Business Talks: University of Portsmouth celebrates Business Consultancy Award winners

Traditionally there’s not much to look forward to in February, with the exception of Pancake Day. However, we’re changing all that with some good news stories and great ways to find out more about how you can work with us. Move over maple syrup, we have the sweetest events in town!
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Published 1st Feb 2024, 07:00 GMT
Andy Bullock, Director at AX Studio (Back centre) and Kim Avecilla-Guzman (centre right) and Xel Bullock (centre left) from AX Studio with with team #1 Consultancy students (l-r) Ernest Turay, Jack Hayward, Joshua Fearon and Bianca David. Picture – suppliedAndy Bullock, Director at AX Studio (Back centre) and Kim Avecilla-Guzman (centre right) and Xel Bullock (centre left) from AX Studio with with team #1 Consultancy students (l-r) Ernest Turay, Jack Hayward, Joshua Fearon and Bianca David. Picture – supplied
Andy Bullock, Director at AX Studio (Back centre) and Kim Avecilla-Guzman (centre right) and Xel Bullock (centre left) from AX Studio with with team #1 Consultancy students (l-r) Ernest Turay, Jack Hayward, Joshua Fearon and Bianca David. Picture – supplied

Last Thursday, we celebrated the hard work and successes of this year’s Business Consultancy Project (BCP) students and clients.

Our Business Consultancy Projects see local businesses use the expertise of our students to develop their business, and our students gain invaluable real-world experience. This year, clients had the opportunity to nominate their students for one of three awards:

– Outstanding Leadership

– Outstanding Collaboration

– The Peter Wainwright Award for Outstanding Impact

This last award is named after University of Portsmouth lecturer Peter Wainwright, who led the BCP programme for many years and sadly passed away at the start of the academic year.

The winner of the Peter Wainwright Awards for Outstanding Impact was Bianca David, Joshua Fearon, Jack Hayward, and Ernest Turay from Team #1 Consultancy. The team worked with Andy Bullock, Director at AX Studio.

Andy Bullock said: “We applied for BCP as a nice local initiative to get involved with but came away with far much more. #1 Consultancy was made up of students who were gifted, dedicated and good fun, both as individuals and as a team. We will definitely be applying their recommendations to the next steps of our business and also hope to join BCP again next year!”

The winner of the Outstanding Collaboration Award was Sean Chizwina, Trisha Gob, Oliver Brimble, and Dan Stoddart from Team Dota. The team worked with Southsea Community Cinema and went above and beyond to support this local venue, even hosting a Die Hard with mince pies event for Christmas.

The winner of the Outstanding Leadership award was Mark Grey, nominated for leading team Zesty who worked with Annette Johansson-Steed, Projects Officer at Ryde Town Council.

Annette Johansson-Steed said: “Team Zesty truly left a lasting impression on us with the sheer depth and calibre of their research efforts. Their presentation of findings not only exceeded our expectations but also provided invaluable insights that we plan to integrate into our project presentations and grant applications, propelling our project forward. We are thoroughly impressed with their dedication and competence, and we couldn't be happier that they received well-deserved recognition at the Business Consultancy Awards ceremony. With such exceptional work ethic and talent, it's clear that Team Zesty has a promising future ahead, and we extend our best wishes for their continued success.”

The Outstanding Leadership Award was sponsored by Faculty Advisory Board Chair and Entrepreneur in Residence, Anne Stevens. Anne is also Council Director for Global Business Women Leaders, Global Chief Human Resources Officer and European HR Executive with The Conference Board in Europe. She is a Board Mentor for Criticaleye and sits on several charity boards.

Find out more about the BCP Awards at https://www.port.ac.uk/bcp

Female Entrepreneurs Network

The Female Entrepreneurs Network is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and is holding a celebratory event on Friday 8 March, which is International Women’s Day.

The keynote speaker will be the University's Chancellor Karen Blackett OBE, who will be reflecting on how empowering women changes the business world for good and how the women in her life have supported and guided her.

Not only are women entrepreneurs welcome to attend but also anyone who supports and celebrates women business owners, freelancers and aspiring business owners.

For more information and to book your free ticket, click here.

Make our students your business

Join us on Tuesday 20 February to learn how our students can bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to your organisation. Explore how our Placement programs, student consultancy projects, Government-subsidised graduate recruitment and student-led advice clinics, can support your business and provide invaluable real-world experience for our students.

Hear from the students who've been working with local companies, and the businesses who've benefited from the knowledge, energy, and creativity our students can inject into your projects.

This event is part of Portsmouth and South Coast Business week, a week-long festival of free activity supporting and championing the region.