Highlights included students in an "elevator" talking up their best new business proposals in a lively "elevator pitch" competition, workshops and speeches by young experienced entrepreneurs, and a networking reception with mentors and investors at the historic Roman Baths.   Nationally regarded entrepreneurs and university enterprise leaders took the stage to cover their own inspirational entrepreneurial stories of how they overcame the start-up hurdles to create success.

"Universities have a paramount role in educating the UK's enterprise generation, and entrepreneurs are a vital key to securing and strengthening the future of the UK economy," said Neil Bradshaw, Director of the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Surrey's SETsquared Partnership. "Together, the four universities are giving students the best tools for entrepreneurial success by capitalising on our collective resources and by sharing best entrepreneurial education practices, our mentor network and expert consultancy with our students.   With opportunities like Student Enterprise '05, university students will develop the skills, knowledge and networks necessary to achieve their own thriving businesses."

The free one-day National Student Enterprise Conference has been student-led and student-organised by the University of Bath Students' Union's entrepreneur club, Banter.   The SETsquared Partnership, the collaboration of the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Surrey, was the organizational sponsor of the Conference and the Roman Baths' reception.   The SETsquared Partnership generates successful enterprise and entrepreneurship in southern England by creating and supporting new technology businesses, working with the wider business community by providing access to the universities' knowledge base and mentors and equipping students with entrepreneurial education and strong business skills.