Paul Taylor, Head of Sixth Form at Fulwood Academy (left), Katherine Hedley from Pinchbowl Limited (Third left) and Dawood Fard from Centurus (right), with students from Fulwood Academy.
Two of Preston’s brightest business prospects have shared their university and business experiences with students at Fulwood Academy at a ‘Business Leaders of the Future’ session.
The visit was arranged by Orvia to encourage the students to think about their university choices and follow their business ambitions.
The two speakers were Dawood Fard and Katherine Jane Hedley, who have both worked with Orvia and Rosebud Business Solutions to support the growth of their businesses.
Rosebud Business Solutions offers finance for growing businesses in key sectors, including Digital & Creative – which are the sectors in which Dawood and Katherine work.
Alongside the financial support, people also receive ongoing support from Orvia, Rosebud’s managing agent.
Dawood Fard runs Centurus, a company which provides an online international student admission system for Colleges and Universities. Dawood shared his experiences at university and visits to India where his business idea originated. He also spoke about the triumphs and tribulations of setting up his own business.
Dawood said: “The day went very well. It was pleasant to see such an enthusiastic group of students who are keen to further their studies at University and are already considering their options.
“As the jobs market is becoming increasingly competitive, it is essential that prospective students opt for the most worthwhile programme.
“The students at Fulwood Academy are very fortunate to have such supportive tutors that can guide them on their next steps.”
Dawood also spoke to students about the UCAS process and give them advice about university life, such as managing their finances and student loans.
Katherine Jane Hedley, who owns an online e-commerce business called Pinchbowl Limited, spoke about how to succeed now and take control of your future, by emphasising to the students that how they spend their time can determine their future.
Katherine passed on her experiences of working hard to gain a place at Cambridge University and how students who actively seek work experience and qualifications outside of their mainstream studies can improve their opportunities.
Katherine said: “It was a really enjoyable morning. I personally gained some valuable experience in presenting and I hope that the students understood the message and can now see that they’ve got a great opportunity right now to start building the life and career that they dream of.
“Of course it will take hard work, but I hope I have inspired some students to take up work experience or study a little harder. Then they’ll have a great chance to get a place at a good university and go on to a job in a sector that interests them.”
Paul Taylor, Head of Sixth Form at Fulwood Academy, said: “We were delighted to welcome such inspirational young role models into the Academy. They both conveyed positive messages as our students embark on the process of applying to university. Being proactive and taking control of the present through sheer hard work are pieces of advice that our students take seriously.”
Saesela Razvi, Head of Fund Portfolio, at Orvia said: “Obviously Rosebud Business Solutions is keen to support the development of local growth businesses, but we recognise it is vital to retain the skills and talents of graduates within Lancashire, which in turn will help to drive economic growth.
“Fulwood Academy offers excellent facilities to support the aspirations of students with an ambition to enter the specialist creative digital professions. I would personally like to thank both speakers for giving up their time so generously to pass on their experiences.”
For more information about Rosebud Business Solutions contact Orvia Group Limited 01772 42 22 42 or visit our website at www.orvia.co.uk/rosebud-micro-loan-fund
BBC Three is looking for entrepreneurs with fantastic business ideas who want funding.
Charity run for Orvia CEO
Cecil’s chosen charity for the event is non other than our local St Catherine’s Hospice which provides high quality specialised care for people living with medical conditions that can be treated but cannot be cured.
St Catherine’s has been a renowned centre for palliative care since 1984 and works with patients, carers and families to help people live as independently and fully as possible.
This is done by offering both specialist medical care and a range of services to address a person’s social, psychological and spiritual needs as well as those of their loved ones. The result is the very highest standards of palliative care, tailored to the needs of each individual and delivered by experts who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those receiving care.
Cecil said: “At Orvia we have enjoyed a long standing relationship with St Catherine’s Hospice but the main reason I have decided to run on their behalf is a personal one. My father became terminally ill and died when I was a teenager. The facilities and extensive nature of care provided by St Catherine’s wasn’t available to us as a family when my father became ill. St Catherine’s do an absolutely tremendous job caring for terminally ill people and their families which is carried out with the upmost dignity and professionalism, but they are reliant on the generosity of the public to keep their services going.
It is an honour to run on their behalf and I would encourage anybody and everybody to donate whatever they can, large or small. Every penny is welcome and will make a real difference to the lives of the families supported by St Catherine’s.”
Cecil aims to complete the run in around 40 minutes.
To donate please visit Cecil’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Cecil-Edey