About the event
Join our panel of alumni entrepreneurs as they discuss their experiences of building a successful business, and share their advice for those looking to start and grow their own businesses.
There will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and network over refreshments.
Students attending can earn points for the Westminster Employability Award, and level 4 and level 5 students who attend can count this towards work-based learning hours.
This event is part of the What it Takes alumni speaker event series, run by the Alumni Relations Office at the University of Westminster. This event is organised in collaboration with Westminster Enterprise Network.
Location
About the speakers
Arjun Talwar, Founder, Bervera Foods Limited (Marketing Communications MSc, 2022)
Arjun Talwar is a Marketing Communications graduate and a dynamic entrepreneur, currently building his second soft drinks company in 2025. As the Founder of Bervera Foods Limited, Arjun has established a brand celebrated for its health-focused, innovative approach to beverages.
Since its launch in 2023, Bervera has gained recognition for its flagship coconut water, earning accolades such as Amazon’s Choice and delighting health-conscious consumers. Arjun’s leadership and vision have driven the brand’s rapid growth and industry recognition, including features in Hello Yummy Box and participation in key trade events like the IFE and Lunch Shows.
With a focus on creating high-quality, sustainable products, Arjun continues to lead the way in redefining the beverage industry.
Christine Kulbas, Founder, MOMA (International Marketing BA, 2019)
Christine, a BA International Marketing graduate (2019) from Westminster, is the founder of MOMA Marketing Agency. Before launching her own business, she built a 4-year career as Head of Marketing at FintechCashier, gaining invaluable experience in the fast-paced fintech industry. Prior to that, Christine gained hands-on experience in the beauty and hospitality industries, sharpening her skills in branding, social media, and business strategy across different sectors.
Christine will share her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, offering insights on choosing the right path, key steps to launching a business, and the risks and rewards of going solo. She’ll also share honest advice, lessons learned, and the resources you need to succeed.
Lucy Spicer, Psychological Coach, Founder of The Lucy Spicer Practice (LSP) and Host of The Journal with Lucy Spicer podcast (Psychology MSc, 2014)
Lucy is an MSc Psychology graduate (2014), Psychological Coach, Founder of The Lucy Spicer Practice (LSP) and Host of The Journal with Lucy Spicer podcast. With over a decade of experience, Lucy has supported thousands of clients within specialist psychological services in both the NHS and private sectors.
Certified and highly trusted, Lucy and her team work closely with business owners, professionals, and influential content creators. Lucy has expanded her business beyond 1:1 sessions into live events, corporate masterclasses and collaborations with leading wellbeing brands. Recognized for her expertise and innovative methods, Lucy's work has been featured in Vogue India, BBC, The Stylist Magazine, and leading academic journals.
Lucy will share her journey of building a successful business from her childhood bedroom and the mindset needed to navigate the world of entrepreneurship.
Mahfuza Begum, Founder, by Bdsha (Accounting BSc, 2024)
Mahfuza Begum is an Accounting graduate from 2024 and the founder of by BDSHA, which she launched in 2023 during her second year at university. Before starting her business, Mahfuza gained extensive retail experience, significantly shaping the customer service at her company. She is currently also at PwC as a graduate, studying for her ACA while balancing her growing business.
During her time at university, Mahfuza created some pieces to wear for herself, and many of her peers requested that she make these pieces available for purchase online. The diverse environment at her university, with many Muslim females, helped spread the word about her business. The business began with a photoshoot in her bedroom, and by the second month, due to high demand, by BDSHA launched internationally. The brand has since built communities in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Mahfuza is working towards her first pop-up in early spring, where she plans to invite modest fashion influencers and further build her growing community. She runs the business alone but is looking to build a small team to specialise in different areas as the business grows. Despite the growth, Mahfuza remains very hands-on, still photographing, editing, and marketing all content herself.
Riccardo Facciolongo, Founder, EasyTap Limited and Fastech Solutions Ltd (Business Management (Economics) BA, 2023)
Riccardo Facciolongo holds a BA in Business Management and Economics from the University of Westminster and an MSc in Economics and Strategy for Business from Imperial College London. He is the founder and CEO of Fastech Solutions Ltd, an IT consulting firm that has collaborated with international organizations such as LVMH - Benefit Cosmetics.
Riccardo is also the founder of EasyTap Limited, a digital business card app that has become an industry leader and partnered with the United Nations - FAO at the World Food Forum. EasyTap has been a Best Seller on Amazon and currently ranks among the top 5 digital business card apps on the Google Play Store.
Passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, finance, and economics, Riccardo is currently working through Fastech to make IT solutions more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Chair: Dr Spinder Dhaliwal, Reader in Entrepreneurship, Westminster Business School, University of Westminster
Dr Spinder Dhaliwal is a Reader in Entrepreneurship at Westminster University Business School where she leads the Entrepreneurship Research Group and is the Director of PhD Programmes for the School.
Spinder has written extensively about entrepreneurship and the business community and her latest book which she edited, Cases on Entrepreneurship and Diversity (Edward Elgar Publishing) has recently been released. She is the author of The Millennial Millionaire, how young entrepreneurs turn their dreams into business (Palgrave). She compiled Britain’s Richest Asians reflecting her long held interest in the field. Her previous book, Making a Fortune – Learning from the Asian Phenomenon (Capstone) has been noted widely. Her study Silent Contributors - Asian Female Entrepreneurs and Women in Business highlights the neglected issue of the contribution of Asian women to both entrepreneurship and the management of family businesses.
