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Entrepreneur founds own company during placement year

28 November 2014

 

Entrepreneur James Drew spent time during his degree on placement with a business he set up himself, combining his studies with running his own company.

James, who graduated from the BSc (Hons) Web Development, took the highly unusual step of spending the final year of his degree working for JDrew Creations, the company he’s Managing Director of.

Originally from Wiltshire, James came to Teesside University having been attracted by the degree course.

He said: 'I really enjoyed the technical elements of the degree, particularly the programming and coding related modules. It’s really satisfying to see things happen when the codes all come together. 'And thanks to the School of Computing and their placement team, I was able to found a brand new company. With that company, I was able to source investment for, plan and carry out an exciting new web-based project.'

James’ project is now being used by various organisations and is providing further opportunities for expansion.

Since launching his company, he employs four people and has moved to new offices in Stockton’s Digital House.

JDrew Creations has also developed Ambix, an intuitive intranet which allows members of organisations to collaborate and network securely. James is now looking to take Ambix to the next level with a crowd-funding campaign, with which he hopes to raise up to £100,000 in return for 17% of shares in the company.

James developed the concept of Ambix during his degree and instead of working for a company in his third year asked the University if he could set up his own business to develop it further.

He said: 'It’s been amazingly hectic, particularly my final year, but my tutors have given me a lot of support.

'I’m massively grateful to them for allowing me to run my own business as my placement year.

'Doing a work placement is fantastic experience and now we’re in a position to offer undergraduates the chance to benefit from one.'

Jordan McCord, a Teesside student also graduating this year from the BA(Hons) Web and Multimedia Design, has been with JDrew Creations for the past year, becoming a vital member of the team.

Also working with the company on placement during his degree is Adam Hilditch, a BA(Hons) Web and Multimedia Design student.


 
 
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