The UCIC is a nationwide competition which aims to strengthen links between universities and the local community through involving students in enterprise. This year competitors developed strategies to improve charity to engagement with the corporate world.

Eight Bristol University students dedicated eight weeks to working with BREAD Youth Project, a local organisation who involve young people in tackling the issues that affect them and others across the city.

The Bristol team involved Amy Finnegan, Jack Loydall, Laura Yell, Francesca Jones, Doga Makiura, Jonny Maltz, Hugo Plunkett and Rebecca Watson.

They conducted research with local businesses to help BREAD market themselves more effectively as a charity partner. They worked with young people from the organisation on their website design and developed a business plan for the BREAD mobile juice bar. The University and local schools supported the project by supplying volunteering and intern opportunities.

The competition culminated in a day of presentations to a junior panel at Morgan Stanley’s Head Office in Canary Wharf. The top four teams progressed to a senior panel, where Bristol claimed the top prize.

Rebecca Davies, Vice President in Morgan Stanley Equity Derivatives and one of the Bristol Team Mentors, commented: “Everyone wins. It’s extremely rewarding. It’s great for the charity, for the students, for the mentors and for recruitment.”

Bristol students enjoyed the challenge and learnt a lot about the differences between their experiences of the city and those of young people in Lawrence Weston. One of the team members, Amy Finnegan, said: “Throughout the project we really formed a connection with the charity so we are very much looking forward to continuing to work with them.”