From students to business entrepreneurs

From students to business entrepreneurs

Former students become business entrepreneurs after facing the Tameside Dragons in a bid to get a grant of up to £1,000 towards their business idea. Nathan Cox, James Howe, Holly Craven, Stuart Schofield, Heather Wilde and Josh Metcalfe, who studied level three Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Tameside College, won the grant towards their business ‘eMod’, which is a construction company providing the Modapta’pod – a portable and cost effective classroom or office space.

Whilst at College, the six business partners carried out research and saw a gap in the education market. Their research showed that school numbers are increasing and therefore there is a need for more classrooms. The Modapta’pod is a quick and easy solution that adds extra office or classroom space, with fitted electrics already built into the pod.

Clients can choose where to locate their pod in either a temporary or permanent location, all pods are made from low cost, lightweight and manipulative materials.
The names eMod and Modapta’pod were inspired by the terms, adaptable, mobile and pod which then led to the exciting new names for the business and the product.

When asked how it was to face the Tameside Dragons, Nathan said; “It was very nerve racking. The process wasn’t like anything we had attempted before and I think we all found it very beneficial. To receive praise from respected members of the community was very satisfying.”

The overall experience has been very rewarding for the group, to which Nathan said; “Although receiving the grants was very beneficial and greatly appreciated, we have become ‘richer’ from the praise, acknowledgement and assistance from the College, The Enterprise Centre and all external sources. We would like to say thank you, not only for the acknowledgement but for one of the best times of our lives.”

All of the partners have not only progressed to business entrepreneurs, but have also gone on to University to progress their skills for their business. Nathan and Holly have progressed to the University of Manchester studying, Architect. James has progressed to Manchester Metropolitan University studying as an Architect Technician. Stuart and Heather are also at Manchester Metropolitan University studying Design and Josh is at University of Salford studying Quantity Surveying.



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