Supporting student start-ups
Debby Mercer, from Lampeter, is among a growing number of students across the UK who have started their own business.
Recent figures released by the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey (HE-BCI) show that 4,908 student start-ups were created at universities across the UK in 2022-23 which is 3.5% higher than the previous years. The figures apply only to those businesses who received direct support from the University and Debby received such support by staff at UWTSD’s Institute for Sustainable Practice, Innovation, Research & Enterprise (INSPIRE).
A recent graduate of the BA in Liberal Arts Debby is currently studying Enterprise Skills at UWTSD. She developed her business from her interest in knitting and spinning focussing on locally sourced and processed yarn. She works closely with local farmers and Curlew Weavers Woollen Mill to create products which showcase traditional Welsh sheep breeds. As part of this work, Debby also runs spinning and needle felting workshops in the local community.
“I have received so much support and encouragement from both staff and fellow students at UWTSD. The first needle felting workshops I held were part of my INSPIRE internship with the University’s Tir Glas initiative. The opportunity to run these workshops with support from the university helped me develop the workshops, which I am planning to hold with local schools to encourage positive conversations about wool. The fact that my yarn is 100% Welsh native breeds and locally produced has opened up opportunities so watch this space for some woolly collaborations in the future!”
The university’s Enterprise Team offers a range of support for fledgling businesses, most of which is inspired by, and designed in collaboration with entrepreneurial alumni and supported by the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Wales initiative.
The success of their work has seen the University named the UK’s top-performing higher education institution for new graduate start-ups that are still active after 3-years (894) and is also first for the number of active businesses (1,056) in the HE-BCI survey.
The survey is the main vehicle for measuring the volume and direction of interactions between UK higher education providers and business and the wider community. The University has a proud track record for its entrepreneurial and enterprise education and was awarded the Triple 3 European Entrepreneurial University of the Year 2022.
This latest prestigious ranking highlights not only the initial support students receive but the ongoing relationships that are cultivated between the University’s alumni, current students, and staff. UWTSD’s entrepreneurial graduates, who are leaders in their respective fields, generously share their expertise and experiences, creating a vibrant, supportive network that fuels continuous learning and success.
“The latest figures are more than just numbers; they reflect the heart and soul of our community,” said Professor Kathryn Penaluna, Professor of Enterprise Education, Head of Enterprise, and Director of the Institute of Creative Entrepreneurial Development (IICED) at UWTSD. “Our dedicated lecturers and professional teams do not simply launch startups; they engage in lifelong relationships with our graduates. These enduring connections not only help new businesses thrive but also bring invaluable real-world insights back to our classrooms.
“We are incredibly proud of our alumni, who contribute significantly to the university and the broader business community. With over 1,000 successful entrepreneurs connected to UWTSD, their willingness to give back and support the next generation of business leaders is truly inspiring.
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our alumni. I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all for their continued support and engagement. Their contributions are crucial in helping us maintain our leadership in business education and entrepreneurial Institute for Sustainable Practice, Innovation, Research & Enterprise (INSPIRE) success.”
UWTSD remains committed to fostering an environment where practical experience and academic knowledge intersect seamlessly, enhancing both student education and entrepreneurial outcomes.
Professor Penaluna added: “The demand for entrepreneurial skills in our graduates has never been stronger. Creative and critical thinking, flexibility to respond to challenges and opportunities, as well as understanding business and sustainability are key and help us to progress our learners’ careers in whichever field they may choose. An employee who understands the essence of a company is a valuable employee indeed.”
Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of the Swansea and Cardiff Campuses and Head of the INSPIRE:
“This is an important recognition of the dedication of our staff in supporting entrepreneurial learning and teaching, business start-ups and SMEs.
“The University’s sustained investment has seen entrepreneurship and employability principles embedded throughout the whole organisation, including its teaching, industry partnerships and research programmes.
“We have created a culture of enterprise that is engaging an increasing number of students and graduates through our innovative projects and programmes. We are also driving business engagement through collaborative research projects with industry and supporting businesses to grow and upskill.”
Further Information
Eleri Beynon
Head of Corporate Communications and PR
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07968 249335