York St John student enterprise talent
Danielle Dawson, 22, a third year BA Product
Design student, is one of the hot prospects competing in the
Regional Enterprise Award. She will be showcasing her innovative
snowboard storage furniture and pitching her business proposition
to a judging panel at a Dragons’ Den style investment competition
at Venturefest on Wednesday 10 February.
The inspiration behind the product lies in
Danielle’s talent as a designer and avid snowboarder. The smooth
lines of the ‘Winter Sport Equipment Storage Facility’ combines
snowboard storage with a coffee table. Danielle hopes to produce
the storage facility for use in both alpine ski resorts and the
homes of winter sports enthusiasts.
Speaking in the run-up to Venturefest,
Danielle said:
“I feel honoured to have the opportunity to
not only exhibit my work but also represent York St John. Exciting
plans for the future are taking shape with my furniture designs and
also with job opportunities upon graduating.”
Danielle was shortlisted for the Regional
Enterprise Award after impressing the York St John Proof of Concept
judging panel. Supported by Yorkshire Forward, the ‘Graduate
Entrepreneurship Project’ Proof of Concept Fund is designed to
encourage and support students and graduates from across Yorkshire
and the Humber to start up new businesses.
Michelle Verity, Head of Student Enterprise
and Development at York St John, said:
“Danielle’s pitch to the York St John Proof of
Concept panel clearly showed her entrepreneurial flair. Her
innovative design caught our attention and her excitement for the
product shone through. We had no doubts about putting her through
to the Regional Enterprise Award at Venturefest. Danielle’s work is
a fantastic example of the creative talent that is nurtured at York
St John.”
Venturefest takes place on Wednesday 10
February from 8.30am – 5.00pm at York Racecourse. The winner of the
Regional Enterprise Award will be announced during the gala dinner
and will take home a £5,000 cash prize and £5,000 in-kind marketing
expertise.
For further information please contact
Amy Hey, PR & Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or
E: a.hey@yorksj.ac.uk
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