News

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Business awards beckon for university and graduate

Nottingham Trent University and one of its enterprising graduates are in the running for a host of awards in the prestigious Midlands Business Awards 2009.

The university has been short listed in the Midlands Enterprising University of the Year category and will be vying against the University of Nottingham and Coventry University.

Graduate Kawsar Miah, based at Nottingham Trent University’s own enterprise development unit, The Hive, could take away a hat-trick of awards after being short listed for the Entrepreneur, Young Entrepreneur and Business Person awards.

Kawsar set up his own wholesale electronics business, Digicom Solutions, while taking part in the Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education (SPEED) programme within The Hive. In the first year of business Digicom turned over in excess of £1 million and now employs eight people. The business is also set to expand with the launch of furniture wholesale division, Digihome Solutions.

Kawsar said: “I’m extremely proud of how Digicom Solutions has gone from strength to strength so it’s very exciting to be nominated for these high profile business awards. I’m also pleased that the university is in the running for the enterprise award because it’s an excellent environment for entrepreneurs. The Hive is a very valuable resource and has given me all the support and security I felt I needed, as well as the fact that there are other entrepreneurs around the university who provide an excellent network to discuss business ideas.”

Chris Hall, Hive business manager, commented: “We work hard to ensure that enterprise is embedded across the curriculum at Nottingham Trent University and this shows in the fact that we are one of the top universities in the country for graduate employment, with many also going on to set up their own businesses.”

There were nearly 200 entrants for the awards, which are now in their third year. The winners will receive their awards in the presence of Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham at a gala dinner at the NEC Metropole Hotel in Birmingham on Friday 30 January.

ENDS

Notes for editors:
Press enquiries please contact: Helen Fitzpatrick, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8751, or via email: helen.fitzpatrick@ntu.ac.uk; or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk