The University of Portsmouth is working with a select group of experienced entrepreneurs and business people to advise and assist students and staff as they launch start-ups or explore commercialisation of research.
The University’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) scheme helps students and staff to learn from local entrepreneurs about how to develop business ideas and deal with challenges, about the impact of change and the skills needed to succeed in today’s business world.
The EIRs engage in activities including mentoring student businesses, guest speaking and aiding academics in their research. EIRs can mentor and advise groups of students particular those in the early stages of development of starting their business. EIRs can also assist students in developing their proposed business ideas, identifying markets, and even obtaining funding.
Working with staff and alumni that are seeking to commercialise their research, the EIRs provide the opportunity to access new ideas and grow their business networks. They can give inspirational talks to students, help with curriculum development and support the University’s focus on entrepreneurship.
Jaimes Harrington, lead on the EiR programme, said: “Each entrepreneur offers their unique expertise, a willingness to share their experience, and all have a passion for working with the University.”
The University currently has 14 EiRs in place including:
Nick Austin – started Vivid Imaginations and co-founder of children’s charity, The Toy Trust, which has so far raised over £5m for UK and international children’s charities.
Professor Alan Barrell – Based at Judge Business School at The University of Cambridge, Alan has worked in Health Care and Medical Research, as Chairman and Chief Executive of large multi-national companies and smaller technology start-ups. He teaches in Universities in UK, Europe, North America and Asia with Professorships in European and Chinese Universities.
Nathan Cable – Portsmouth graduate and founder and Head of Sales and Marketing at Party Hard Travel.
Phil Carr – Portsmouth graduate and CEO and creator of My PT Hub app, the world’s number one software for personal trainers and is used by 55,000 trainers, 1.2 million clients and acquires a new customer every two minutes.
Albert Choi – Chairman of the Portsmouth Chinese Association and owner of Noble House restaurant. Albert can talk about overcoming barriers, changing career direction as well as his vast experience of being a businessman who links regularly with China.
Rachel Lowe MBE – Portsmouth graduate who launched the board game Destination London in Hamley’s in 2004 and recently launched a new fashion brand, She Who Dares.
Graeme Quarr – Leads the Commercial Law Team at Biscoes Solicitors, a six office law firm and has 30 years’ experience of leading and managing privately owned businesses. He is a Gazell trained coach, a Verne Harnish exponent.
Jinx Prowse – CEO and founder of Music Fusion, a social enterprise based in Havant that supports young people through music activities.
Sandra Sassow – CEO of SEaB energy which she founded in 2009. Sandra brings a wealth of management experience and understands what it takes to manage in a global market.
Mark Smith – Chairman and founder of the Car Finance Company who has received many regional and national business accolades.
Lynda Harding – Founder and owner of SweetDreamers, multi award winning business woman, with award-winning products to her name.
If you are interested in working with one of our Entrepreneurs in Residence, please contact eir@port.ac.uk to find out more.
Research and Innovation Services 