Barnsley College is celebrating the success of a growing number of students who have launched new business ventures over the past 12 months, with support from the iTrust initiative – here they share two success stories
iTrust is a joint venture between the College, Barnsley Chronicle and The Business Village which supports enterprising students by providing access to information and guidance, including mentoring from the College’s Enterprise team, The Prince’s Trust, industry specialists and local businesses from the College’s Talent United networking community. The scheme can also provide a start-up grant of up to £250.
Jess Widdowson, enterprise team leader at Barnsley College, said: “We are committed to transforming the lives of students, staff and communities. We want all of our students to fulfil their full potential and achieve their aims, and, through iTrust, we’re helping to develop the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.”
Kasey Suttle of Kasey’s Kakes
Level 3 Performing Arts student Kasey Suttle nurtured a keen interest in baking from a young age and has won several awards while developing her skills and confidence. After reaching the final of Barnsley’s Big Challenge, she decided to launch Kasey’s Kakes.
Kasey began experimenting with ingredients and flavours while promoting her business on Facebook and has been working on Kasey’s Kakes for three years. She received a £250 iTrust grant which she plans to invest in insurance, health and hygiene certificates and new equipment.
She said: “My journey with the Enterprise department at College has been great and I have received so much help and guidance from them. They have helped me with my business massively, making me aware of various procedures and guidelines that ensure the safety of my customers at all times.”
Jess Widdowson added: “Kasey knows exactly where the business aims to go and, through iTrust, we are supporting with her certificates, licences and courses to take her skills to the next level.”
Ashton Knight of Ashton’s Sticker Cabin
Level 3 Photography student Ashton Knight has turned his love for designing stickers and accessories into a career by launching his own business.
Ashton decided to take the leap into the world of entrepreneurship after creating business pages online, advertising his products on social media and receiving engagement from the public. He currently sells his work on eBay and Depop and showcases his product range via TikTok.
He said: “My college course definitely helped to boost my creative mindset. During lockdown I have been coming up with new product ideas I can work on, looking for product inspiration online and asking for recommendations from those around me.”
Ashton hopes a £250 iTrust grant will enable him to buy new materials, new ink for his printers and improved packaging materials.
Jess Widdowson said: “Ashton has a fantastic brand creating bespoke, handmade products that are really unique. He has a clear idea of where his company is heading, and I can’t wait to see it grow with support from the College’s Enterprise team and iTrust.”
If your business would be interested in supporting Barnsley College’s students and aspiring iTrust entrepreneurs, join its Talent United business networking community. Talent United partners can devote as little or as much time as they wish and there are worthwhile benefits associated with the partnership – not least the fulfilment gained from mentoring a young person and watching their business grow.
To find out more about iTrust, Talent United or other employer engagement initiatives offered by Barnsley College visit www.barnsley.ac.uk/enterprise or email enterprise@barnsley.ac.uk.
