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Bristol students launched into the world of business

Press release issued: 18 November 2004

An exciting new initiative has been launched at the University of Bristol to invest in and develop bright ideas for new businesses proposed by students. BUBA, Bristol University Business Angels, is a student run company with up to £30,000 worth of financial support from the University of Bristol.

An exciting new initiative has been launched at the University of Bristol to invest in and develop bright ideas for new businesses proposed by students.  Bristol University Business Angels (BUBA) is a student run company with up to £30,000 worth of financial support from the University of Bristol. 

Currently managed by five students, the company will not only be a launching pad for fellow students’ ideas but will also help them to develop the necessary commercial skills to turn their idea into a success. It provides a unique opportunity for students to run their own business, offering a genuine ‘real-life’ experience.

Founding member and third year economics student Frank Hammerschmidt states: “Being involved in Bristol University Business Angels provides a rare insight into the world of investment, consultancy and young start-up companies.”

BUBA offers business experience to students from all disciplines, encouraging participation from those studying anything from engineering to the arts.  “My degree is not in business, but I found that I cannot help making up business plans in my mind” comments board member Mingke Luo, a postgraduate student from the Politics department.  “It has always troubled me that, until now, there was little chance to realize them.  Now, with the help of BUBA, I’m doing it.”

BUBA benefits from significant support from the University’s division of Research & Enterprise Development (RED). James Barlow, from RED, has seen the idea come a long way since it was first suggested in October: “I’ve been blown away by the way the founders have taken this initiative forward. I have little doubt that they will make a success of this venture. Everything from the company’s operating structure, branding and website has been developed by the founders in the past six weeks. It’s a fantastic achievement.”

If the Bristol initiative is a success, then many new businesses could be established by young students in the South West.  There could also be a number of similar projects springing up at universities around the UK.  One of the University of Bristol’s enterprise partners, the University of Surrey, has already expressed an interest in replicating the project in the South East.
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