Newham College’s Centre for Innovation and Partnerships (CIPs) and business-led entrepreneurship organisation Enterprise UK teamed up last week in a mission to try and engage not only our students, but the local community too, with enterprise and success.

Eryca Freemantle inspires budding entrepreneurs

Throughout the event in a series of free talks and panels hosted inside the Women’s Business Centre, the emphasis was very much on innovation and striving for professional development. Gérard Jones of the Gérard School of Football spoke passionately about his entrepreneurial flair and the benefit of being able to seize opportunities. Over 100 students filled the centre and listened to how at just 20 years old, Gérard has already partnered with some of the most creative and profitable companies within his industry.

Speaking afterwards he said, “Today’s event is a brilliant opportunity for students to gain access to all different skills. Everyone seemed to take what was being said on board, and I’m glad my positive messages seem to get across to the people watching my talk. Several people came up to me afterwards telling me how thankful they were, and that was very rewarding. I think they should encourage enterprise and entrepreneurship in every college. I’m sure if this was a regular event the attendance would only increase further. These kinds of events should be made mandatory”.

Later in the day, in an inventive new way to get students to interact, an entire room engaged in the ‘Speed Networking’ experience. Intended to allow students to express their ideas and gauge other students’ talents, it was a perfect opportunity to bring together some of the keenest young minds in Newham. Peter Harvey, Chairman of Newham Chamber of Commerce then launched Newham’s first ever Young Chamber, receiving dozens of suggestions on what it could offer the students.

Kate Fredericks from Enterprise UK said, “We had a fantastic response to the speed networking. It was incredible to see the students vocalise their ideas. Everyone was very enthusiastic and it I’m glad it was organised so well. It is vital that people learn how to communicate and exchange plans”.

Its networking time: Students swap ideas

Other speakers included Philanthropist of the Year 2009 Paul Barry-Walsh, who commented afterwards, “I was here today to hopefully light a spark of inspiration that will alight and with a bit of luck turn into many a successful business. I’ve fallen down, but it’s about picking yourself up again and thinking forward. It’s a pleasure to be here and see so many attentive people. It’s events like this which keep enterprise flourishing”.

The event’s aim was to demonstrate that even in times of recession, there are still many entrepreneurial opportunities out there; and this was epitomised brilliantly by Eryca Freemantle. Not just a make up artist; but a very successful business woman in her own right. Exuding confidence and strength, Eryca has been a pioneer in the beauty industry for over 20 years and her talk was without doubt one of the highlights of the day.

Speaking after she said, “If one person becomes a success unto themselves today, then my job here was successful. Some young people don’t recognise the chance and opportunity they have around them, and yet the students here were passionate and keen to learn. Business is about facing your fear, feeling the fear, and doing it anyway. Today’s event embodied that determined and outward thinking attitude that people need to make it in industry today; and I think it was a roaring success.”

Gerard Jones addresses students

In an entire day that started at 1PM and finished at 8PM, over 200 participants were involved. Deemed as a fantastic accomplishment by all involved, Andrew Mitchell, the Marketing Manager for CIPs concluded “Yet again, Newham College has demonstrated how focused it is on developing enterprise skills for our students and businesses. We are delighted that Newham Chamber of Commerce chose today to launch their Young Chamber and we look forward to many more successful initiatives with Enterprise UK.”

Legendary tailor Timothy Everest came to speak to Newham College’s Bespoke Tailoring students on Thursday 10th December. As one of the architects and leading practitioners of the New Bespoke Movement, Timothy Everest has spent the past decade introducing a new generation of men and women to the joys of handmade clothing.

During his time with the students he spoke at length about his spellbinding career, with topics ranging from his association with ‘Cool Britannia’ to his work for Mick Jagger, The Prime Minister and the England football team amongst others. Stressing the importance of baring in mind the end consumer, he offered several pearls of wisdom regarding the significance of potential audiences and actually creating a commercial model.

Bespoke Tailing Pre-Apprentice Alex Fowler said afterwards, “I thought it was brilliant. It was fascinating hearing a different point of view and hearing him talk about looking at the industry differently. So far we’ve learnt about traditional craft skills and hearing him speak was inspirational on all several levels"

Timothy emphasised “learn what you’re good at, that’s important. Be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them”.

His apprenticeship with Tommy Nutter (legendary tailor to the Beatles and The Rolling Stones) has enabled him to side step the stuffiness of Savile Row whilst employing its peerless standards of craftsmanship. Everest stresses individuality over the dictates of high fashion, whilst bringing a designer eye to bear on invigorated, contemporary tailoring.

Speaking afterwards he said “I was very much taken aback today. By not only the atmosphere but the set up and the way the students learn. The bespoke tailoring course is definitely one of the most professional I have seen. It’s really made an impression on me, and made me start thinking about many crystallized ideas”

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Want to know more? Book onto our next event? Thursday 10 December 2009 8.00am - 9.30am (continental breakfast provided) At the Discovery Lab, Newham College, High Street South London E6 6ER

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