Ed Wins National Business Ideas Competition

Ed Jones, a student at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, (UWIC) is first time winner of the highly acclaimed Student Business Ideas Competition 2007. 

The award which was introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government recognises achievement, ambition and potential of student entrepreneurs studying in colleges and universities across Wales.

Following his regional success, Ed was selected to attend at the National finals along with nine other finalists at Cardiff’s Park Plaza Hotel, last April. To accompany his written application, he delivered a two minute elevator pitch to a judging panel of established Welsh entrepreneurs including Jeremy James (www.iwantpants.com), Annette Chinn (Task Force Paintball) and Fed Perreira (Pear Media).

As an overall winner, Ed received a scholarship place at the RealAcad Business School in Stanford University, California, a prestigious programme where global entrepreneurs take part in an intensive week of management and training this August.

On winning the accolade Ed said ‘It gives me great satisfaction and pride that the achievements of UFS have been recognised and I hope I can gain a lot from the RealAcad experience in California to make our services even better. It is exciting times at the moment and hopefully a sign of things to come’.

Ed is currently studying a Masters in Sports Development and Coaching at UWIC, whilst running his business, United Football Schools Ltd. The business was set up with the help of a KEF scholarship and the Wales Spinout Programme. As the regional winner, he will spend a day shadowing a top Welsh entrepreneur as part of his prize.