My decision to study the BSc Business Economics and Finance degree at Loughborough University was influenced by several factors. I’d say the main motivator was the endorsement from my stepdad, who had attended Loughborough and told me how much he enjoyed his time here. When I had a chance to look into Loughborough I was impressed by the University's excellent ranking and teaching reputation, which really reinforced my decision.
I have a natural affinity for numbers and enjoy objective answers to questions, so finance seemed like a good fit for me. In addition, being a keen golfer, I appreciated the extensive opportunities for sport that Loughborough offered. Originally, I wanted to go to the US to study on a golf scholarship. Sadly, that didn’t work out because of COVID, but with the expansive campus and sense of community that Loughborough offered, I felt it was uniquely placed in the UK to offer that same kind of true campus experience.
Entrepreneurship has been a vital part of my university experience. In my first year, I attempted to set up a business. Although it didn’t go anywhere as an early attempt, it did teach me some valuable lessons I’ve applied in my current start-up. From second year onwards, I became heavily invested in developing my current business BidScript, where we develop software to make organisations’ bid management functions more effective and less resource intensive, with the aim of helping them win more contracts of work.
We were delighted to recently received £200k investment after taking part in PraeSeed by Praetura Ventures. That funding is going a long way to helping us scale up the business and the team, we are already seeing a huge impact.
Being a student and a founder has meant making sacrifices along the way, it’s a big time commitment, but it’s shaped my whole experience of university. I think sometimes people think that they can’t have both, but entrepreneurship can be lonely and isolating at times, with many obstacles to overcome.
However, by coming to Loughborough University, I’ve been able to tap into an amazing well of community support and the invaluable shared experiences of other entrepreneurs through the business incubator LUInc. and the Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN).
As I was already developing my business from second year, I have primarily benefited from the support provided by LUInc, which helped me navigate the challenges of leading a start-up. However, I know the University and Business School offers great support to students wanting to set up a business through programmes like LEN and the Year in Enterprise option. I participated in the £5000 pitch competition for the Santander through LEN, winning £2500. This enabled myself and my co-founder, Tyler McCarthy, to attend the WEB Summit in Lisbon, where we could showcase BidScript to key investors and industry representatives.
The LUInc network played a significant role in developing my professional network, providing connections with alumni, investors, and university partners. These relationships gave us financing opportunities and valuable advice from people who had seen and overcome the challenges that face entrepreneurs.
I believe that my time at Loughborough has significantly developed my employability and graduate prospects. I hope that BidScript continues to go from strength to strength, but whatever the future holds, the experience I’ve gained here will shape my future career. I have been inspired by the innovative ways some of the other founders in the LUInc space have leveraged their degree knowledge into their own products and businesses.
To those considering studying at Loughborough Business School, I would really emphasise embracing the opportunities available and not feeling pressured to have a clear career path mapped out from day one. There’s a lot of support offered by the school to help students discover their purpose and figure out their future careers, so enjoy your time here.
I have loved my time at Loughborough, from the day you arrive here, you feel such a strong sense of community. When you’re on campus there’s always so much going on and the facilities have everything you need. Being able to walk around when the weather is nice and see other students playing football, hosting barbeques or cheering on our sports teams makes it feel like home.