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Who wants to be an entrepreneur 2022
South Essex College was once again on the hunt for the next big business idea.
After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the enrichment team launched its ‘who wants to be an entrepreneur?’ competition for students to pitch their business ideas.
Ten finalists were selected and it was Chloe Wade and Mitchell Powell from Level 3 Business who were crowned the winners of this year’s competition.
Chloe presented the idea of a wheat straw phone case that was 100% biodegradable with a fashionable edge. Chloe tailored to an affluent consumer and was praised on her sustainable approach in her presentation to the judges.
She said: “I am very grateful for having the opportunity to take part in this competition, and one day I really will be an entrepreneur with big goals and passions! Go green.”
Mitchell presented his own fashion brand, Off-Lock. His brand followed a back story about his own personal journey to individuality, with the message for the brand about positivity and unlocking your true self.
He said: “I was thrilled to win as the competition was suggested to me last minute after I showed my teacher my clothing brand idea. When I got the email that I had won, I was at home and I instantly called my family who were super proud of my achievements.
“I really want to pursue my clothing brand idea as I am already happy with what I've come up with and I want to spread the positive message around in hopes that everyone will feel they can be who they really want to be.”
Katherine Taylor, Enrichment Associate was impressed with the student's presentations and their small business ideas this year.
She said: “They were full of amazing entrepreneurial talent and it was very difficult to decide on the overall winners. The knowledge and skills shown by them all was fantastic and inspiring."
Both winner received vouchers, as well as business mentoring, to help get their vision off the ground.
Steve Newman, Curriculum Manager for Business and Enterprise said: “It is fantastic to see both Chloe and Mitchell recognised for their entrepreneurial talents, we have had some real success stories with past winners who continue to trade and be successful in the world of business thanks to the skills honed during their time with us.
“We look forward with excitement to hear about their future achievements and who knows, they may return to us in a few years’ time as an investor sitting on the panel”.
You can find more on Mitchell’s business on his TikTok: @Off.Lock
For more information on Chloe’s business visit her Instagram: @environmentcase
For more information on the Business and Enterprise courses visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/business-administration-management
Success stories
My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics
South Essex College Group student, Chloe Wade, has been accepted as an Apprentice Marketing Executive for the BBC in White City.
Chloe is currently studying Level 3 Interactive Digital Media. She previously studied business at the college before swapping over to the Digital Media course. Other colleges didn’t supply the course she was looking for, and she felt that South Essex College Group provided the perfect environment and location to suit her needs.
Chloe applied for the apprentice position on Boxing day in December 2022 after finding the advert on Indeed. The interview process took six months and there were six different stages of the interview. Originally, there was supposed to be only five stages, however towards the end on the interview process it was whittled down to Chloe and another candidate so the BBC added an extra interview on top. The role is for a Marketing Executive Level 4 for 18 months, as well as being full-time with one day-a-week apprentice study through the online external provider.
When asked about the support from tutors, Chloe said: “They were all so encouraging, as each stage went on I informed my tutors. Darren who teachers audience theory, was so interested and excited, he was helping me prepare for everything and teaching me certain areas such as core values to put me ahead of everyone. They were so supportive, and I don’t think I would of got this far without their help.”
Chloe enjoys the flexibility at the college and secured work experience at which she created content for a zen and holistic company. She said: “The college offers such a variety of courses and freedom.
“The courses are structured, but you get freedom as well, for example for my final project I chose to rebrand a cosmetic palette, where as another student created a music video. You all have the same criteria but freedom too. If you are worried, try it and give it a shot, the opportunities here are so wide.”
She added: “My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics. My work recognised given me a boost. I work really hard and I’m so proud of how far I have come. The college appreciates you as an individual and gives you praise when you do work really hard.”
Chloe hopes to have her own business one day, in marketing, doing social media and content creating. As well as hoping to study Level 5 and 6 at the BBC.
Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”
South Essex College student Ethan Khumalo, 20, from Southend on Sea has taken part in a BBC documentary series ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’, which is presented by wildlife expert Chris Packham who himself lives with autism.
Ethan studies Games Design at the college’s Centre for Digital technologies in Basildon and has progressed from a Level 2 course through to currently studying for a degree. Ethan was asked to participate through his involvement in the Anna Kennedy Online charity which aims to raise autism awareness.
Ethan said that he enjoyed the whole filming process and that Chris Packham was really down-to-earth. He commented: “I learned a lot about how TV crews work and really got along with Chris. I am really excited about the show.”
Talking of his autism, Ethan explained that he prepared in advance before attempting his studies. He said: “With autism and other mental health issues preparation makes you feel more comfortable and you have to make the best of your abilities. You have good days and bad days the same as anyone but personally, If I have moments where it doesn’t go so well, music helps me.”
Ethan’s tutor, Rama Maccha said: Ethan is a dedicated and committed student who never misses a deadline. He is wonderful with sound and has helped younger students with their projects.”
Rathi Raman, the Head Basildon Town Centre Campus (BTC) would like to thank all the staff and students who volunteered to take part in this filming, and to the Estates team at Basildon Campus for providing hospitality to Chris Peckham and the BBC crew on the day of filming.
Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”
To watch the episode, follow the below link:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001jgbw/inside-our-autistic-minds-series-1-episode-2
For more information on the Anna Kennedy charity, visit the below:
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
