The competition required participants to pitch their business in just three minutes, addressing the problem their business solves, the solution they offer, and the funding impact.
Jamie’s production company provides a free, entertaining approach to overcoming global and social issues. His idea is aimed at supporting charities, NGO’s and IGO’s in promoting awareness about social issues in an interesting way, through short films, documentaries, and other media productions.
Many students will already be aware of Jamie's camera presence, as he has been regularly producing YouTube content for his own channel offering current and prospective students insight into his experiences and advice for those studying at Loughborough University.
In August 2022, Jamie volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary in Chaing Mai, Thailand. At this sanctuary, Jamie began filming his first documentary and series documenting the horrific unknown truth behind the elephant tourism industry and the actions individuals can take to support & ensure tourists visit genuinely ethical elephant experiences, avoiding unethical practices.
Clark’s pitch was impressive and caught the attention of the judging panel, consisting of Michael Longman (Loughborough University alumnus and Entrepreneurial CFO), Aftra Padmore (Graduate Assistant Diversity and Inclusion) and Rachel Curtis (LSU Enterprise Community Lead).
Michael commented: “I really enjoyed the presentations. Talented and enthusiastic entrepreneurs provide such great energy and it is always a pleasure to try and share some knowledge and experiences to aid their development and journey.”
The competition had some fantastic entries, including Hocus Focus, a habit building device founded by Eleni Leontsini, and Elmina, a vehicle maintenance platform for auto professionals and vehicle owners founded by Louis Holloway.
On winning Jamie said: "The power pitch competition was a great experience to become familiar with pitching in front of investors and an extremely proud moment for me personally.
To see my business, which was merely an idea a few months prior, receive investment and praise from a very experienced judging panel filled me with a further extent of excitement ahead of revealing my first products to the public this summer.
I would like to express my gratitude towards all at the Loughborough Enterprise Network for facilitating the growth of my business through their support and funding these opportunities.
The continuous guidance and advice alongside a plethora of resources provided to budding entrepreneurs offers the opportunity to truly turn innovative ideas into flourishing businesses.”
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Jamie first became involved with the Loughborough Enterprise Network in July 2022 after being accepted onto the Year in Enterprise cohort for 2022/2023.
"Originally, I was scheduled to undertake a placement as a detective constable; however, over time I discovered this was not my true passion. In February of 2022 I was made aware of the Year in Enterprise Scheme. At this point, despite not having a specific business plan, what I did possess was an idea of the industry I wanted to establish my business within, alongside an immense amount of desire, eagerness to learn, and the ability to capitalise on an opportunity that I paved for myself in the summer to take Jamie Clark Productions from just an idea to what it is today.
Without a doubt, undertaking the Year in Enterprise scheme during my placement year has been one of the best decisions I have made during my time at Loughborough. Throughout my time on the programme, I have acquired a vast degree of knowledge, overcome early obstacles in similar fashion to many of the world’s entrepreneurs and gained several new skills which have truly taken me to the next level of my personal development and forged the early steps of my career."
Jamie believes that the best part of being in LEN is the continuous guidance and advice offered to it's students.
"The numerous resources provided to budding entrepreneurs within the Loughborough ecosystem and the opportunity to truly turn innovative ideas into flourishing businesses.
Through being a part of LEN, one of my key aims is to utilise the connections within the LEN network to increase exposure of my business upon launch in the summer of 2023. Through this exposure I am striving to increase viewership figures, recruit businesses looking to host their advertisement campaigns within my content and expand on my current partnerships with 4 charities and NGO’s in the UK & Thailand ahead of commencing filming for series 2 & beyond."
Jamie's advice to other SSEHS students thinking about joining LEN, or any students with a business idea, is to take the crucial first steps by contacting the LEN team to discuss your interest and to get involved with some of the opportunities LEN offer throughout the year.
"The great thing about LEN is that no matter what stage of your entrepreneurial journey you are at, LEN has resources available to you to support your entrepreneurial journey in several ways through their four communities – Connect, Create, Commercialise & Champion. (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/what-we-do/)
There is no better time to explore a business venture than right now here at Loughborough University through the LEN network."