Stockport businesses join forces to inspire Aquinas College students

Businesses in Stockport have been inspiring students at Aquinas College to stimulate their interest in their future careers.

Based in the Stockport Business Innovation Centre – SBIC – at Broadstone Mill, businesses have been forging links with schools and colleges following an approach by Stephen Dootson from Gander, the matching service for business and education.

Stephen, who is also based in the SBIC, enrolled the services of Matthew, founder of LiCa Scientific and Chelsea, Head of Marketing for both Trust and Culture Shift

Stephen explained:

“All students in secondary education must be provided with two employer engagement opportunities each academic year. This is extremely resource intensive for colleges so the Gander programme was designed to bring education and business together in Stockport to support and develop local students in preparation for their future careers.”

LiCa’s founder Matthew went talked to A Level students at Aquinas College about time poverty, a topic that he is passionate about and that resulted in him starting his own business.

Matthew explains,

“Crucially, I do think that showing ‘another way’ to those who think that the only route to success is 50 hours a week in an office, is always a story worth telling! As anyone who has spent 15 minutes with me will know, this is a subject close to my heart.

“I described how, by using business modelling, the best available technology, management of time and resources and also cultural factors, that a very successful business can be established and efficiently flourish in a highly competitive market.

“I was encouraged by the questions asked, it was clear that the students were very switched onto concept’s like Customer Value Propositions, Customer Modelling and Market Access. They have very bright futures in the world of business. I look forward to the next time!”

Chelsea, all things marketing, was asked to present to 80 Applied Business course students after volunteering her services! They were in their second year and about to tackle a unit on marketing.

Chelsea said

“I was asked to talk to them about my career so far and how I’ve ended up where I am today. Also, to give them some hints and tips on the effectiveness of different marketing methods, specifically for new businesses.

“The students had to come up with an idea for a new business and how they would market it as part of their upcoming unit. There were lots of innovative ideas for businesses and, unsurprisingly, most students were thinking of taking advantage of social media as a versatile and cost effective way of marketing. They were a savvy bunch!

“We explored getting to know your customers inside and out to find out what platforms they use and how they like to be communicated with to really maximise the success of their marketing. They asked some challenging questions too.”

The feedback from both sessions has been extremely positive and plans are afoot for them to return.

Contact Stephen and he’ll be delighted to explain more