Start-up Services
The Student Enterprise Strategy at the University of Leeds.
It is clear and well proven that students can be taught entrepreneurial skills if they are given the opportunities to try, fail, learn and try again. Indeed most of those who “have it in them” still need to try, fail learn and try again and it is the role of the enterprise offering at the University of Leeds to provide these opportunities in a safe, secure environment before they experience the world of commerce and business.
Discover
This is a new development and a key element to the success of student enterprise at Leeds. “Discover” brings enterprise to the whole campus, not just to those who deliberately seek out the levels of support on offer. Its aim is to provide a wide range of opportunities for all students to engage in some form of enterprise activity, to allow existing Spark supported businesses the chance to give back in a hands-on practical way through coaching or mentoring, and to develop a campus with an entrepreneurial mindset. Already we have introduced the Business Simulation Challenge, the Freelancer Programme and additional specialist workshops. Next semester will see the launch of the Earthshot Entrepreneurs Club, mini business bootcamps in faculties, hackathons, innovation sprints and learning lunches. Plans for outreach and WP support as well as a sandpit programme are being developed. “Discover” is a co-curricular programme.
Spark is the name for the business start up service based in Nexus. The dedicated Spark team ensures you receive the most up to date information and continuing support through your entrepreneurial journey from initial ideas to start up, growth and beyond.
The Spark Team
Sophie Turner - Student Enterprise Officer
Email: s.m.turner@leeds.ac.uk
Angela Archer - Spark Project Officer
Email: a.m.archer@leeds.ac.uk
Matthew Preston - Pre-Start Business Advisor
Email: m.preston@leeds.ac.uk
Kairen Skelley - Head of Business Start-Up
Email: k.skelley@leeds.ac.uk
Brian Baillie - Student Business and Incubation Manager
Email: b.r.baillie@leeds.ac.uk
In addition to our full-time Spark team, we also have links with a range of specialist external advisers including solicitors, accountants, intellectual property (IP) experts, marketing and business mentors to give you and your business all the help you need.
MSc Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme
The MSc Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme is run by the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies:
Develop an understanding of enterprise on a global scale, and gain skills and knowledge to start, develop and manage your own business and to effectively exploit business opportunities.
For more detailed information about the programme, visit the Centre For Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Apply online via the business school website