The University of Westminster hosted its latest What it Takes event from their series, where students and recent graduates had the opportunity to listen to a panel of alumni entrepreneurs discuss their experiences of building a successful business and share their advice for those looking to start and grow their own businesses.
The event, titled What it Takes to Build a Successful Business, was attended by 84 Westminster students, recent graduates and colleagues who heard alumni offer insights following their experiences with starting up their own businesses.
The panellists included Arjun Talwar, Founder of Bervera Foods Limited and 2022 graduate in Marketing Communications MSc. Also participating in the discussion was International Marketing BA Honours alumna Christine Kulbas, Founder of MOMA Marketing Agency, who shared her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Also joining the panel was Lucy Spicer, Psychological Coach, Founder of The Lucy Spicer Practice (LSP) and Host of The Journal with Lucy Spicer podcast, who graduated in 2014 with a degree in Psychology MSc. Accounting and Finance BSc Honours alumna Mahfuza Begum, Founder of modest fashion retail brand By Bdsha, shared her story on launching a business during her studies, and lastly, 2023 Business Management (Economics) BA Honours graduate Riccardo Facciolongo, Founder of EasyTap Limited and Fastech Solutions Ltd, expressed his passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, finance and economics.
The panel was chaired by Dr Spinder Dhaliwal, Reader in Entrepreneurship at the Westminster Business School.
Panellists from left to right: Mahfuza Begum, Arjun Talwar, Riccardo Facciolongo, Lucy Spicer, Christine Kulbas and Dr Spinder Dhaliwal
The What it Takes event series features exciting and innovative alumni speakers sharing their experience and advice on a range of topics, including employability, personal and professional development. The series is designed for current students and recent graduates but is also open to all Westminster alumni and colleagues. Students attending events can earn points for the Westminster Employability Award and Level 4 and 5 students who attend events can count this towards work-based learning hours.
Talking about the event, one audience member said: “Really great content shared by the speakers. Their stories were really inspiring and have made me think about starting my own business.”
David Brooks, Alumni Relations Officer at the University of Westminster, added: “This event was a brilliant opportunity for our students and alumni to learn more about building a successful business. The alumni panel shared lots of personal insights and offered advice to those looking to start or grow their own business. Guests had the chance to ask questions from the panel and speak to them during the networking session. The event was a fantastic example of Alumni Relations and Westminster Enterprise Network working together to support entrepreneurship within our student and alumni community. I look forward to seeing student and alumni businesses continue to thrive.”
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about employability opportunities at Westminster.
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