Management School students take part in SME Business Challenge

Published on

Undergraduates from across the Management School are taking part in an SME business challenge which sees them working closely with a number of successful local business owners.

The challenge requires students to work in groups to create a concept for a new café or restaurant in Liverpool.  The brief looks to develop their ideas in the areas of business management, accountancy and finance, law, economics and marketing which are all areas that are essential to successful business ownership.  There is also the potential for students to develop International Business skills as they could consider offering international products as a point of differentiation or could look at finance options abroad.    

The process is made up of three sessions, the first of which was a briefing session that allowed students to form groups and start to discuss their ideas.  The second session took place on Tuesday 13th February and was attended by the expert judging panel which is made up of local business owners from Elephant Digital, O’Connors LLP, PDC Online Accountants and Moose Coffee.  Students were given an overview of each of the businesses and heard practical advice from the various sectors to help them with the challenge. 

The final will be held on Saturday 3rd March at The Women’s Organisation in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.  Groups will be required to pitch their ideas and the winning team will receive individual prizes.

Phil Birss, Managing Director of Elephant Digital, said about the challenge, “This is a brilliant opportunity for students to see the wider picture of owning a business.  I am looking forward to seeing the final pitches in March.”