City of Liverpool College student Matt Lawton scooped a £3,000 prize package to kickstart his business as the champion of #IAmEnterprising.

#IAmEnterprising, a partnership between The Women’s Organisation and City of Liverpool College, and supported by the Skills and Opportunities Fund offered students support to develop their business ideas. Over a series of events between October 2016 and the Championship Final last week, students competed against one another to win an overall £3000 prize package of investment. The prize included £1000 cash sponsorship from headline sponsors, Morecrofts Solicitors, and £2000 worth of business services to help the winner launch and sustain their business. Also contributing to the prize package by way of services to support the business start up are Pink Media Ltd, Bold Online Marketing and Lewis Evans Accountancy.

Following a one day intensive Business Bootcamp in March, seven student finalists were invited to 54 St James Street in the Baltic Triangle to pitch and present their business ideas to a panel of judges; Donal Bannon, Partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, David Melvin from Natwest Bank, Enterprise Director; Jackie Williams and Joanne Austin; Digital Marketing and Engagement Coordinator, both from The Women’s Organisation.

The businesses in the championship final ranged from photography to bakery, from musicians to furniture makers, and the judges had to face a tough decision making process. Matt Lawton was eventually crowned the winner of #IAmEnterprising 2016.

He said:

“I am delighted to have won #IAmEnterprising! Going through this process made me sit down and actually think about how my online following could convert into a business model. I’ve spent a lot of time over the years being involved in music and learning about the industry, winning this competition is hopefully going to help me develop a successful and profitable business.”

Runners-up of the competition were also awarded a £100 cash prize to help them continue with their dreams of launching their businesses. City of Liverpool College students; Francezka and Gabriella Bell with their business Choux Box Bakery, Lauren Woodward and her online business; Calamity Lol and Paul Simonsen with his bespoke creations; Furniture from Design were named as runners up on #IAmEnterprising 2016.

Donal Bannon, Partner at Morecrofts Solicitors who acted as the headline sponsors for #IAmEnterprising said:

“I was delighted to be a judge of #IAmEnterprising. This is the second year Morecrofts have supported this competition as it reflects our passion for assisting independent businesses and start-ups which feature among our clients. Everyone who took part in the competition demonstrated business passion, flare, tenacity and determination. It’s inspiring to see such energising talent within our city region. I’d like to extend my congratulations to the winner, Matt, whose business vision is infectious. I am delighted that he will receive the investment and I have no doubt he has the ambition to make his business a great success.”