BA (Hons) Television and Film Production graduates Luke Statter, Sam Driver and Ellie Fox were among young entrepreneurs from across the country invited to take part in a live video link-up with the Virgin boss.
And now Luke and Sam - who are behind Thousand Yard Films - are among the first North East recipients of help from a fund supporting new businesses. Virgin Money has partnered with Virgin Unite, The Northern Rock Foundation and Project North East to launch the Start-Up Loans scheme for young entrepreneurs.
Luke, who is originally from Lancashire, set up high-end film production company Thousand Yard Films around five months ago with Sam, from Prudhoe, with initial help from Teesside University’s Digital City Fellowship scheme.
Luke said: 'The Digital City scheme provided funding and great support to turn an idea into a workable business. As well as providing investment to help us get established, we also had vital mentoring and opportunities to establish contacts.
'We were then made aware of the Start-Up Loans scheme and successfully submitted a business plan. We’re able to access funding support and more importantly to us, mentoring, which is vital to developing our business. It’s brilliant to be able to work with people who are actively interested in helping to make your business a success.'
Luke feels studying at Teesside University helped to broaden his horizons and consider setting up business in the media industry. He said: 'It’s at the forefront of what students are thinking about, they’re encouraged to think about the future ahead of completing the degree.'
Thousand Yard Films received the Start-Up Loan at a launch hosted by Sir Tom Shebbeare, Chairman of Virgin Money Giving. Sir Tom had previously visited Teesside University with Mark Selby, of Virgin Money and Richard Clark of Project North East, where they were shown around the University’s Digital City Innovation incubation units which help students and graduates launch fledgling businesses.
Praising Teesside University’s work with young entrepreneurs, Sir Tom said: 'How invigorating it was to be amongst so many exciting, vibrant, positive young people. Every university should support young businesses in the way Teesside does.'
Teesside University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Business Engagement) Professor Cliff Hardcastle, said: 'Teesside University is widely recognised for its success in helping students turn great ideas into businesses. Driving excellence in enterprise, nurturing entrepreneurship and inspiring success is at the heart of our mission as a leading, business-engaged University.'
Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money, said: 'This is fantastic news for the region and a great opportunity for any young person with a brilliant business idea. This scheme gives access to start-up funding, at a time when it might otherwise be difficult and will allow successful applicants to take those all-important first steps into the world of business.'
Luke, Sam and fellow Teesside University graduate Ellie Fox, were among young entrepreneurs who took part in a recent webchat with Richard Branson, organised as part of global entrepreneurship week.
Ellie, who is originally from Lincoln, is launching retail clothing business Ticky Turner. She said: 'I received great support from Teesside University, along with help and advice to write a business plan, which really helped me in terms of pitching my business idea. What I enjoyed most about the degree was the level of help and understanding we received from our lecturers and the freedom we got to make our own work.'
Mick Stockton, Principal Lecturer in Business Engagement in Teesside University’s School of Arts & Media, said: 'An inherent part of our teaching is encouraging students to think ahead to life after graduation and the University offers a wealth of advice for support for those students aiming to turn innovative business ideas into reality.'
Find out more about the Start-Up Loans.