ENTERPRISE WEEK

At Bucks New University’s Enterprise Festival we had an opportunity to get practical help and information on how to start a new business, improve job prospects or get new skills to enhance our career.

There were many different and interesting events for us to attend for example; “The Game Challenge”, “Bucks Got Talent” and many others exciting shows, out from all of the events I have chosen the most interesting ;”5% Idea,95% Effort” and “ Music Event Management Showcase”. The events were places in our university, which was very convenient to us.

“5% Idea, 95% Effort” Nico Nicholas and his wife Elkie started company with chocolates in December 2007, after he become unemployed. His idea was born, when he had a small amount of money to spend for presents at Christmas for his friends and family. His budget was tight and he was thinking about the type of presents he could buy for only £7. He needed a good idea to impress his friends. To send flowers was expensive and not original.

He developed “Letter Box Chocks” by approaching a firm and what would be patentable, then they started to search for chocolates manufactures, packers, printers, etc. There are many different companies involved into such small product. They created samples and sent them to potential clients and from then they had an amazing response.

The company is growing fast. There are only tree people in the company but they are planning to employ some more. They have distribution agreements in few countries; the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Holland, Sweden, Belgium and Greece. In total 49 countries wanting rights to the product. They have just been to the US and have had an amazing response once again. The publication in Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, Yours, She Magazine, Saga magazine and also TV coverage; Building Britain’s Future, Number 10, SKY News and RTL.

Their plan is to develop that market and continue supporting and setting up European distribution. There are planning to launch different products in the future like jelly beans, toys and cosmetics.

That event has influenced me to always think positive and have eyes open for new ideas in unexpected places, for example the idea for “Letter Box Chocks” was born in the kitchen. Also it is very important to get information about different businesses, how they were established, what capital they have and what is the structure in firm; all of that information can help us to get new ideas. In my opinion these kind of events can inspire people to think more deeply about future career. I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to join the event.