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Two graduate startups receive £16k funding from University of Hertfordshire

Two startup businesses have been awarded £16k as winners of the University of Hertfordshire’s annual business startup competition, ‘flare’.

Since its launch in 2005, over 1000 students and graduates have entered the competition. In that time over £120,000 has been awarded to 25 finalists.

Graduate Olivia Berry and business partners Matthew Blakemore and Tatjana Apukhtina, have been awarded £8k each.

Olivia took the coveted title of ‘Best Business’ for her bespoke photographic company, Olivia Berry Photography, while Matthew and Tatjana won the title of ‘Best Idea’ for their social shopping app, Looks Good On Me.

Hatfield-based Matthew said: “It’s an incredible feeling, especially knowing that we’ve got the support from the University and the Enterprise team.

“This means the world to us and the £8,000 gives us a massive step forward as it puts us closer to our main goal of releasing an android and iOS app by the end of October. Flare has made such a difference to our business.”

Another £2,000 was awarded to graduate Francesca Heath who was Highly Commended for her business idea Skye & Fenn – a quirky, unisex skincare range reflecting the narrowing gap between what is considered masculine and feminine.

Julie Newlan, pro vice-chancellor (Enterprise) and director of marketing and communications at the University said: “Supporting and developing our students to be both highly employable and entrepreneurial is at the heart of what we do and the flare competition is the culmination of so much work and support that takes place throughout the year.

“This year’s entries were outstanding and I am sure they will all go on to have successful businesses but I would particularly like to congratulation this year’s winners, Matthew, Tatjana, Olivia and Francesca and wish everyone great success for the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .