Plymouth Enterprise Week puts spotlight on support for entrepreneurship

A series of events across the University and beyond is offering students and the local business community a chance to gain new skills, knowledge and contacts.

Plymouth Enterprise Week is organised by the University’s Careers and Employability team, with support from a range of local partners. Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, encouraging young people around the world to explore their potential as entrepreneurs and innovators, this year’s events include the first ever #LinkedIn Local in Plymouth.

Running from Monday 12 to Friday 16 November, the week aims to celebrate enterprise, business growth and new ideas in the University, the city and beyond. The majority of events are free to attend and are open to everyone.

This year’s line-up includes a series of workshops from Google on social media, digital marketing and using data insights in business. Workshops are also taking place on setting up your own business, funding support, intellectual property and the power of your personal brand.

Networking opportunities include a Monday morning business breakfast and Make It Your Business, an event for female entrepreneurs, as well as #LinkedIn Local.

University Careers Consultant Mark Beresford has led the organisation of Plymouth Enterprise Week 2018. He said:

“The University and its partners have once again put together an exciting programme of events and activities to suit a range of audiences. Plymouth Enterprise Week is something we encourage our students to get involved in every year, as it is a really good chance to learn and develop the skills needed to excel in business and in life, as well as meet other professionals and build a professional network.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped contribute to the week, a great range of partners have got involved this year to celebrate enterprise, and support professional development and business growth.”

Supported by University partner Santander Universities, #LinkedIn Local is an opportunity to connect to the people behind the profiles in an informal business context. It is free to attend and open to all local professionals, businesses and University students – as long as you’re on LinkedIn.

With this year’s Santander Internships scheme to be launched at LinkedIn Local, Plymouth Enterprise Week showcases the University’s support for entrepreneurship and employability among students and alumni, as well as its links with the business community. Much of this is made possible thanks to the partnership with Santander, which also sponsors the Formation Zone Business Challenge, the annual business plan competition run by the University’s award-winning business start-up service.

The University is grateful to the partners who have contributed to Plymouth Enterprise Week 2018: Google, Devon Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth Business School, Sorella Consultancy, Momentum South West, Get Set Growth, Formation Zone, 28 Quest, Plymouth PatLIB, Impress for Success, Make It Your Business and Real Ideas Organisation.