable livelihood in their host country, there are still particular barriers within this solution too. Research conducted in the North East of England on Refugee business startups identified some of the key barriers for refugees and migrants to set up in business as • A lack of awareness of the existing business support provision, accompanied by a belief where there is an awareness that the advice is enwrapped in bureaucracy. • A lack of trust in the service • A belief that quality advice will not be obtainable from the service
• A view that advisors do not understand the culture of the person seeking the advice • Language • Racism
https://www.unhcr.org/5b27be547.pdf Peer Review on Integration of Refugees into the Labour Market, Berlin, Germany 11-12 October 2017 Vickers, T, J Clayton, H Davison, L Hudson, MA Cañadas, P Biddle, S Lilley, G Fletcher and M Chantkowski (2016) ‘New Migrants’ in the North East Workforce: Final Report. Nottingham Trent University. Davison, Hilary & Fitzgerald, Ian & Hudson, Lucinda. (2013). Refugee Business Start-ups in the North East of England: An Impossible Dream?.
• Unfamiliarity with business culture in the UK • The enterprise support service is fractured and confusing • That access to finance is problematic More recently there have been support projects that aim to address some of the issues about accessibility of services when working with refugees and migrants. These responses have been focused on using technology as part of the solution. A review of current research policies highlights that technology is increasingly being used to facilitate the integration of refugees and migrants with host communities and the labour market. The EC Action Plan (2016) on the integration of third country nationals recognises the need to harness the innovative use of technology, social media and the internet at all stages of the integration process. SFEDI is currently involved in an Erasmus Plus project which is exploring how technology can facilitate the development of enterprising, learning and skills development amongst migrants and refugees. The programme also offers a tool for vocational and educational trainers to utilise when offering training and support to migrants. SFEDI is a partner in the programme together with six other partners across Europe. The programme is set to complete this September 2019. It’s key objectives and outcomes are:-
• To develop an enterprise learning and skills curriculum to build the necessary skill sets to support the business development needs of migrants and refugees in each partner country. • To provide appropriate in-service training for VET staff to support them in delivering the bespoke new curriculum • To produce a learning resource toolbox that will support the integration objectives of VET staff and the business development needs of migrant communities • To provide a state-of-the-art on-line learning environment to support those who have completed the Enterprise Learning and Skills Curriculum training • To draft and publish a Scientific Paper that sets out current provision in partner countries, provides a series of policy recommendations based on the experiences of partners in the ON-D-GO consortium. The learning resource toolbox, an on-line tool packed with practical resources providing migrants with the key things they need to know when starting and managing a new business is complete and the ON-D-GO consortium are testing the toolbox with refugees, migrants and are in the process of training VET staff. Dissemination events are being planned with a final conference to be held in Ireland. If you are interested in learning more about the project and testing out the toolkit yourself, please visit: h t t p s : // l e a r n o n t h e g o . e u / e n / a b o u t / If you are a refugee or migrant business owner and/ or a vocational educational and training professional who would like find out more about the specifics of the project please do get in touch or explore ways to be involved please contact Leigh.sear@sfedi.co.uk
Think Enterprise | 27
Unlocking the Potential: Developing Micro Enterprise Owners & Managers The Challenges
are useful, it is worth exploring the extent to which skill-specific bite-sized courses might be more appropriate for micro business
Micro-businesses are a key part of the UK economy. They
owners (APPG for Micro-Business, 2011, p. 8).
represent 96 per cent of the business population and make a significant contribution to job and wealth creation in the UK. In 2018, micro-businesses accounted for one-third of
Learning and skills development in microbusinesses
employment and just over one-fifth of business turnover. Micro-businesses are not just small ‘large’ businesses. Whilst Given the economic importance of micro-businesses, there is a
micro, small and large businesses may have similar learning
growing evidence base as to the challenges and opportunities
and skills needs (e.g. being able to manage and lead others),
faced by the owner-managers of micro-businesses in the
the way in which micro-businesses will talk about these needs
management and development of the business. There is a lot
will be different (e.g. people as opposed to talent or human
written about challenges related to access to finance, access
resources), the specific nature of the needs will be different
to markets, the impact of late payment and the lack of a level
and the responses will need to be different.
‘playing field’ in terms regulatory and legislative compliance. There is less focus on access to skills and learning although
The Council for Excellence in Management and Leadership
recent research by the Enterprise Research Centre in 2019 has
in 2002 was one of the first reports to highlight that there
highlighted the growing importance of access of skills as a key
was a need for a different approach to supporting learning
challenge impacting upon the management and development
and skills development in micro-businesses. They suggested
of micro-businesses.
that there was a mis-match between the learning and skills needs of owner-managers and the type of provision on offer,
However, available evidence suggests that there are a number
in terms of availability, accessibility and appropriateness.
of barriers to micro-businesses accessing appropriate support
They called for education and training professionals to join
to assist in accessing the skills that are needed. For example,
the owner-manager in their life-world in order to support the
in 2011, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Micro-Business
development of demand-led learning and skills provision.
noted that: Owners of micro businesses need to be experts in marketing, accounting, sales and human resources (just to name four skills that they need to possess to be successful). Whilst running the business and performing such a wide variety of roles just to survive, it can be difficult for micro business owners to acquire the skills needed to ensure their enterprise can grow … whilst the skills courses currently offered by the government and others
28 | Think Enterprise
However, research undertaken by
demand-led learning’ which can
SFEDI as part of an Erasmus Plus
be used by owners of micro-
project (the ME2ME project) has
businesses to develop their own
identified that there is still a lack of
learning
and
skills
resources
tailored, or demand-led management and leadership support for microbusinesses
particularly
in
•
terms
A series of activities and resources for
vocational
of skill-specific bite-sized support
training
which reflects the realities of what it
support
is like to manage a micro-business.
with
The ME2ME Project
•
A
education
professionals their
and to
engagement
micro-businesses
policy
paper
highlighting
the key issues for developing The ME2ME seeks to address this
demand-led learning and skills
gap. Its overall aim is to develop
resources for micro-businesses.
a set of demand-led and tailored learning and skills resources for
Further
the
project
owners
of
micro-businesses.
information can
be
on
the
accessed
at:
https://me2meproject.eu/en/ The of
project 7
partner
consortium
consists
organisations
about/project+information/
from
seven different EU member states
In the UK, there will be an opportunity
led by INNEO (Poland). The other
for owners of micro-businesses to
partners are: Future in Perspective
learn more about the project and use
(Ireland),
the learning materials at a workshop
Innoventum
(Finland),
Kaunas Science and Technology Park
on
the
27th
June
in
would
like
more
Durham.
(Lithuania), Pandokrator (Hungary), Reintegra
(Czech
University
of
Republic)
Pitesti
and
(Romania)
If on
you the
workshop
please
details visit:
Leigh Sear Chief Executive, SFEDI Solutions
https://www.eventbrite. The the
key project
outcomes
from
co.uk/e/managing-a-micro-
will
be:
business-learning-fromothers-tickets-62231980529
•
•
A series of bite-sized learning resources which map onto the
If you would like to get involved
key needs of micro-businesses
in
An ‘introduction to developing
testing
the
contact
Leigh
468017
or
materials,
please
Sear
01325
on
leigh.sear@sfedi.co.uk.
Think Enterprise | 29
‘Enterprisingly Me’ is a monthly feature where you can follow my entrepreneurial adventures. Names have been changed to protect the innocent but everything you read really happened. I hope my story inspires you to take your first steps, or if you already have, then it lets you know you’re not on your own. Starting and running a successful business isn’t about being perfect. It’s about loving what you’re doing, learning from your mistakes and keeping the faith!
As you may remember we were in crisis talks over whether to continue to feed our latest project so it will be no surprise to you that we have decided to call it a day. We still have the product and are using it within our own business however we have decided to keep testing it out on our own customers before trying to take it out to a wider market. Feedback has been excellent but I think we underestimated how much time, effort and money it would cost to engage others in using it.
forward • Keep a close eye on the finances and don’t be afraid to pull the plug at the right time before it affects other parts of your business I always think its like feeding a slot machine and hoping at some point it will allow you to win… you need to know when to stop the feeding and walk away.
Things have gone back to some kind of normality but the problem with being an adrenalin junkie is that I’m always looking at new things to do!
Although the business is doing well I spend many sleepless nights worrying about cash flow and how to get our customers to pay on time.
I must say we all felt very despondent when making the decision to give it up but as long as we have learnt from this experience then it should make our business even stronger. Things we have learned:
Why is that some of the large businesses think its OK to make us wait for our money when we have very limited access to additional funds from our bank. Don’t get me wrong our bank is really supportive however I don’t want to pay for additional overdraft facilities or a loan to give the larger businesses the opportunity to extend their payment terms - it’s just not fair.
• Don’t assume there is a market for something without carrying out in depth research • Don’t invest in something unless you have fully considered the risks in relation to both finance and time – your time is precious particularly if you are running a small or micro business • Make sure you have involved the right people with the right skillset to drive the new business
30 | Think Enterprise
So I’ve been looking at our own systems to see if there is any way we can push things along without upsetting anyone. It’s been really useful to take some time to look to see where we might be doing things, or not doing things, which help them to delay payments. We have a number of parts of the
business that invoice our customers in different ways which include: 1. Invoices raised automatically when our customers use our automated registration system 2. Invoices raised as a result of a Purchase Order 3. Invoices raised in an ad hoc way following a request for us to delivery a piece of work 4. Requests for payments relating to project funding Although our finance manager is really good at raising invoices and requesting payment it’s clear that we need to be more assertive when agreeing payment terms to include days to pay and payment plans. This involves everyone in the business as once payment terms have been agreed the it’s difficult to get the customers buy in to change them. When agreeing payment terms we have started to consider: • The type of customer and our relationship with them • The amount the customer will be spending with us • Their financial standing • Any history of delayed payments • Our expenditure in relation to work being carried out and the timing of that expenditure in relation to the income This allows us to measure the overall risk to the business and what needs to be put in place to
manage that risk. The second aspect of keeping control of the cash flow relates to credit control. I have realised that there is also a lot to consider when chasing money. This includes: • Providing a regular update to customers to alert them when they have not paid within their payment terms • Finding the right person to speak to in the company when chasing payments • Following up all requests for payment in writing if speaking to them personally • Responding to requests for further information or copies of invoices as soon as possible • Finding a way of keeping in touch with all customers to build up a positive relationship. I find this helps when dealing with a variety of situations including managing cash flow. There are two strains that we have on the business at the moment. The first is because we have had a really positive cash flow for the past months we have let things slip a little. This is really dangerous as now that we are looking to grow, the business we are going to have more expenditure and therefore the risk of being short of money has grown. My speculate to accumulate theory could still work but I realise now that I need to be much clearer about what and who I’m speculating with if we’re going to grow this business into something we can all be proud of. Onwards and upwards and fingers crossed I’m not looking forward to too many sleepless nights unless I’m out celebrating our success! Speak soon, Me x
Think Enterprise | 31
EU Exit Business Readiness Bulletin
BREXIT We want to make it as simple as possible for business owners and the like to understand where you can go in order to understand how your business and industry will likely be affected by the UK leaving the EU. We’ve pulled together some handy links to give you some peace of mind you deserve. Firstly, here’s some updates on Regulations & Standards, Workforce & People, Importing & Exporting & More: •
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have published how companies can comply with UK accounting and reporting requirements after the UK leaves the EU: Accounting if there’s no Brexit deal
•
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have published what audit firms, auditors, and those with an audit qualification should do to prepare before the UK leaves the EU: Auditing if there’s no Brexit deal
•
The Ministry of Defence have published guidance if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, there may be changes that affect your business: The defence sector and preparing for EU Exit
•
The Department for Transport have updated what bus and coach drivers from the UK may need to do to drive in the EU and EEA if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019. Update - How to exchange a UK Driver CPC for an EU Driver CPC: Prepare to drive in the EU after Brexit: bus and coach drivers
•
The Department for Transport have updated what truck and lorry drivers from the UK may need to do to drive in the EU and EEA if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019. Update - How to exchange a UK Driver CPC for an EU Driver CPC: Prepare to drive in the EU after Brexit: lorry and goods vehicle drivers
•
The Department for Transport have updated how leaving the EU without a deal will affect rail safety and technical standards, travelling by train and running a rail service: Rail transport, safety and technical standards if there’s no Brexit deal
32 | Think Enterprise
Is your business ready?
•
The Home Office have updated the locations where you can go to get your biometric ID document scanned if you do not have an Android device with near field communication (NFC). Update - Updated list of locations: EU Settlement Scheme: ID document scanner locations
•
The Department for International Trade want to maintain continuity in the trade relationships between the UK and the CARIFORUM states. Update - References have been updated to the EU Exit date and to the number of countries who have signed the agreement: Continuing the UK’s trade relationship with CARIFORUM states: parliamentary report
•
Department for International Trade have published guidance explaining changes for UK exporters to Papua New Guinea if we leave the EU with no deal: Exporting to Papua New Guinea after EU Exit
•
Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Department for Environment, Food, & Rural Affairs published current issues related to protecting plant health and trade of plants, fruit, vegetables or plant material including Xylella fastidiosa. Update - New commodities subject to import regulation from 1 September 2019 have been added: Protecting plant health: topical issues
•
Department for International Trade have issued guidance explaining changes for UK exporters to Malta if we leave the EU with no deal: Exporting to Malta after EU Exit
•
Cabinet Office have published the third European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks statutory report detailing the progress on the development of common frameworks. Update - PDF has been made accessible: European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks report
Did you know? GOV.UK has an online tool to help businesses prepare for the UK leaving the EU. Businesses can use the Triage Tool to find out: •
What their business may need to do to prepare for the UK leaving the EU
•
What’s changing in the sector
•
Information on specific rules and regulations
Useful Links https://www.gov.uk/find-eu-exit-guidance-business https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/business-brexit-checklist https://www.gov.uk/business-uk-leaving-eu
Think Enterprise | 33
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Ruth Lowbridge appointed to Small Business Charter Management Board We are delighted to announce that Chair of SFEDI Group, Ruth Lowbridge has been appointed to the Small Business Charter Management Board. Ruth has this to say regarding her recently appointment: “I am excited to take on this new role as a member of the board and hope my experience across entrepreneurial research, training and knowledge exchange, will help build on the Small Business Charter’s past success and deliver an exciting future for the organisation. I look forward to deepening the commitment to supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship, and to providing opportunities for people to find joy in enterprise.” We very much look forward to updating all of our readers about the fantastic work Ruth will be involved in as a member of the board in the coming months and years.
SFEDI
THINK ENTERPRISE Quarter Two Vol. 28
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Think Enterprise | 37
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