BUSINESS BRAINS FROM STOCKPORT COLLEGE TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Impressive efforts were made as students, friends and staff took to the catwalk at Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet last night in a bid to raise funds for a worthy charity.

The fashion show featuring affordable clothing was staged by Business students from Stockport College in front of a special audience which included customers, staff, friends, families and excellent sponsors, who cheered models down the catwalk.

The show received a successful turnout and guests were entertained firstly by Stockport’s young Jazz-pop sensation Blank Cheque, (left) and there was a range of esteemed top brands on the catwork from Workwear, Holidaywear, special occasions and the grand finale bridal parade.

Broadstone Mill is the biggest mill outlet in the Northwest, home to more departments than ever before – fashion, lifestyle, gifts, homeware and furniture; the perfect venue to host such an important charity event for Stockport College.

Proceeds from show tickets and the raffle were donated to Pure Innovations; a Stockport charity which supports independent living to those who are affected by disability.

The students have gain great knowledge about managing a project and the running of an event. They have planned and managed every aspect from the marketing to the health and safety and legalities. They have also developed soft skills such as time management, team work and communication skills, liaising with people with different levels of authority internal and external to the college through a number of mediums. The students also worked collaboratively with students from different departments, giving them a real sense of what it would be like in a real business environment.

As the event developed, other departments within the college were approach, to give the opportunity for students in different areas to apply theory to practice, as well as apply their specialist knowledge to make the event as grand as possible. The departments heavily involved were HE Art and Design, Media, Interior Design, Photography and the colleges marketing department.

Organiser and Business lecturer Nicole Masters said:

“The success of the fashion show demonstrates just how capable our Business & Professional students are.

“We encourage students to gain as much real world work experience as possible and by taking part in such events’ like this, it will allow them to network with the business world, gain invaluable skills and experience.”

The college thanked supporters including Gibson & Ryan Electrical Services Ltd for their monetary donation, Massarella for catering the event, BW Hair Studio for styling the models hair, Image it printing company who printed the tickets, Bella for doing the models make up, Rieker who have donated shoes for the raffle and finally Blank Cheque for performing in show.

Craig Ryan from event sponsor Gibson and Ryan said:

“Thank you for a great evening, the show was fantastic and I’m sure I can speak for us all here at Gibson and Ryan and say we were proud to sponsor such an event. What Stockport College achieved last night was again fantastic.”