More than 150 Portsmouth students, graduates, and local businesses joined us to showcase their entrepreneurial accomplishments, at the inaugural EnterpriseFest.  

The event featured live exhibitions, opportunities for networking, an open mic pitching competition, where five businesses had just three minutes to pitch to a panel of experts, and a keynote presentation by successful entrepreneur and University of Portsmouth graduate, Rachel Lowe MBE. 

Rachel was the first female entrepreneur to join our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme, a role that allows her to share her expertise, advising students, alumni, and staff on how to start or grow their businesses. 

She launched her first venture back in 2003, whilst still a student at the University. Since then, Rachel has gone on to develop several successful businesses, earning an MBE in 2009 for services to business in promoting enterprise in education. In her speech, Rachel discussed her inspiring journey, what she's learned along the way, and what motivates her. 

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The evening culminated in an awards presentation, with categories including Startup of the Year, ‘One to Watch’, and Open Mic competition winner. Sponsored by STR Group, the Neurodivergent Business Consortium, and Innovation Connect, awards were presented to some of the brightest stars in the entrepreneurial community, with prizes worth a combined £15,750, plus 12-month memberships to Innovation Connect. 

The 2023 winners were: 

• Startup of the Year: Jack Persey, founder of  Auto Accessory UK. 

• ‘One to Watch’: Travis Ralph-Donaldson, founder of Niter Ltd. And Ella Roffey, founder of Ella Roffey Graphic Designer (Highly Commended). 

• Open mic competition: Millie Flemington-Clare, founder and CEO of Human Beauty. And Sam Valdes and Erdoo Yongo, co-founders of Politics Simplified (Highly Commended). 

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Rachel Lowe MBE. 

Lynda Povey, Enterprise Adviser at the University of Portsmouth, praised the hard work put into the Enterprise Programme and EnterpriseFest, stating, "It is an honour to be a part of people’s journeys and celebrate all of the great enterprise activities that take place across the University." 

The event's success not only highlights the existing talent at Portsmouth, but the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, shining light on the platform, connections, and support the University of Portsmouth provides. You can see highlights from this year’s event here. 

Feeling inspired? 

If you’re looking to take your entrepreneurial aspirations to the next level, Portsmouth Online's Global Professional Doctorate in Business Administration and MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship programmes can help develop the skills and knowledge needed to turn your dreams into a reality.