A LOOSE-LEAF tea specialist has helped to stir support for budding entrepreneurs in the region following a successful start-up business venture of his own.
Tom Webb, co-director of Easy Teasy, which was originally formed as part of a Northumbria University module designed to give students a real world experience of running a company, took to the stage at the final of the Young Enterprise Start-Up event held at the Village Hotel in Newcastle yesterday (Thursday 21 April) to share his experience of setting up the business.
In 2014, the then start-up business, which is also owned by director Luci Cowie, triumphed in local and regional heats in the Young Enterprise Start-up programme, before going on to win Best Investment Proposal and Best Trade Stand awards at the national final in Manchester.
Since becoming a limited company in July 2015, the luxury brew specialist, based in central Newcastle, have delved into the new market of tea infused chocolate following a partnership with local chocolatiers The Chocolate Smiths.
Start-Up is a unique programme designed to connect students with opportunities to progress and empower them on their journey towards employment. Run at universities and further education colleges over the course of an academic year, Start-Up gives students the chance to set up their own company, as part of their studies, or in addition to them.
Tom Webb said: “It was fantastic to return to the regional final of the Young Enterprise Start-Up event and hear all about the great proposed business ventures here in the North East.
“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to speak to students looking to progress to the next stage in their business as I really believe it’s important to support and advise any budding entrepreneur of the process behind turning a business concept into a fully-fledged company, and the hardships and realities of running a start-up company.”
The event brought together a mix of business people, industry experts and advisers – who were on hand to provide advice and inspiration for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.
Start-Up companies are mentored by experienced business volunteers and this provides a vital opportunity for students to network, gain experience outside of academia and gain an insight into future careers. Start-Up ensures graduates enter the work place job-ready, building essential skills for work and a business network to help them take their first step in their career.
Denise Chapman, Start-Up and Young Enterprise Manager, said: “Tom won our regional final last year and went through to the nationals in London where he took home a number of awards.
“He truly has been an inspiration to the region and to the Start Up programme in the North East as a shining example of what the programme can do for graduates looking to start their own company.
“It was fantastic to hear Tom share his experience with the students participating this year and his input will to help inspire and encourage them that you can succeed in business in today’s ever changing climate.”
For further information on Easy Teasy and to view the product range visit http://www.easyteasy.co.uk/