13 August 2009
Having your own company is the business, according to Dundee graduate
The UK may be mired in the worst recession for a generation, but a University of Dundee graduate is bucking the economic trend by starting up not one, but two, businesses.
James Murray (22), originally from Essex, received support from the University’s Enterprise Gym incubator unit to set up his own company, Mammoth Strong Limited, and The Student Emporium, an enterprise created alongside fellow graduates.
The Student Emporium’s main product range comprises student 'starter' kits which contain everything a new student needs to help them get settled in when they start university or college. Mammoth Strong Limited acts as the Scottish agent for a number of other companies and is a UK distributor of PURELL, a hand sanitising product used in the fight against Swine Flu.
James, who graduated in June with a 2:1 degree in Transatlantic Studies and International Relations, said the current economic conditions had done nothing to dampen his desire to enter the business world.
'Given the fact that it’s harder to get anyone to part with money because of the recession, the hurdle is a little higher than it normally would be,' he said.
'Starting your own business is not for everyone - with the poor economic conditions and the added strain on your personal life - but in my opinion it’s worth it. It means you’re in control of your own future which is both scary and exhilarating!'
The Student Emporium is based at the Enterprise Gym. James explained that the business was started primarily as a hobby, but as the recession worsened and exams finished it turned into a full time job. Now the business is fully geared up for its student customers and has already received its first orders.
He has travelled across the UK to meet with prospective clients from the Higher Education sector, and also to meet with representatives of businesses who may benefit from the hand sanitiser services offered by Mammoth Strong.
James praised the Enterprise Gym for the support he has received and explained how it helped him turn the two ideas into a business reality.
'Basically, the Enterprise Gym gave me all the training I needed as my degree wasn’t aimed
towards business. They furnished me with the required business skills, and taught me how to
complete a business plan, consider finance and much more besides.'
'The six month crash course taught me a lot and offers an excellent service for students and graduates looking to set up their own company.'
The Enterprise Gym is part of the Centre for Enterprise Management at the University of Dundee. It aims to help all interested students to develop business enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.
This is done with the support of the local business community, both through financial sponsorship of events and prizes and through direct involvement in delivering the many programmed activities.
Ken Edward, Enterprise Facilitator at the University of Dundee, praised James for his endeavours,
saying, 'These companies are excellent examples of the innovation and creativity shown by students
who have worked with us in recent years.'
'We’d like to wish James all the best in his enterprise and will continue to offer support and advice where appropriate. Any students at the University looking to develop the skills required to succeed in business should get in touch to find out exactly how we can help them.'
Notes to editors:
Further information about The Student Emporium and Mammoth Strong Limited is available via the following links:
The Enterprise Gym can be found at: http://enterprise-gym.com/.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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