Students from Bristol University took part in a SETsquared-organised Student Enterprise Xing Workshop – a strategy game that mimics the decision-making processes involved in setting up a new business. 

Thirty of the brightest sparks from the universities of Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey took part in the workshop at Surrey University on 5 February 2013.

Working in mixed teams the students were given a hypothetical business idea, for which they had to create a three-year business plan in just a few hours. Throughout the process they drew cards with phrases that had to be incorporated into their plans in the right place, such as gaining investment and acquiring an office.

Teams then had to pitch their plans to the judging panel - made up of business leaders and members of the Institute of Directors - who selected which had the most realistic plan.

'Food People’, the winning team, which featured Chris Baker-Munton from Bristol University, walked away with a £350 prize.

SETsquared is a collaboration between the universities of Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey that supports the growth and success of new businesses. It organises a wide programme of enterprise education events that help to arm students with the skills they’ll need to set up their own business or climb the corporate ladder.

SETsquared’s partnership director, Graham Harrison, said: “With growth being very much on the agenda of UK businesses at this time, employers are increasingly looking for graduates who have that entrepreneurial ‘x factor’. They need graduates who can not only ‘do the job’ but those who can think laterally, pitch ideas and work with a wider understanding of the business landscape.

“That’s why events like this are so important. As a partnership that is committed to supporting the growth of companies in the UK and developing the next generation of entrepreneurs, we were delighted to show some real action and host this event.”