Alex Taylor and Andres Urena will lead a project to encourage and support aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region to explore business start-up, recruiting cohorts of new business founders and working with them directly to help develop and progress their businesses.
Alex, who studied International Business at Loughborough University, is the founder of Endeavours Adventures, an adventure, tour and charity challenge provider that curates bucket-list experiences for students, corporates and individuals. Since launching the business in 2019, Alex has organised treks, runs and climbs in the UK and abroad for over 50 different groups, and helped to raise over £500,000 for charitable causes.
Andres, a Loughborough University London graduate, is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in digital advertising, information design and internet of things (IoT). Andres’ latest venture, Everywhere Tech, aims to improve internet connectivity by developing next-generation technology that integrates Wi-Fi in every room of new houses. Andres chose to relocate from his home country of Peru to Loughborough to take his business to the next level.
As business start-up leads, Alex and Andres will connect with key stakeholders and regional partners, including with colleagues in the Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN), Charnwood Borough Council, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Charnwood Campus, to promote the start-up support available through LUinc facilities based at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) and in Loughborough Town Centre.
A crucial part of their work will be to equip entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge, resources and networks to rapidly test, validate, setup and grow new businesses. In turn, this will support the rejuvenation of the local economy by helping start-ups to generate new jobs, value and innovations.
Alex said: “Loughborough played a key role in helping start my own entrepreneurial journey, so the opportunity to support future founders was one I could not turn down. Turning an idea into reality can be tough, but is incredibly rewarding, and with the support available from myself, Andres and LUinc. there has never been a better time to get started.”
Incubator manager Pete Hitchings said: “As founders in their own right, we’re really pleased that Andres and Alex have joined our team to be able to inspire and support new business owners originating from the University and the wider region. We’re always seeking new entrepreneurs to join our community so please do get in touch if you think we could help.”
Alex and Andres will each spend three days a week working as part of LUinc, with their remaining time devoted to their respective businesses.
Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in finding out more about the support available or applying to be part of the business start-up programme are encouraged to get in touch.