Teesside University paved business partners’ path to success
Business partners Ryan Prior and Jonathan Hutton attribute much of their success to studying at Teesside University.
The pair, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Business Management this summer, run two successful businesses – digital marketing & website design service Globe Digital, while Mello Cleaning caters for clients closer to home.
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Ryan and Jonathan launched Mello during the final year of their studies, after spotting a gap in the way many cleaning businesses were promoting their services.
Ryan, 21, of Ingleby Barwick, said: 'There are a lot of cleaning businesses, but few offer basics such as online bookings and payment through their websites. It’s a simple idea, which we have been able to leverage by drawing from our online marketing knowledge and expertise.'
Jonathan, 21, of Aycliffe Village, added: 'I liked that the degree was really hands-on with plenty of networking opportunities. We were taught by people who have actually worked in business and bring their own personal experience.
'I didn’t have a clear career path when I was younger, but the business management degree really helped to offer direction as it provides students with the skills needed to take their career along many different routes. The placements and networking opportunities are brilliant.'
Having set up Mello while still students as their business evolved from a degree project, they founded Globe Digital after both graduating earlier this year.
I didn’t have a clear career path when I was younger, but the business management degree really helped to offer direction as it provides students with the skills needed to take their career along many different routes
Jonathan added: 'We developed Mello during the degree and now have a small and growing team. We launched Globe just as we were completing the degree and now have clients across the world, including the United States and Europe.'
Ryan said his involvement in voluntary work while studying for his degree also provided him with a solid grounding in how organisations work. He completed 400 volunteer hours through the University’s Volun-tees scheme, which matches students wanting to volunteer with a range of charities and organisations.
Ryan said: 'One of my main roles as a volunteer was as treasurer with Middlesbrough Sea Cadets. Becoming a charity trustee provides great experience in how organisations are managed.
'I learned a lot through volunteering, from role specific responsibilities such as looking after the finances and bidding for funding to developing skills in communicating with different people.
'My time as a volunteer varied from helping adult learners studying maths to networking with business professionals at fundraising events. It really unlocked a whole new world for me, helping the contacts which could lead to business opportunities.'
The deadline for UCAS applications is fast approaching and for students considering coming to Teesside, now is the time to make your choice.
