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Cornwall’s graduate entrepreneurs urged to be “the building blocks of a robust Cornish economy.”
27.02.12
Allyson Glover is Programme Director for Unlocking Cornish Potential and Unlocking Potential. She urges anyone who has the spark of an idea to come forward:
"It doesn’t matter if it’s only an idea on the back of a napkin, if you have a fully worked-out business plan but haven’t yet taken the plunge or even if you have been trading for 12 months or less, we can potentially help you at whatever stage of your enterprising journey. Apply now for this upcoming Open Day and we’ll help you to start those important early conversations on how to turn your ideas into reality."
More than 40 graduates have already enjoyed a generous 12 month support package as they launch their own businesses in Cornwall. Plymouth University graduate Mark Robinson set up Möbius with business partner and fellow Plymouth graduate, Rupert Lorraine. Möbius is a dynamic new brand for competitive sailing enthusiasts looking to gain an edge on the water. He has this advice for graduates wondering whether to apply for the UCP Graduate start Up Programme:
"Starting a business is a very lonely road and having support and others in the same situation around you helps to motivate you to achieve your professional goals and keep going. The funding allowed me to work full time on project; mentoring gave us the opportunity to work with leading industry experts in fashion and graphic design, plus working with our UCP Business Development Manager has opened up a whole contact network."
Graduates who are interested can find out more about eligibility and the recruitment process by downloading the Start Up Start Pack.
Further information
Jodie Hyatt
UCP - Marketing, Communications & Events Officer
01209 617664 / jodie.hyatt@cornwall.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) is the Combined Universities in Cornwall’s (CUC) graduate placement programme, which helps to create graduate level jobs in the county and support growing Cornish businesses. Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) is a CUC partnership project, managed by Cornwall College and supported by European Social Fund Convergence. For more information visit www.unlockingcornishpotential.co.uk or call Jodie Hyatt on 01209 617664.
Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) is a partnership of universities and colleges working together to create new opportunities for people and businesses to realize their potential in Cornwall. The CUC partners are the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, University College Falmouth, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cornwall College and Truro & Penwith College.
The CUC initiative has received European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund investment as part of the Convergence Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. CUC has also been supported by the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Facts and Figures
- UCP has supported over 600 businesses since its inception in 2004
- Over 800 new graduate level jobs have been created
- Over 80% of graduates undertaking a 12 month UCP project remain with their companies after the project has ended
- The graduate placement scheme is unique to Cornwall and has helped to increase graduate level salaries in the county – the minimum starting salary for businesses employing graduates through the programme is £16,000, although average salaries for graduates participating is £20,270
