New data reveals ‘transformational’ impact of Uni of Westminster's partnership with Netcompany and The Rebel School
A series of community workshops on entrepreneurship hosted by the University of Westminster in London and Glasgow had a “transformational” impact, according to new data.
Credit: The University of Westminster
Hosted in collaboration with The Rebel School and Netcompany, the workshops taught essential skills for setting up businesses to 51 participants from diverse backgrounds.
Most of the attendees (91 percent) say they are either now trading or are close to launching their business and 42 percent say they developed a new product or service during the sessions. 88 percent said their confidence had improved.
The workshops were designed to support those who had faced barriers to setting up their own businesses, with 73 percent of attendees identifying as coming from non-white backgrounds and 61 percent receiving government benefits.
The workshops also focused on digital skills, and 85 percent of attendees in Glasgow have now reported developing or launching their own business website since the training.
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, says: “We are so proud to see that this unique, three-way partnership has exceeded our expectations in every way. This pilot programme is a powerful testament to how universities can collaborate with organisations to deliver life-changing workshops. Not only does it improve participants’ confidence, skills and economic opportunities, but it also contributes to the broader UK economy by unlocking new entrepreneurial potential.”
Henry Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer at The Rebel School, adds: "Our Mission at Rebel is to deliver self-development to those who need it most. This partnership - The Rebel School, University of Westminster and Netcompany - is exactly how we bring this to life. Together, we’re creating opportunities through business to show that self-employment is possible without money, business plans or fear. Our partners help us make this happen, and together we create real social value by backing people who are ready to take action."
