Photo - Alan Mak MP with South Downs Enterpise Society students
Principal of South Downs College, Mike Gaston, has heaped praise on a group of enterprising and business-savvy students as preparations for the inaugural Havant Small Business Awards gather pace. The College will be hosting the awards ceremony, organised by local MP Alan Mak, on Friday 29th April.
The News are media partners for the event.
Mr Gaston hailed members of the college’s student-led enterprise society, Evolve, as a prime example of self-motivated students helping each other grow and improve for their future lives. Evolve was recently awarded £1000 by the National Association of Colleges and Universities Enterprise Societies following a re-launch.
The society holds weekly meetings in term time, invites key speakers to inform students about their own experiences in starting out in business, and organises trips to local businesses and careers events to gain inspiration.
Members of Evolve are amongst those South Downs ‘Student Ambassadors’ who have offered their support to Alan Mak MP for his Havant Small Business Awards 2016. The student representatives will be helping with logistics, aesthetics, and media coverage of the event. They will welcome guests on the night, produce videos promoting the event, and help with publicity across the Borough.
The Havant Small Business Awards 2016 are designed to showcase and celebrate small business in the local area, and recognise their vital contribution to the community and economy across Havant. Publicly-nominated finalists will be competing for prizes across twelve categories, in addition to the prestigious overall award: Havant Small Business of the Year 2016.
South Downs Principal Mike Gaston said: “I am delighted to see Evolve, our student-led enterprise group, doing so well following its recent relaunch. It is a testament to the innovative spirit and great work ethic that young people can contribute to business.”
Mr Gaston added: “At South Downs we let our students develop their own vocational interests as much as possible. Alan Mak’s Small Business Awards represent an excellent opportunity for our students, and especially the ambassadors, to meet with leading local business figures and discuss their experiences as entrepreneurs.”
Havant MP Alan Mak said: “I am delighted that South Downs’ enterprise society are backing the Havant Small Business Awards 2016. Small businesses are the backbone of our local and national economy and it is great to see college students as young as 16 displaying their nous for enterprise and zeal to help local community projects.”
Mak added: “As MP for Havant, two key priorities have been supporting local schools and colleges, and promoting the small businesses that are so crucial to our everyday lives. With the help of the enterprising members of Evolve, I hope the Havant Small Business Awards 2016 will be able to inspire the next generation to go out and succeed in the world of work.”