The Loughborough ‘Year in Enterprise’ scheme is an alternative offered to students instead of engaging in a professional placement or study abroad programme, for those seeking to gain practical experience of entrepreneurship.
From humble beginnings, the company has now grown significantly and now counts three gyms, a coffee shop, an events management company, an automotive rally business, and proudly The Swim School among its clients.
We sat down with Simon to discuss his start-up, the benefits of studying Economics, and the challenges of building your first business.
Why did you choose to study at Loughborough University?
“As someone with a sporting background, Loughborough University immediately appealed to me. I really appreciate the ethos of the University and Business School—working hard and striving to achieve excellence and the idea of ‘Progress with Purpose’. My uncle and aunt both studied here, and they spoke highly of their time here, praising the teaching quality and the excellent campus, they had me completely sold on the idea of joining Loughborough.
“I chose to study the BSc in Economics and Management because I had a fantastic Economics teacher at A Level who ignited my passion for the subject. The subject fascinates me, and I wanted to deepen my understanding of it through the comprehensive programme of study Loughborough offers.”
How have you found the experience of studying at Loughborough Business School?
“My experience at Loughborough Business School has exceeded even my already high expectations. I will always take the opportunity to talk about the amazing experience studying at Loughborough provides. The teaching has been exceptional and there is an incredible support system in place for all students. You truly feel the sense of community from both the staff and students here.
“Throughout A Levels, I fell in love with the numbers and statistical side of economics. At Loughborough, there's a strong emphasis on the quantitative skills needed for economics, which provides a solid understanding of the subject's mechanics. In first year, mandatory modules equip you to make informed decisions about how to focus your studies as you progress.”
What motivated you to engage in the Year in Enterprise option and what has made your business a success?
“I'd done some foundational work, market research, and planning in my first year and was ready to take the plunge by my Year in Enterprise. I pitched the idea to Amanda Berry, who leads the Student and Graduate Enterprise within the Business School and is incredible at offering support to enterprise students.
“Working with my long-time friend and co-founder, I decided to develop a social media marketing business, Kestrel Collab Media. We had a tough start to the Year in Enterprise and even though we didn't see any income for six months, we powered through, it was the best decision I've ever made. We eventually secured an agreement with a swim school business to collaborate and build their social media marketing. From there, we grew dramatically through word of mouth between business owners and saw the company take-off.
“We're dynamic to customer needs, helping them to accelerate the growth of their online presence. We've positioned ourselves to offer business owners full-scope support for their social media accounts, so they can focus on what really matters. We take a proactive approach to generating a constant stream of new content to keep audiences engaged.
“I believe our success has stemmed from our ability to develop relationships and deliver on our promises. Being agile, dynamic, and client-oriented has been crucial. We consistently executed on tight deadlines for our clients, building trust and long-term partnerships.
“A standout moment for the company was in November 2024, when I was invited to give an hour-and-a-half pitch to expand our business with our first clients. It was nerve-wracking, but after just five minutes of consultation, they called me back into the room to congratulate the delivery of the presentation and enrol onto the expansion package. It was fantastic to hear them complimenting our presentation and marketing plan and represented a real high point for me.”
What advice do you have for prospective students?
“If I could go back and be a first-year student at Loughborough again, I would seize every opportunity to engage with what the University offers. There are so many people here to help you—all you need to do is ask. I would try as many different sports, societies, and extracurricular activities as possible.
“Enterprise isn't for everyone, but it's an incredible opportunity. I still remember when I asked one of the Year in Enterprise alumni for advice, and they said, "I wouldn't be an entrepreneur”. I was a bit shocked, but they took the time to explain that it can be a difficult and often lonely path. However, anyone with the necessary confidence in their ideas and abilities to go on despite that warning will have the resilience to see it through and overcome challenges when things get tough.”