The banks have had a bit of a kicking over the past few years. However, let’s be fair and look at some of the great things they are doing. Earlier in the week I was fortunate enough to judge and speak at the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards – an initiative designed to seek out the best university students and graduate entrepreneurial talent. It was an inspiration to listen to young people with ideas and the motivation to build a business rather than go down the traditional route of trying to find a job.
Universities have an important role to play in preparing individuals for the next stage of their career, equipping them with the ability to write a 5,000 word dissertation is just not enough. Conditioning graduates to consider the option of setting up their own business is vital – is it any riskier than trying to find a job? probably not!
The young entrepreneurs I met, had ideas, put them on paper and then rolled them out – they were generating revenue and jobs. The winner of the Best Enterprise, Adam Soliman of Charbrew was a top lad, his head in the right place. The Best Start up – Peter Van Neste of Stagetex had a clear handle on his sector and the finances of his company.
The reality was, all of the finalists were high performers and an inspiration to other graduates, more specifically the finalists :
-had clarity of what they wanted to achieve
-were innovative and displayed an edge
-displayed the invisible forces of passion, hunger and determination
-lived in their customers world
-had a grip on the importance of finances
The finalists must be showcased – they are role models and an example of what can be achieved if you just get your head around the idea of being your own boss. Come on universities wake up – Lloyds TSB, great, you have clocked the potential of graduates and their ability to create and generate wealth!
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