College News
Press releases 2009
Award Winning Business Plan in a League of its own
July 6th 2009
A student with a bright future in business and an award winning plan of action has been recognised by a major international accounting firm for his commercial start-up plan.
Andrew Nash, 19, a business student at Solihull College, was given the accolade of Deloitte’s Best Business Enterprise Plan Award when he proved his business prowess. He pitched his idea of a photography business involving non-league football clubs to senior staff at Deloitte, including Richard Edwards a Senior Partner of the business.
The idea involves taking pictures of matches, team line-ups and action shots of football games for clubs across the country. He then sells the pictures to non-league newspapers, website and fans.
Andrew said:
“I‘m ecstatic, this award means a lot to me. I really wanted to win, and I’ve worked incredibly hard throughout my course. I never thought that my interest in photography and non-league football clubs would have led me to receiving an award from a world leading international business - it’s fantastic.
“I was so nervous when I had to sell my idea to top business people who have years of experience, but I managed to stay calm, keep my composure and eventually got through the Dragons’ Den style grilling.”
Andrew has just completed his two year B-TEC National Certificate in Business.
Richard Edwards, Practice Senior Partner at Deloitte in Birmingham, said:
“The Deloitte ‘dragons’ were very impressed with Andrew’s business plan. It was sound, had realistic targets and his accountancy skills were exceptional. Andrew showed a real understanding of business knowledge which is vital for any young entrepreneur.
“All the students did very well, in dealing with some really demanding questions in the interviews. I’m sure this was very intimidating for them, but they didn’t falter which is a testament to how serious they are about beginning a business career.”
The award was presented at the College’s Student Business Award Ceremony, which took place at Tudor Grange House, Blossomfield campus, Solihull.
